Tom Trbojevic ‘Tommy Turbo’ Announces Debut Book Release!

            Releasing 1st September 2023

Scholastic Australia is excited to announce the release of a delightful new picture book, Written by rugby league star, Tom Trbojevic.

CJ is small,

this much is true,

but there is something special

this puppy can do . . .

CJ the pup is mocked by the bigger dogs for his size. 

But when the town is in danger, can the super speedy puppy save the day?

The Turbo Pup is written by Tom Trbojevic, with Fiona Harris and is packed with fun, quirky illustrations by award winning illustrator Shane McG. Published by Scholastic Australia this delightful picture book is about finding your talent and being true to yourself and will be loved by readers and fans everywhere. Available now from online booksellers and instore from 1st September 2023.

“When I was presented the opportunity to write a book, I wanted to inspire young people. After a few discussions with the team at Scholastic we decided that we would start kids on the journey of CJ the Turbo Pup and share important messages through him. I can’t wait for kids to start reading the book and I truly hope that they get as much enjoyment out of reading it as I did creating it”, says Tom.

Tom Trbojevic, also known as "Tommy Turbo “, is a professional rugby league superstar, who grew up on the Northern Beaches of Sydney. In 2021, he received the prestigious Dally M Medal for Best and Fairest Player in the Telstra Premiership. The Turbo Pup is his first children's book and is based on his own beloved pup, CJ. 

Fiona Harris is an award-winning Australian writer and actor. Over the past twenty years, she has been writing and performing for television, film, and theatre, and writing books for adults and children.

Fiona has written many books for children, including Diary of a Netball Star, with Australian netball captain, Liz Watson, and Turbo Pup with NRL star Tom Trbojvic. She lives in Melbourne with her husband, two daughters and Spoodle, Bonnie. 

Melbourne based Shane McG has illustrated over 30 picture books. His clients include Scholastic, Allen and Unwin, Penguin and Omnibus amongst others. He also works for design firms and creates characters for animation studios. His work has been recognised by American Illustration, 3x3 International Picture Book Show, Illustrators Australia, and the Association of Illustrators (UK). He drinks a lot of tea, walks everywhere, and cuddles his ginger cat TC, but not all at the same time. 

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Media Contact: Sharon Turner | Corporate Communications and Publicity Manager | Scholastic Australia

E: Sharon_turner@scholastic.com.au | M: 0413 944 005

Turbo Pup | ISBN 9781761298837

Written by Tom Trbojevic and Fiona Harris, and illustrated by Shane McG | Published by Scholastic Press | RRP $18.99

Hardback Picture Book | Publication date 1st September 2023

Scholastic has been the market leader of Australian children’s publishing for 50 years, bringing the joy of reading to multiple generations of Australian families. Scholastic operates on a unique model, proudly partnering with both Australian schools and major retailers. You can find Scholastic products in Book Club, Book Fairs, the classroom, and retail chains and independent booksellers. Scholastic believes that all children should have regular access to quality, affordable books that they have chosen for themselves. Reading ignites a spark of adventure that a child can carry within their heart well into their adult life. Scholastic hopes to light this spark within every child.