Mr Wren is feeling very blue, so Mrs Wren decides to find out why. With Mark Eatwells spectacular nature photographs and Trevor Todds simple, uncomplicated text, we find out Mr Wren thinks he does not measure up to other birds. But once his secret is revealed, Mrs Wren knows just how to cheer him up. Guaranteed to leave a smile on the face of every child, no matter what mood they are in.
With a feature film, sixteen half hours of television drama, and fourteen books to his credit, Trevor Todds work has reached millions of people worldwide. Devils Gate, a psychological thriller feature film which he cowrote, was filmed in Scotland and starred Laura Fraser. His Glad Rags, a 13 part childrens television series, was broadcast on the BBC, Nickelodeon UK and on the Nine Network in Australia. In 1994 he won the Australian Writers Guild AWGIE for Best Childrens Television Drama with Old Sam, Jasper And Mr Frank, which was also published by Penguin. In 1996 he took up an Australian Film Commission Creative Nation Fellowship and traveled to Britain to work at Pinewood Studios. He was a guest speaker at the Second World Summit on Television for Children in London in 1998. His books have been translated into Japanese, Korean and Danish.
Mark Eatwell first started taking photos in Bedfordale, Western Australia several years ago. He was enjoying the local bushland on his walks, and began to share photos of the beautiful wildlife he saw on Facebook. Mark first spotted Old Blue, who is on the cover of this book, in 2016. Since then, he has spent hours photographing Old Blue and his family. He has watched their chicks play games and nestle together to keep warm in winter. He has seen the male chicks mature to develop their bright blue plumage, and leave the nest to start their own families. Marks photos and videos have been shared worldwide. The Bedfordale Bush Market and BirdLife Australia have included his photos in their calendars. The City of Armadale has used Marks photos in their promotional materials, and his photos have appeared in Aviary Life, and on several Facebook pages for the Australian Broadcasting Corporation and the Australian Geographic. He dedicates this book to his wife Gillian, his daughter Katherine, and of course Old Blue, for being a good friend.
Feeling Blue is a picture book story for 3-8 years old that shows children by practising gratitude we can change our attitude. Children love nature and the natural environment and this is a gentle way to help children enjoy a story and learn to see the goodness that is around them. Mark Eatwells nature photographs beautifully match Trevor Todds text and add an emotive pull to the story. The natural delights of our native birds and environment are showcased beautifully allowing the reader to unconsciously learn about birds as they engage with the text. Karen Hendrix, Buzz Words
From the gorgeous front cover of the blue wren to the last page where the suns rays break through the misty forest, this book is a delight. A new way of bringing a traditional story to life, and a great introduction for younger readers to some of our amazing Australian birds. Kerry Gitten, thebooktree.com.au
