Gregg Dreise
Gregg Dreise is the author and illustrator of Silly Birds, Kookoo Kookaburra and Mad Magpie. These stories are about teaching morals. Silly Birds is based on the saying, “It’s hard to soar like an eagle when you are surrounded by turkeys”. Kookoo Kookaburra is based on the saying, “Kindness is like a boomerang - if you throw it often, it comes back often. If you never take the chance to throw it, it never comes back”. Mad Magpie is based on the words of wisdom, “Stay calm like the surface of the water, yet strong like its current. And know that there is a song out there for you.”
A descendant of the Kamilaroi tribe, from south-west Queensland and north-west New South Wales. He was born and raised in St George, Queensland and moved to Noosa during high school. He is the youngest of eight in a family that loved sport, music and poetry (one of those families where everyone sings, and passes guitars around at get-togethers). Gregg’s mother (Lyla Dreise-Knox) has always inspired him to write. Her poetry has entertained the family (as well as the odd magazine and newspaper readers) for many decades.
Gregg is currently a teacher in the Sunshine Coast, Queensland. He has completed writing four more picture books waiting their turn for publishing; and is also working on a chapter book for upper primary. For Gregg, the most exciting part of writing, is going to schools and libraries with his didgeridoo and guitar, with the aim to educate an audience filled with smiles. He was very excited to take his books to the Bologna Children’s Book Fair in Italy this year. His book Silly Birds was on the 2015 Premier’s Reading Challenge year 1 to 3 booklist and was shortlisted and then won the 2015 Speech Pathology Australia - Book of the Year award.
Gregg has been an artist most of his life, following in the footsteps of many family members. His paintings have been sold all over the world. His recent international art award was for the last painting in the book Silly Birds.
Testimonials
Gregg was very personable, down to earth and relatable. His humour and storytelling had the students engaged and loving his presentation. He used a great balance of listening, moving and singing. Fantastic! Teachers loved him too!
Merewether and Wallsend Public Schools, NSW - September, 2024Gregg was absolutely amazing! Our students and staff were so excited to meet Gregg and he was very generous with his time in drawing pictures and autographing, and he even did special drawing of an emu which is our school totem. Gregg truly inspired both teachers and staff with his stories and tips on writing that I have since heard teachers talking about. We loved his messages on culture and being respectful and the information about Tiddalick frogs and many other things. Gregg was engaging and funny but also completely down to earth and easy going. Thank you for a memorable day!
Jewells Primary School, NSW - September, 2024The feedback from the people that attended was 'It was incredible, truely lovely! Great learning, great fun, he was brillant". The young people and adults enjoyed Gregg's performance and we appreciate that Gregg took the time to sign his books. Overall a truly enriching cultural experience.
Life Without Barriers, Ipswich - September, 2024We are very appreciative of Gregg's visit to St Catherine's School. He was flexible with sessions for students across K-7. Each session was different with both students and staff walking away learning something new. Gregg was very engaging and went above and beyond for his visit. We will be booking him again! Staff feedback was that it was our best Indigenous Education incursion to date!
St. Catherine's School, NSW - August, 2024Every single person has been so excited to talk about Gregg's visit. All the students have been borrowing his books. We have created art and lots of conversations. All because of Gregg's fantastic author talk. The children all said he is the funniest author they have ever met. And they loved learning all about his culture. I can not speak highly enough of the visit we had from Gregg. He is brilliant!!!
St. Joseph's CPS, Bulli - August, 2024
Super Snake
Where's My Baby?
Hello and Welcome
My Culture and Me
Common Wealth
A Boat of Stars
Today's Sun
Cunning Crow
I Open the Door
Kookoo Kookaburra
Mad Magpie
Silly Birds
Queensland
Speaker type
- Author
- Illustrator / Designer
- Poet
- Storyteller / Performer