Gob Gob and the Laughing Kookaburras (Paperback) (ISBN-13: 9798330491957)

In the heart of the Australian bushland, Gob Gob the grumpy bunyip has a peculiar hatred for joyfulness, especially the laughter of kookaburras. He captures these merry birds whose laughter signals impending rain, essential for the animals to know when to bring in their washing and locks them all up in his cave. The bush animals, led by Wise Old Kookaburra and aided by an ancient gum tree, devise a plan to teach Gob Gob a lesson. Wise Old Kookaburra challenges Gob Gob to a test of strength, tricking him into pulling up what appears to be a worm but is actually a mighty root of the ancient gum tree. In his fury, Gob Gob pulls with all his might, only to find himself trapped up to his neck in the ground. As Gob Gob struggles in his predicament, the ancient gum tree gently teaches him about the beauty of life and the importance of living in harmony with others. Through the tree's wisdom, Gob Gob begins to understand empathy, kindness, and the joy of sharing laughter. Meanwhile, with Gob Gob occupied, the kookaburras are freed from their cages. Their laughter once again fills the bushland, bringing happiness to all the creatures. Transformed by his experience and newfound understanding, Gob Gob emerges from the ground a changed bunyip. He leaves the area never to be seen again. With Gob Gob gone, harmony returns to the Australian bushland, where laughter and friendship abound.