Silly Birds

Silly Birds
By Gregg Dreise

A heartfelt Australian fable about choices, responsibility, and finding your way back to wisdom.

Winner of the Speech Pathology Australia Indigenous Book of the Year Award (2015), Silly Birds is a beautifully told story that blends humour, cultural insight, and meaningful life lessons.

Description

Maliyan, a proud eagle, is known for seeing the world with clarity and wisdom. But when he befriends Wagun the turkey, he begins to lose his way—joining in careless, “silly-bird” behaviour that disrupts the harmony of the land and community.

As the consequences unfold, Maliyan must rediscover his inner guidance and lead by example.

Warm, engaging, and rich with cultural storytelling, Silly Birds gently encourages children to reflect on their choices, relationships, and responsibilities while celebrating connection to community and Country.

Beautifully written and illustrated by First Nations author and artist Gregg Dreise, this award-winning book offers an accessible and meaningful introduction to important life values through humour, wisdom, and distinctly Australian storytelling.

Inside This Story, Children Will Discover

• The importance of making wise choices
• How our actions affect others and the environment
• The value of listening, learning, and taking responsibility
• Leadership through positive example

Key Themes Explored

• Peer influence and staying true to yourself
• Respect for community and nature
• Personal growth and accountability
• Gentle humour with meaningful lessons

What Makes This Book Special

• A uniquely Australian story featuring native animals
• Rich, textured illustrations that bring the landscape to life
• Written and illustrated by a First Nations author
• Combines storytelling with cultural depth and wisdom

About the Author

Gregg Dreise is an award-winning author and illustrator, and a descendant of the Kamilaroi tribe of south-west Queensland and north-west New South Wales. He is also a teacher and storyteller who shares culture through art, music, and words.

Perfect For

• Children aged 5–8 years
• Classroom discussions around behaviour and responsibility
• Families seeking meaningful, culturally rich storytelling

Product Details

• Format: Hardcover
• Pages: 32
• Language: English
• Recommended Age: 5–8 years
• Dimensions: 24.5 x 1 x 24.5 cm
• Publisher: Magabala Books

A thoughtful and beautifully illustrated Australian children’s book that encourages kindness, wisdom, and responsibility through storytelling grounded in culture and connection to Country.