Cirrus@Austlit

'Our lives are measured by the places we hold dear, the people we love and the paths we have trodden. So, who better to tell our stories than the shoes we wear? Boots, exactly as the title suggests, describes a beloved pair of working boots. Through their endearing perspective, this picture book narrates the life of a cattle farmer and his love of the Australian bush. Written in simple, but lyrical prose, Boots breathes life into a generation of hardworking men and women, their humble lifestyles, and an unforgiving landscape that is intrinsic to the Australian identity. With themes of love, loss, old age, hardship and resilience, and references to drought, flood, bushfire and war, Boots provides a candid glimpse into the trials and tribulations of one man’s life. While this story paints a gentle portrait of an 'everyday hero', Boots celebrates a much broader facet of the Australian national spirit, and most importantly, it reminds readers of the universal importance of making each moment of our own finite lives count, even in the face of an unpredictable future.' (Publication summary)

'When Alyce moves to her new home on the Macedon Ranges, she’s not sure she’s going to like it there. But a magical encounter with Lillipit the kangaroo sets her mind at ease. Join Alyce and Lillipit on their first adventure!' (Publication summary)

'Patience is key to a happy life.
'Patience can make the difference between worry and tranquillity.
'Patience is love, joy, good and surprising.
'But is Patience more than just an emotion and a skill?
'A fun and reassuring story about exploring Patience as a person’s best friend.' (Publication summary)

'Lucy the Crocodile never wants to leave her baby crocodile eggs, but today she has to, and Cyril the Snake has been hungrily, watching and waiting. Now is Cyril's time to strike and eat some eggs but a freshly hatched baby crocodile has other ideas!' (Publication summary)

'The story begins with a little boy called Henry who loves words and how his journey to publication, as an adult, starts a chain reaction by touching the lives of so many.

'The storytellers come from all walks of life. They are all storytellers, bringing something different to the same story.'  (Publication summary)

'Andrew has always felt like he’s had to hide from the truth, hide from who he is and hide from others. What will happen when Andrew speaks his truth and finally accepts the person he is?

'Everyone loves Jasmine! She has great friends and fun social life. However, Jasmine worries that when she tells people her truth things will change. This is Me is a story of two teenagers embracing who they are, and finding out that life is always better when you are True to Yourself.' (Publication summary)

'Amira's Magpie is a story of friendship, family and escape; of bravery and resilience in the face of hardship. It is the story of hope we find in small happinesses, even when it seems like all hope is lost. In the evocative and primarily monochrome illustrations, we see Amira living in some kind of compound. Her beloved grandfather lives a long way away, and as she remembers him, Amira imagines her magpie flying backwards and forwards between them, bringing news of home. In a beautifully lyrical way, this gentle yet powerful story reminds us of asylum seekers and anyone who longs for home. An outstanding book for older picture book readers and for education and awareness in schools.' (Publication summary)

'Charlie’s mum isn’t feeling so well, yet people keep visiting their home. As he learns about his mum’s cancer treatments and sees how people gather around to help out, he begins to understand what it means to have a ‘village’.'

Source : publisher's blurb

(Publication summary)

'Once
A long time ago
My grandmother’s grandmother
Travelled far, far across the seas
Over the rim of the world to where the stars were new

'Kate Forsyth tells tales of her ancestors’ lives in Australia in this beautifully illustrated picture book that celebrates the power of story. From the first perilous journey to a new land, to the great wars and civil rights movements, readers live through key moments in Australia’s fascinating history.'

Source: Publisher's blurb.

'A missing uncle, a scary aunt and a basement full of the creeps …

'Archie gets more than he bargained for when he stays with Aunt Ruth. Her spiky white hair looks like it’s been through a storm. She puts things in her stews like devil’s beard and eye of newt. But worst of all, Aunt Ruth has a dark, creepy basement at the bottom of the stairs!

'When Uncle Jock goes missing, Archie just knows Aunt Ruth is behind it. But to prove it, Archie may have to go down into the basement …'

Source: Publisher's blurb.