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
We were very much anticipating Gregg's visit as we have heard his workshops are excellent. We were also very impressed with the range of quality literature, his illustrations, songs, YouTube clips and social media content prior to the event. We were ready for an engaging experience.
All teachers and school officers involved have made a point of letting me know how much they appreciated his sessions. All commented on his energetic, engagement with the children, his fun and interactive approach and the depth of understanding he conveyed to the children while sharing his culture and connection to country. We eagerly await his return in Term 1 2026.
An amazing experience for our children! Thank you, Gregg.
St. Thomas More - October, 2025We were incredibly fortunate to welcome Gregg Dreise to our school. He shared his culture and stories with our students in such an engaging and entertaining way — his humour had everyone laughing, and the students were hanging on every word. Each group participated enthusiastically in his narrative workshop and left feeling inspired to write their own stories.
A highlight of the visit was hearing one of Gregg’s unpublished stories and joining in with some dancing, which made the experience even more memorable. Gregg’s warmth, storytelling talent, and ability to connect with students made this visit both educational and uplifting.
All Hallows' School - October, 2025Gregg is an ultimate professional and entertainer. He perfectly met the brief for our conference and for audience participation. He blended such valuable writing insights, with great engagement and humor, leaving attendees uplifted and informed. Thanks also for staying around for our conference drinks and chatting so openly with everyone. I certainly hope we get to work with Gregg again.
PETAA Annual Conference - October, 2025Gregg was an absolute natural with all of our Preschool to Year 6 kids, and kept them all engaged and laughing for the whole session. I loved how he combined his love and knowledge of culture with both jokes and positive messages. We loved his storytelling skills and were fascinated when he played his didgeridoo. We have had great feedback from staff and students from all three sessions.
Throsby School, ACT - November, 2025Gregg Driese’s author visit was fantastic. He made meaningful connections with the students, bringing Dreamtime stories and Indigenous culture to life in an engaging and memorable way.
Matthew Flinders Anglican College - November, 2025
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