Cirrus@Austlit

'In a world that has forgotten about nature, two girls live on opposite sides of society. Skyler exists above the clouds in a haven of boundless technology, while Ivy is a Groundling, roaming the surface of the earth, eking a living from the rubble of the past. Then Ivy makes a discovery that changes everything, and brings their lives crashing together. A tense, heart-pounding and empowering read about corruption, environmentalism, and what we would do if nature gave us a second chance.

Two children from impossibly different worlds might have more in common than anyone thought and might just be the answer to everything ...' (Publication summary) 

'Most children would say that the ocean is blue, but when Bowen looks at it he sees white where the waves crash, deep black on the ocean floor, and green when there's a storm. He wonders whether fireflies are hot, and notices how the brushstrokes of a painting tell a story too. Bowen sees the world differently to other children and struggles to fit in. How will he find his place in the world?

'The Incredibly Busy Mind of Bowen Bartholomew Crisp follows the life of Bowen through school and beyond. At every stage, he finds that he doesn't fit in with his peers, but this eventually becomes his greatest strength. Through thinking differently, he is able to solve problems that no one else could. After all, just because something can't be mended the same as it was, why can't it be mended differently?

'A very personal story, Bowen's tale is sensitively written and full of colourful, lively illustrations. It aims to offer hope to children who haven't yet found their place in life by showing them that being normal might just be overrated, and that to find success in life we should be valuing our differences.

'Children, carers, teachers and psychologists alike will find inspiration in this tale of embracing diversity and engaging our full potential. It is a vital reminder that the strength and uniqueness of every child should be encouraged to help them find their place in the world and flourish!' (Publication summary)

'Lucy worries about everything and she worries a lot. She’s so skilled at worrying that she worries about new and interesting things no one else even thinks about! But when Mrs Hunt tells the class there is going to be a school musical, Lucy decides she wants to be a part of it. She’s too worried to try out for any of the parts but Mrs Hunt finds the perfect role for her. Being a piece of the landscape may not suit everyone but Lucy puts everything into being the best tree she can, and with a sprinkle of courage she stands proud and tall even as her knees knock and her tummy ties in knots. She becomes the best tree anyone can ever remember!'

Source: Publisher's blurb.

'Audrey has the worst case of 'imaginitis' her teachers have ever seen! While other children paint their families, Audrey paints the ogre who lives under her bed drinking tea. Instead of singing about a black sheep, she writes her own song about a desk with legs that runs away. Her alphabet turns into soup. It's clear that her 'imaginitis' is incurable. What's worse, her condition is contagious and soon the other kids in her class start showing symptoms of an equally incurable imagination! As 'imaginitis' spreads, the teachers are horrified and the parents begin to protest too. But perhaps imagination isn't such a bad disease after all? It might even be useful if it makes learning more fun.'

Source: Publisher's blurb.

'Just because you can’t spell doesn’t mean you can’t write!

'A young boy has a mind full of wonderful stories but when he writes them down, day after day, they come back covered in red pen after his teachers have corrected his spelling. It seems his dyslexia will always hold him back from sharing his creativity the way he longs to. Then a new teacher arrives at school! My Storee is an engaging and creatively designed picture book that provides inspiration and support for reluctant writers and dyslexics, and shows the importance and power of good teachers.'

Source: Publisher's blurb.

'Grandma Forgets is the heart-warming story of a family bound by love as they cope with their grandma’s dementia. Over the years, the little girl has built up a treasure trove of memories of time spent with Grandma: sausages for Sunday lunch, driving in her sky-blue car to the beach, climbing her apple trees while she baked a delicious apple pie, and her comforting hugs during wild storms.

'But now, Grandma can’t remember those memories. She makes up new rules for old games and often hides Dad’s keys. Sometimes Dad is sad because he has to hold onto the memories for both him and his mother now, but fortunately his daughter is only too happy to help him make new memories to share.

'This is a warm, hopeful story about a family who sometimes needs to remind their grandmother a little more often than they used to about how much they care. She might not remember any of their names but she will always know how much she is loved.'

Source: Publisher's blurb.