Bird, Val
IN BRIEF
Val Bird is a children’s author, and her first book, Wednesday’s Child, was inspired by her time as caregiver for her intellectually handicapped brother. Her books, A Birthday in the Life of Ozzie Kingsford and Five (and a bit) Days in the Life of Ozzie Kingsford, were both published in 2008. Bird describes Ozzie Kingsford as a ‘lad coping with life’s everyday trials and tribulations – and having to overcome stumbling blocks without the help of superheroes or magic.’
ProfilePlace of residence: Whakatane, New Zealand |
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.
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KAPAI Kids' Authors Pictures and Information
Where do you live?
In sunny Whakatane which is a pretty coastal town in the Bay of Plenty.
What books do you read?
Lots of different things I like to swap around – a bit of history, then a good whodunnit – maybe even something a little scary.
Who is your favourite writer and why?
I have soft spot for Dr Seuss – because from near to far, from here to there, funny things are everywhere.
How do you think up your ideas?
I put my thinking cap on, and then I sit staring at the blank computer screen. This is so boring; eventually it activates my creative bits, which then forces words and images to stimulate my mind – I guess the correct term for this is a flash of inspiration.
What is the best thing about being a writer?
You get to play with words – which is fascinating stuff.
Primary School Students
What sort of pets do you have?
We have two bossy, hairy, happy-go-lucky woofers – and a cute tabby kitty-cat, who bosses the dogs around. Kitty also loves to boss me around, and loves to play pesky games when I’m trying to write.
What is your favourite colour?
Shimmering silver.
What is your favourite food – why?
South Island cherries, and Bluff Oysters, but not eaten at the same time. Why – because they’re so very yummy.
What is your favourite game?
Scrabble.
How do you make books?
I just write what you call a manuscript, it’s the publisher and the printer who make the books – which is just as well; because I’m sure I wouldn’t be very good at it.
Where do you go for your holidays?
When we were youngsters, our family of Mum, Dad, five children plus Grandma, would travel by steam train and chuff-chuff our way from Hastings to Mahia Beach. Mahia was sunny, sandy and ever so much fun. Now I’m a grown up lady, so I like to go and explore new places.
What was the naughtiest thing you ever did at school?
Oh my goodness, take my word for it – I was far too much of a quiet, shy, goody-two-shoes to do anything naughty.
Secondary School Students
How did you get started?
I had a story I wanted to tell about my handicapped brother who I looked after for twelve years. I didn’t have a clue how to go about writing a book, so it was lots of work, lots of drafts, lots of hit the delete button, and lots of patience. It took me three years and much personal head-bashing, but eventually Wednesday’s Child, which was my first published book, was accepted for publication.
Who inspired you when you were getting started?
I applied for mentorship through the New Zealand Society of Authors and Barbara Else mentored me through the final stages of Wednesday’s Child. Barbara was successful, talented and experienced, and I was green as grass, but keen to learn – I certainly learnt heaps in a short space of time.
What advice would you give an aspiring young writer?
Keep writing, have confidence in yourself, and learn to accept constructive criticism of your work with good grace.
What were you like as a teenager?
My family didn’t have a car, we used to cycle, and walk for miles – I was very unsophisticated and regarded as a tomboy. Due to our car-less state, it was always a treat to go somewhere out of town. At age thirteen after much nag-nag-nagging, sniveling and whining, I was allowed to go with my father and one of his friends (who owned the car and was the driver) on a first-ever trip to Auckland. We travelled in a little old Austin car, and I was car sick-sick-sick all the way over the hilly, mostly unsealed Napier – Taupo Road. I was so sick I wished I hadn’t nagged, sniveled and whined and just stayed home – and I’m sure the driver and my father wished I had stayed at home too.
