I recently checked out 'Return of the Crazy Bird' The sad, strange tale of the Dodo' from the library. It really is sad. The saddest part? Besides the extinction and all, was that these docile creatures that had no known predators on their island paradise were considered dumb and had to be dubbed Dodo (derived from the word 'duodo' Portuguese for idiot.) They weren't dumb they just trusted that everything was as it should be. They would be happy to walk right up to a human and could easily be caught and wouldn't run away, why? Because they didn't have any fear. In the 21st century that may seem ridiculous not to have any fear but in the 17th century you didn't have to lock your front door and since there were no humans on your island you didn't have to worry about much of anything but when the next meal or nap was. They were fat happy birds. I would have loved to have my own Dodo, I would love it and feed it and name it George, if I didn't already have a puppy named George that is. If you are looking for an interesting subject to delve into may I recommend the Raphus cucullatus? Raphus so much more distinguished a name than Dodo....
I. Free chalkboard doodle Photoshop brush of a Raphus cacullatus by moi. Not my best work, but not my worse either...Use for your personal use only, I doubt you would get very far trying to sell it since the feet are all wonky and all.Download here
II. The Dodo Pad. Some seriously interesting ways to get your Dodo on and get organised (it's an English site they eschew the letter 'z'). I love their cheeky take on the Dodo elevating 'him' to Lord Dodo and giving him his own manor. The illustrations look a touch sinister (wee bit in the eye) but so remind me of one of my fave illustrators Quentin Blake.
III. Return of the crazy bird: The sad strange tale of the Dodo is available here or hopefully you are fortunate to have a library near by that carries such wonderful works.
