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
What an extraordinary energy Gregg brings to his school visits! Gregg was kind enough to host a myriad of different activities for us throughout the day - from Traditional Games through to Illustration workshops. Gregg needed very little direction in terms of learning outcomes and comfortably pivoted when we needed to change the groups of students he was working with. He was unflappable!
Gregg is a consummate storyteller, and it was incredible to see him tell stories through so many different mediums. Engaging, personable, and highly entertaining - we would recommend Gregg with the highest possible praise!
Salesian College Sunbury, VIC - May, 2026Gregg was fabulous. The students and staff were constantly entertained and we all learned something new about indigenous culture. He shared his stories with us in a way that engaged the students for the entire sessions.
Notre Dame College - May, 2026Our Prep, Year 1, and Year 2 students were treated to an inspiring visit from award‑winning First Nations author and illustrator Gregg Dreise on Friday, 6 March. Gregg brought his stories to life with vibrant artwork, humour, and uplifting messages about culture, kindness, and connection. Students loved his energetic storytelling and creative demonstrations, making it a memorable experience for all.
This was especially exciting for our Year 2s who have been working hard, using Gregg’s rich texts as a model, to create their own stories.
Kenmore State School - March, 2026Greg had Prep, year 2 and year 1 fully engaged and involved during the whole performance.
He had little key pieces of important information and spoke about
Songs
Traditions
Important care for county
Ways of making tools
And scientific facts from an indigenous perspective
His show was mesmerising and interesting
The kids / even preps remained engaged and excited the entire show / a big ask of this age.
Greg kept safety in mind when it come to using his Woomera etc
He was fun, funny,
His projection was perfect
And he used a captivating screen image towards the end of his new story as he “storytold”
As a teacher he was perfect and as a student he did one of the best shows I’ve seen and I seen a lot over many years.
It was fun, sharp, engaging and there was soo much learning as well.
I am doing some of the lessons in my class that he helped to scaffold.
As a prep teacher I found it fantastic and hope we can collaborate with a book / illustrations for a new book sometime soon.. because that would be the best.
Saint Mary's Catholic College - March, 2026Gregg was fabulous. His presentation was full of humour, elder advice, story telling, music and singing.
Hornsby North PS, NSW - February, 2026
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
Audience
- Prep - Year 2
- Year 3-6
- Year 7-9
- Adult
- Teachers/PD