Val Bird

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

BIRD, Val (1947 –) is a children’s book author and columnist. She was born in Hastings where she lived until the age of 26, moving next to Rotorua, and later settling in Whakatane. She has been a full-time writer since 1998, and for 12 years was a caregiver to her intellectually handicapped brother.

Bird’s first book, Wednesday’s Child, was inspired by her experience of caring for her intellectually handicapped brother (Ronald Downes) and was published in 2001 by Random House. Her subsequent books include, A Birthday in the Life of Ozzie Kingsford (Random House, 2008), which Lorraine Orman describes as, ‘funny, fast-moving,’ with ‘plenty of action.’ Bird’s next book, Five (and a bit) Days in the Life of Ozzie Kingsford (Random House, 2008), and An Electrifying New Year in the Life of Ozzie Kingsford (Random House, 2009) continue Ozzie’s story.

Bird's fourth book in the Ozzie Kingsford series, A Shark-tooth Bay Holiday in the Life of Ozzie Kingsford, was published by Random House in 2009.

Val Bird writes, ‘I wanted to write a children’s book that was down to earth stuff – an ordinary, illogical lad coping with life’s everyday trials and tribulations – and having to overcome stumbling blocks without the help of superheroes or magic. I’m especially chuffed that Ozzie, as well as giving children something to chuckle about, also appeals to the whole family – Mum, Dad and the family dog can also relate to the events portrayed in Ozzie’s world.’

Bird was nominated for the 2009 New Zealand Post Book Awards for Children and Young Adults with her book Five (and a bit) Days in the Life of Ozzie Kingsford (Random House, 2008). The work was listed as a 2009 Storylines Notable Junior Fiction Book.

In Love with Moko (Mann Print and Design, 2011) is the story of a New Zealand dolphin, by Val Bird and Nikki Slade Robinson.

MEDIA LINKS

Val Bird's travel columns