Hector and his Highland Dancers

An Australian chicken breeder, Mr McFowler, fails to win competitions with his prized chicken, Hector, mainly because Hector had a nose pecking habit and an inability to remain still when being judged. Mr McFowler was downcast as he felt Hector was the best bird he had ever bred and his greatest chance of winning Champion Bird of the Show.

Mr McFowler, of Scottish descent loves to play old Scottish songs in his shed and sometimes dance to them. One day Hector starts dancing with him to his records. Mr McFowler sees an opportunity and he and Hector train the other chickens to become Highland Dancers. Mr McFowler is a resourceful man and makes things to aid with training. He dusts off his bagpipes and provides the music for the troupe.

It was a difficult task for Hector to mould the sometimes-reluctant individual chickens into a precision team. He eventually succeeds and they perform at local agricultural shows, the the Sydney Royal and finally get an invitation to perform at the famous Edinburgh Tattoo in Scotland, where they woo audiences with their amazing precision performance. They are feted and Mr McFowler is very proud that his prized chicken, which failed to become a champion show bird, was now a champion leader of a successful highland dance troupe. Mr McFowler, a romantically naïve bachelor, even makes a surprising romantic connection!

About the Author

Anthony Sevil is an award-winning Australian writer and artist. His working life has involved public relations, sales, farming and care work for people with intellectual disabilities. However, he always finds time to dip into the creative world, publish stories and exhibit his art.

About the Illustrator

Amy Calautti is a picture book illustrator from Perth, Western Australia. Her style is charming, nostalgic, warm and whimsical. Her other books include When the Moon is a Smile, Heart of Gold, and Turning Cartwheels.