The aim of this book is to introduce to birds through entertainment and education. Having fun with birds in these twelve humorous, catchy and ‘crazy’ short stories will hopefully cement an impression in the mind of each child that will remain with them as they develop and grow. I have observed that reading to small children is most important and that it can sow a seed for the future. When children are older and can read for themselves they can then enjoy the ‘crazy’ stories and discover some interesting facts about a ‘real’ bird that is related to the fictitious one. This introduction to birds will hopefully encourage children and parents alike to seek and discover more about the large range of birds species that Australia and this planet of ours, have to offer.

Since relocating from Coleraine in Western Victoria to Mackay in North Central Queensland in 1996, I soon discovered a diverse range of habitats including bushland, wetland, rainforest and beaches, all within an eighty-kilometer radius of the town. Of the many bird species that I’ve observed here, I selected twelve to feature in this book.