DIEGO THE DODO - Diego the Dodo

Celebrating World Read Aloud Day!
Feb. 2, 2022

It's off to the races for this silly dodo bird!

Diego the dodo is joining the island race with his friends for the very first time!

With his tiny wings and clumsy feet, how can Diego win the race?

Will Diego outrun a galloping gazelle? Can he run past a leaping lemur?

In this fun, short story for kids 3 - 8 years old, kids will grow to love Diego and his animal friends, while learning the importance of perseverance and embracing our physical differences.

A fun and educational, short story for kids

Teach important life lessons such as determination and perseverance through themes of courage, humour, diversity and self confidence.

Learn about animals and their features from different parts of the world in fun, bold, and colourful pages.

Expand your child's vocabulary with examples of action verbs such as gallop, crawl, fly, jump, and more.

Learn about "sound" words (onomatopoeia) - words that sound like the action they are describing.

Identify basic shapes through a fun, search and find activity.

A word from the creators

Bringing a vision to life

I have scribbled and sketched for as long as I can remember. It was a childhood hobby and one that I am still very passionate about to this day. I believe there are no limits to the imagination, and drawing allows me to be immersed in the story and meet different characters. I am excited to bring Diego the Dodo to life as he has been on my mind for many years. I love how this short story for kids focuses on topics that we can all somehow relate to, and teaches some of the life lessons I often share with my son. I hope you enjoy the book Diego the Dodo and the Island Race as much as we do.
- Parveen

Once upon a lesson...

I wrote this short story in memory of my beloved late grandfather who taught me the fundamental life lessons that has shaped much of who I am today.
"It just takes effort to grind an iron rod into a needle." He taught me the meaning behind this old, Chinese proverb which I've used as the inspiration for Diego's first adventure. I'm happy to be able to share these life lessons through stories of Diego and his friends. I hope you enjoy reading this picture book as much as we had fun creating it!
- Tammy

Meet Diego and his friends!

Take a sneak peek!

Loved by humans big and small

"A fun and silly children's story with diverse characters that kids and parents will enjoy."
- Brad W.

"Wonderful short story for kids with colourful, bold graphics. A great bedtime story for my two girls!"
- Ashley D.

"What a fun read! It has the perfect amount of silliness, but at the same time teaches young children about perseverance and that we are all unique in our own ways." - Diana D.

"Had a great time learning about exotic animals from around the world. My kid really enjoyed seeing Diego’s silly expressions." - Emily L.

"Great way to teach kids about courage and not giving up when faced with a challenge."
- Sharouna N.

"Diego's story is one of those books that my kids ask me to read, then read again and again all in one sitting!" - Donna K.

News & Updates

Happy Asian Heritage Month 2021!
May, 2021

We're honoured that our story is featured alongside some incredible Asian Canadians! Check out the article to read about how history, culture, and communities have influenced these Asian Canadians to achieve their goals, excel in their careers, and find fulfilment in life.

Read now

Penelope's Prize Children's Book Awards
May 20, 2021

We did it! Thanks to readers like you, 'Diego the Dodo and the Island Race' was voted as the 'Fan Favorite' of the year! Thank you for all the support! We're humbled to have made it to the Top 25 shortlist alongside some incredible authors and books! Be sure to check them out @rdf_books_reviews!