By JONATHON HOWARD
BOTH the Noosa and Cooroy libraries were filled with the sounds of happy kids who helped launch NAIDOC Week this week.
NAIDOC Week celebrations are held across Australia each July to celebrate the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
Dozens of kids on mid-year holidays were lining up to learn Indigenous dances and paint boomerangs, during a special book launch by Sunshine Coast Primary School teacher Gregg Dreise.
Mr Dreise’s latest book titled “Silly Birds”, seeks to remind children to choose their friends wisely and the importance of listening to their elders.
Mr Dreise loves to tell stories with morals for children. He also plays the guitar and didgeridoo to entertain and motivate children to always try their hardest to succeed in life.
“It’s hard to soar like an eagle when you are surrounded by turkeys,” he said.
“This story tells the tale of a proud eagle who loses his way, when he meets Wagun the turkey.”
Mr Dreise’s richly-textured illustrations highlight a story for all children to read and discuss their friends with their elders.
“Children can make connections of the silly birds in this story, to people at school or day-care.
“It is important for children to discuss wise decisions about the people they play with and learn from the experience of others.”
