Animal favourites return to stage

He shot to fame with his song about wonky donkeys and now he's back in town singing about Kaha the kea.

Author and singer Craig Smith, best known for his book and song Wonky Donkey, is to perform at the Edgewater fan stage on the southern end of the new Tauranga waterfront this afternoon.

The song has been the most downloaded tune in Australia and New Zealand for the past two years, beating out long-standing kids favourites the Wiggles, and the book has also been the top-selling volume in the region over the same period.

The hit song would be in his hour-long set with other songs from his album Not Just for Kids.

"It's about a kea and of course keas are renowned for being really cheeky and naughty and little brats and that's what this one is about," he said.

"It's not all bad. He does bring a lot of joy."

The book has already made it to No28 on the New Zealand best-sellers list, making it the only picture book to feature.

"I doubt whether it will sell as many as Wonky Donkey. Wonky Donkey is a phenomenon."

Today's free show and a performance at Palm Beach Plaza in Papamoa yesterday came after successful shows in the region's libraries last year.

Tauranga Paper Plus manager Toby Tagg said Smith's popularity inspired him to organise the free shows.

"He's got an amazing repertoire with kids and the songs that he does are very, very popular."

Today's show kicks off at 4.15pm at the Edgewater fan stage.