Black Cockatoo Books
Featured Books
Black Cockatoo Books is the publishing label of Bridget Farmer, an author and artist in Central Victoria, Australia.
Bridget’s works focus on engaging children with native Australian birds through her simple rhymes and beautiful pictures. To illustrate her books Bridget uses a mixture of printmaking techniques and hand colouring. Kookaburra Kookaburra is illustrated with linoprints, while The Bush Birds and The Beach Birds are created using drypoint etchings and watercolour paints. You can view her processes in her social media accounts under the name BridgetFarmerPrintmaker.
The Beach Birds
First published by Black Cockatoo Books
May 2023
ISBN 9780645713701
Let's go to the beach! Who will we see?
Answer the riddles and lift the flaps to find out! Meet, and get to know, twelve Australian birds found on beaches, estuaries and costal areas.
Black Cockatoo Books also publish accompanying card games for each of these books.
"I adore this book! It has everything, empathy, information, rhythm and rhyme, playful (and informative) flaps and a dedication to birdlife which I’m sure all readers will be sure to imbibe. I certainly did. Thank you so much for the work that you do. We are very pleased and proud to include your book in our collection."
Dr Belle Alderman AM, Emeritus Professor of Children’s Literature and Director of National Centre for Australian Children’s Literature INC.
Order books and card games:
bridgetfarmerprintmaker.com
Stock books and card games:
bridget@bridgetfarmerprintmaker.com
Kookaburra
Kookaburra
First published by Bridget Farmer Books
November 2016
ISBN 9780646962122
Published by Thames and Hudson Australia
October 2018
ISBN 9781760760281
Published by Black Cockatoo Books
November 2023
ISBN 9780645713718
Kookaburra, kookaburra, first to rise...
The iconic kookaburra is just one of the many Australian birds you will be introduced to wihin this unique picture storybook full of original lino-printed illustrations and descriptive rhymes.
"This book is absolutely gorgeous. My grandsons love it and have learnt so much about the birds that they are recognising them when we are outside. I bought the set of cards that complements the book and these have been a huge hit as well. Highly recommend this lovely book."
Deborah
"I bought this book for my child in kindergarten to teach her about Australian birds and we’ve both loved it! It is written as a poem and illustrated beautifully. A great introduction to common Australian birds! My daughter has since been spotting all the birds from the book in our neighbourhood and as we go out! A beautiful book suitable from preschool through to mid-primary."
Jade
Order books and card games:
bridgetfarmerprintmaker.com
Stock books and card games:
bridget@bridgetfarmerprintmaker.com
The Bush Birds
First published by Black Cockatoo Books
October 2021
ISBN 9780646843025
Included on the Children’s Book Council of Australia’s notable list 2022.
Let's go on a bush walk. Who will we see? Answer the riddles and lift the flaps to find out! Meet, and get to know, twelve Australian birds commonly found in open forests and woodlands.
"The Bush Birds takes the reader on a walk through the Australian bush to discover twelve of our native birds. Each bird is depicted on a separate page, with its name concealed under a flap and a short rhyming stanza. The rear of the book includes more information about each bird and more information to aid with identification.
The book is beautiful illustrated throughout, giving the birds a sense of movement and the colours associated with the bush. The text is simple, clear, and lyrical...The Bush Birds is a beautiful hardcover picture book perfect for those interested in birds and native birds in particular. Its simplicity would suit younger children and makes for a lovely gift."
CBCA review by Pam Ueckerman
Order books and card games:
bridgetfarmerprintmaker.com
Stock books and card games:
bridget@bridgetfarmerprintmaker.com
Card Games
Through playing these card games children learn to recognise and remember a wide range of Australian birds. The cards can be used for snap, memory games or a go fish style game.
“Customers love Bridget’s beautiful illustrations of Australian birds and I find it difficult to keep up with the demand for her items. Her ordering process is easy and efficient and product arrives in a timely fashion. Bridget’s products just fly out the door!”
Angela Maher, Splatter Pty Ltd. Canberra
"The card game is one of our best selling items in the store.”
Cirsten Bedson, Murray Art Museum Albury
Stockists say...
"I went into our local shop and at last I’ve bought myself one of your gorgeous books, though I’m almost 80. I love it to bits…
Thank you for this most wonderful of books.
I love it 🙏 ♥️ "
Sandy
“I just wanted to let you know how much I am enjoying your bird books The Bush Birds and The Beach Birds. You capture not only the physical characteristics of the birds, but also their different personalities and movements. I have always loved lift-the flap books too, so that's an added pleasure :-)
Thanks, too, for the care you take in packaging them and sending them.”
Melissa