Old Man Emu

A new picture book adaptation of John Williamson's first and now legendary hit song, 'Old Man Emu’, to celebrate John’s 50th year of performing and the song’s 50th anniversary in 2020.

This iconic Australian song tells the very funny tale of the emu and its many traits – good and bad: He can’t fly, but I’m telling you, he can run the pants off akangaroo! The story compares the emu to lots of other Australian birds (galah, cockatoo, wedge-tail eagle, kookaburra) and of course to the kangaroo, providing wonderful opportunities for hilarious illustrations.

It’s the song that launched John Williamson’s career way back in 1970. John performed the song on the TV talent quest of the day, ‘New Faces’ and won first place, which led him to his first recording contract with Fable Records. It still remains one of John Williamson’s most popular songs.

About the Authors

Simon Mclean is an Australian born Artist based on the Gold Coast in Queensland. He has received numerous awards and prizes for his artworks and illustration, and is represented in private collections throughout Australia and internationally.His work displays deft graphic skills, with an underlining sense of humour, finely honed over many years working in publishing and advertising, whilst also developing and illustrating his own children's book ranges and a myriad illustration projects.Mclean’s art on paper, canvas and also as sculpture and public Artworks, continues to be applauded for its originality and eclectic themes, and has been described as anything from dark and moodyto hilariously disturbing.

John Williamson is, without question, an Australian Icon. His entertainment career spans more than fifty years, boasting sales of over 5 million albums. His unofficial anthems, funny and tender ballads and tributes to unsung heroes have captured the spirit of the nation in song more than any other performer. He remains one of the most in-demand live performers in Australia. His fiftieth album, Honest People, was released in 2104 at the same time as his autobiography, and in 2018 he released his fifty-first, Butcherbird. Two songs from his popular JW’s Family Album have been made into delightful, entertaining picture books for children.