Awesome Emu

Awesome Emu, written and illustrated by Gregg Dreise, is a charming morality tale that reminds s to be humble about our successes.  It is the fifth and last book in his award-winning children's picture book series featuring Australia's unique birds, including Silly Birds, Kookoo Kookaburra, Mad Magpie and Cunning Crow.

Awesome Emu follows a very confident emu called Dinewah. Filled with colourful paintings and told with heart and humour, Awesome Emu narrates a story of self-acceptance and loving who you are.

'This is based on the wise words of my Elders.  We always reflect on our Songlines and our Dreaming to remain huble about our strengths and encourage others to work on their weaknesses,' said Gregg Dreise.

'To all the young ones out there... you don't have to be "the best" - "your best" is all that matters.'

Gregg said the book is also a great way for families to learn about connection to Country and its animals.

'If you look carefully on dark nights, when the moon isn't very bright, you can see the Awesome Emu.  Many people know him as the Milky Way.  We still know it as Djiraboo Dinewah - Awesome Emu,' Gregg said.

'To everyone around the world - whether you are an Indigenous Australian or not - stay humble and work together with the sky, the planet, the plantes, the animals and each other,' he added.

Magabala Publisher Rachel Bin Salleh said: 'Gregg's books are incredibly popular - full of gorgeous illustrations and important themes for children and families.  We are proud to publish the final instalment in this well-established series.'

Awesome Emu will include teacher support material linked to the Australian curriculum for those wishing to use the text as a learning tool.  The book provides an important launching pad for discussion about Aboriginal culture.

Way back, before Once-upon-a-time time, there was the Dreamtime, and during this period lived a very confident emu called Dinewah. He was tall, fast and colourful. Most animals thought he was a show-off, but he was too busy talking about himself to take any notice…

Dinewah was determined to run and fly the furthest and the fastest. He even tried to fly to the Sun, but he never made it.

Today, he is still up there in Father Sky. If you look carefully on dark nights, when the Moon isn't very bright, you can see the Awesome Emu. Many people know him as the Milky Way. We still know it as Djiraboo Dinewah – Awesome Emu.

Magabala

RRP: $24.99