Cirrus@Austlit

'Bigger is not always better. Sometimes the smallest of creatures can have the biggest impact...even with dung!

'Explore the fascinating and incredibly important role that tiny dung beetles play in our environment. From pushing dung balls that can weigh up to 50 times more than they do, to recycling nutrients in our soil, these beetles are really quite exceptional!

'Written and illustrated by the award-winning Sandra Severgnini, Dung Beetle on a Roll is a delightful encounter with these small but important beetles. Reading level varies from child to child, but we recommend this book for ages 5 to 9.' (Publication summary)

'Join Tukta and her little brother Jai Dee as they make their emotional journey through the Asian rainforest on Jai Dee's first day of school. Inspired by the special bond shared between a real-life brother and sister pachyderm pair A Good Heart is a powerful story that is equally as educational as it is entertaining. Learn all about Asian elephants and discover the many other fascinating animals that can be found living throughout the South East Asian jungle.' (Publication summary)

'The world of the shallow ocean seabed is brought to life in this story of an amazing animal, the mimic octopus. The illustrations give a realistic picture of the sea creatures in this environment and how perfectly the octopus impersonates and outwits them. For the reader, the fun is in the guessing — what is the real shape of the master of disguise that Meet Mim introduces us to?' (Publication summary) 

'Bringing the mystery of metamorphosis to life, Grub is sure to delight insect-loving young readers with its realistic illustrations, gentle humour, and surprise ending.

'On the floor of the rainforest, far below the tree canopy, a small grub has a big question. Sensing that his body is about to change, he wonders what he will become, so he turns to his friends for answers. The ladybird, the cicada, the dragonfly and the monarch butterfly all describe what they looked like before they changed - and none looked like the grub. Eventually, the grub begins to change - and his transformation is spectacular

'With realistic illustrations, vivid detail and gentle humour, Grub brings the habitat and life cycle of the Hercules beetle, and other insects that undergo metamorphosis, to life. The final reveal is sure to send young readers on a journey of discovery to learn more about the amazing Hercules beetle - one of the world's largest - with its giant pincers.' (Publication summary)

 'A Christmas story told with lyrical rhyme and whimsical illustration, 'The Christmas Garden' is reminiscent of the classic 'The Night Before Christmas'. It takes children on a garden adventure filled with Christmas trees, reindeer, elves and of course, Santa Claus. It's a celebration of Christmas, the beauty in nature and the power of imagination.' (Synopsis)

'In the Shadow of an Elephant explores the relationship between an orphaned elephant and a small African boy. It touches on poaching, friendship, loss, trust and life coming full circle.'

Source: Publisher's blurb.

'Lucky, the orphaned swamp wallaby, has a knack for getting into mischief. While Theresa and Tony care for him, and their mob of other joeys, Lucky gets into lots of places he should not be. Where will they find Lucky next? An amusing tale about the delights and difficulties of caring for orphaned joeys.'

Source: Publisher's blurb.