Kerfuffle Bird
The Hushlings of Hushville were always polite.
They kept all their feelings shut in, very tight.
They spoke in soft voices: a whisper was best,
And after each meal they would all take a rest.
Every Hushling seemed happy, except for one: Maeve.
She knew how a Hushling was meant to behave…
But she longed to be noisy, to run and to shout.
She longed to let some of her Big Feelings out.
When Kerfuffle Bird arrives in Hushville – with a shriek and a whoop – the Hushlings’ peace is shattered. Maeve is delighted to have found someone to have fun with, at last. But will they all find a way to live together harmoniously?
Kerfuffle Bird is written by Helen Docherty and illustrated by Gwen Millward. It was published by Oxford University Press Children’s Books in June 2025.
How to order your copy of the book:
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Reviews:
“Sweet, colourful, and full of chaotic fun! I dare you not to fall in love with the Hushlings and the fantastically named Kerfuffle Bird! Gorgeous rhyming story about holding big feelings in, standing out, fitting in and accepting who you are. Loved it.”
– Marcela Ferreira, author of Bear vs Dragon
“Some picture books seem to hum with energy and excitement. Even when their pages are shut, you sense there’s a little world carrying on inside… In Hushville, a boisterous bird hatches out of a huge blue egg and brings chaos in Kerfuffle Bird. The buttoned-up Hushlings, with their rabbity ears, Bagpuss-like stripes and repressed emotions, are horrified when Kerfuffle sets up home with them. Everyone except Maeve, who dislikes holding her feelings in and enjoys dancing rowdily under the moon with the new resident. Millwards’s scratchy, wild drawings in bright pink, yellow and blue are the perfect accompaniment to this fabulous exploration of feelings and freedom.”
– Imogen Carter, The Observer
“A joy to read out loud with gorgeous, flamboyant illustrations that dance and fly and tug on the heartstrings. The perfect book for cultivating confidence and self expression.”
– Rebecca Ashdown, award winning illustrator of Thunderboots
“A warm and loving story which encourages children to let their big feelings out. I have really enjoyed reading this gorgeous book aloud in library lessons, which had the children laughing out loud and falling in love with Kerfuffle Bird. With vibrantly stunning illustrations, Kerfuffle Bird is an essential early introduction to growth mindset and trying not to repress your true self.”
– Jenny G, Primary School Librarian of the Year
“Written in rhyme and full of the most bright and colourful illustrations, Kerfuffle Bird is a visual delight. We loved Maeve and her unexpected friendship with the very loud, very fun Kerfuffle Bird. This book delivers a very important message about being who you are and the importance of expressing emotions. All children need a copy!”
– Hannah, @mum_of_boys_northeast
“Kerfuffle Bird is a brilliant book all about living together even when there are differences. A fab book for exploring emotions!”
– Alex – Children’s Book Reviews @father_teacher_reader
“This exuberantly illustrated tale of the Hushlings had us at ‘Kerfuffle’! We love the word almost as much as we love creating one!! The Hushlings go about their business calmly and with restraint… all except for one. Maeve is keeping her true self hidden, all locked up inside, until the Kerfuffle Bird lands and creates total havoc. It is only then that Maeve and the Hushlings learn that by being less controlled, they can actually avoid losing control. Teaching our Book Clubbers about individuality and not bottling up big feelings, this vibrant bird is a joy to behold. An absolute pleasure to read!”
– Bentley Heath Primary School Book Club
“This is a gorgeous, beautifully illustrated book all about the importance of feeling your feelings and living life as your full self, but also about balance. Kerfuffle Bird helps the Hushlings get louder and the Hushlings help him be a little bit calmer!”
– Canterbury Children’s Literature Festival
“We love this book! It’s a fantastic way to show your class that it’s important to express your feelings whilst also being considerate and harmonious with those around us. It’s a wonderful celebration of both introverts and extroverts. The perfect story to share with your Reception and Year 1 children.”
– Chestnut Books
Here is the trailer for Kerfuffle Bird – with an extract from the Kerfuffle Bird song with music by Gerry Smith:
