Cirrus@Austlit

'Meet best friends Matty and Ash - as much as they love their kids, they're craving a break from parenting so they can enjoy a tasty beverage.

'But whatever they do and wherever they go, the children are there, casting a shadow over them and ruining their plans.

'With the seemingly never-ending demands of parenthood - whether it is potty training, toddler tantrums, or a troop of monkeys attacking a babysitter (well, of course!) - something always stands in the way of a good time. Put simply, Matty and Ash can't catch a break.

'Finally, however, they get what they want... a night out without kids! But where would they rather be?

'Inspired by their Two Doting Dads podcast, Matty J and Ash bring you anything but a straightforward "how to parent" guide in this silly, hilarious, and ultimately moving picture book. And beautifully illustrated by Dan Gray-Barnett, this wacky tale can be enjoyed by adults and kids alike.' (Publication summary)

'One morning Milo tossed pancakes high in the air. Lily, Lena, and Gwendolyn jumped up and down trying to catch them.

''Breakfast is ready,' called Milo. But upstairs all was quiet.

'Dada Henry doesn't feel like pancakes this morning, and Milo and the twins aren't sure why. They persist making more and more elaborate concoctions, Maple Come Back for More, Little Puddings Supreme, and Brussel Sprouts Forget Me Never, but nothing will lure Henry out of bed.

'This funny and heartwarming story tells us that every now and then, everyone needs some 'me-time'.' (Publication summary)

'Craft Roach is an exuberant story about an artsy little bug who lives life a little differently. Written by Rachel Burke (@imakestagram) and with art from best-selling illustrator Daniel Gray-Barnett, Craft Roach is a fun, rhyming picture book about standing out, fitting in and having the courage to be your most joyful self.

'Craft Roach makes the other bugs 
feel very tense and stressed.
Standing out? Being seen? 
They do not think it best.

'But Craft Roach sees things differently,
has more than just an inkling –
that crawlies wouldn’t be so feared,
if all of them were twinkling …' 

(Publication summary)

'Come Over To My House is a delightful picture book that explores the home life of children and parents who are Deaf or disabled. Co-written by disability advocate Eliza Hull and bestselling author Sally Rippin, the inclusive rhyming text authentically explores the characters' various disabilities. 

'A cast of friendly characters invite friends over for a play – there’s fun to be had, food to eat and families to meet!

'Come over to my house. Come over and play!
I’ll show you around, you can stay the whole day.
We’ll swing on the swing-set and splash in the pool.
Then I’ll race you inside where my bedroom is cool.'  (Publication summary)

'A joy-filled cheer of appreciation for loud, trouble-making, outrageous kids.

'Katerina Cruickshanks is a wild child, a trickster, and a ringleader. But when they wreak some serious chaos, their friends decide their shenanigans have gone too far and say, 'No more!'

'Brimming with humour and warmth, Katerina shows us that there's no such thing as being too much; it's just a matter of finding the friends who will love you as you are.' (Publication summary)

'Young Early Harvest editors have compiled 14 bone-chilling stories from the depths of a haunted house they stumbled upon. Alas, they went missing shortly after!

'If you want to be thrilled, excited, tantalised, horrified, frightened and shocked all at once, you’ve come to the right book! The Sound of the Dark features puppets, creepy girls, headless teddy bears and rashes to scare the pants off you! (Disclaimer: We are not responsible for run-away pants)

'[The] 15 editors received 135 submissions from young Australian writers, including one by beloved children's author Oliver Phommavanh. They have collected the very best stories and illustrations to deliver a creepy horror themed book like you’ve never experienced before.'

Source: Publisher's blurb.

'On an ordinary day, in an even more ordinary town, it was Albert's birthday.