Brian Blake’s flattering ‘Foreword’

The Giant Earthworm has been a native of South Gippsland for so long that he rarely raised even a flicker of interest among those locals who knew of his existence.

Despite his uniqueness he was just an overgrown member at the worm family . . . despised and looked dawn upon by his closest human neighbors. Now and then scientists would hear of his existence and would came to South Gippsland around the valley of the Bass River, to seek out the worm and study his habits and habitat.

To primary school art teacher, Frank Smith, the Giant Earthworm was much more than a scientific freak. He was attracted to it by its uniqueness, felt he should protect it because of its underdog image, and held the species in awe and wonderment which in itself was unusual in a person who had grown up in "giant earthworm country".

But Frank is no ordinary person. He came forward with an idea to elevate the Giant Earthworm into regal company: to promote him as a symbol of Frank's home territory. So Karmai ... aboriginal far Giant Earthworm ... was born as a material carnival character as permanent as Donald Duck. Karmai has come to be known and recognised by countless thousands of people throughout the State, following three command appearances in Melbourne's annual Moomba Parade.

Karmai has also graciously given his name to an annual festival which has gone from success to success in Korumburra under the Giant Earthworm's patronage.

And now Frank has further immortalised this once spurned creature with this prestigious publication which will not only take Karmai an to the bookshelves of hundreds of homes; but will promote him in schools as an educational innovator.