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Ostentatious Ostrich loves nothing more than strutting along the sand with his beak in the air and his feathers perfectly fluffed. He is convinced he is the best in all the land and he makes sure everyone knows it! When a cry for help echoes through the air, Osty does what he always does-buries his head in the sand.
Along comes Gally Ant, a tiny but determined creature with a very big message. She whispers in Osty's ear and refuses to give up. At first, Ostentatious resists. He is far too busy being wonderful to be bothered with someone else's problems. But when Gally Ant mentions the word hero, something stirs in the proud ostrich's heart. Could Osty really be brave, strong, and true?
In this humorous and heartfelt rhyming tale, children will discover that kindness doesn't take much-just a choice, a moment, and a little courage. With playful rhythm, lively illustrations, and a message that gently reminds us all that helping others makes us shine brighter, Ostentatious Ostrich is a story that will delight young readers, teachers, and families alike.
Perfect for children aged 4-8, this uplifting picture book explores themes of kindness and empathy,
Whether read aloud in classrooms, shared at bedtime, or enjoyed by independent readers who love rhythm and rhyme, Ostentatious Ostrich is a memorable story that leaves children laughing, thinking, and inspired to be everyday heroes.
About the author
Cynthia Collins is an Australian author and former educator with over 36 years of teaching experience across South Australia and Queensland. Drawing on her classroom expertise, she creates engaging children's stories designed to entertain young readers while supporting learning. A lifelong writer of poetry, songs, and scripts, Cynthia brings a strong sense of rhythm and storytelling flair to her books. Her inspiration often comes from her grandchildren, travels, and everyday moments. Now retired, Cynthia is pursuing her passion for writing full-time and continues to develop new picture books and early readers. She divides her creative time between her local Queensland community and travelling around Australia through house and pet sitting - always gathering new ideas for her next story.
