Cirrus@Austlit

'Filo’s Butterflies is a charming picture book about how a young Samoan boy calms his nerves before his first siva performance at a family wedding.

'Filo is going to dance at his aunties’ Samoan wedding! He’s been rehearsing the steps for his first siva fa’ataupati for weeks, but now there are butterflies dancing in his belly.

'As the day goes on, the butterflies grow bigger and bolder. Will they stop him from performing the siva and having a good time?' (Publication summary) 

'Honouring Aṉangu's connection to Country, Rain on the Rock is a stunning celebration of Uluṟu and Kata Tjuṯa.

'Rising above the desert plain, Uluṟu stands,
ancient feet planted deep within the dry red earth.
For much of the year, Uluṟu bakes in the kuḻi.
But on rare days when rain-song beats,
waterfalls cascade down the rock,
creatures stir ...
and Uluṟu and Kata Tjuṯa burst into life.

'Rain on the Rock celebrates the impact of rain on Uluṟu and the Kata Tjuṯa National Park. Told using vivid imagery, and in harmony with Aṉangu's connection to Country, Rain on the Rock depicts the unique beauty of one of Australia’s most iconic landscapes.'  (Publication summary)

'Kittens Do Not Care for Baths is a spirited and funny picture book to encourage even the most rebellious kids to jump in the bath and get ready for sleep.

'Dad says it's time for a bath, but Maya is certain that kittens do not need baths. In fact, this curious kitten would much rather hunt for prey and climb trees all night than wash herself and get ready for bed. Can this feisty kitten be coaxed into starting her night-time routine?

'Preschool Problems is a brilliant new series about all the big problems faced by our littlest people!'  (Publication summary)

'Our Game is a powerful new picture book celebrating the First Nations history and community that has made footy what it is today.

'Whitney is training for her first-ever footy game, but she’s nervous about playing. Will she be good enough? In yarning with her Uncle Jas and Aunty Dawn, she explores the rich history of Marngrook and the inspiring contribution that deadly AFL players have made to the game.' (Publication summary) 

'Worms Are Our Friends invites readers into a stunning garden to admire the important work of one tiny worm.

'Worms Are Our Friends invites preschool readers into a stunning garden to admire the hard work of one tiny worm, and to marvel at the essential role it plays in nature.

'Down in the garden, one fine, sunny day, 
a young little worm gets ready to play. 

'Each book in the bestselling 'Our Friends in the Garden' series teaches preschoolers about different creatures found in our gardens, and introduces them to the way insects and bugs contribute to our ecosystem.

'Worms Are Our Friends showcases the art of hugely popular digital artist Mimi Purnell, and with its stunning textured and sparkling cover, it is the perfect special gift for any young nature-lover.

'Discover how earthworms help our soil, plants and environment thrive, and encourage your kids to love nature exploration and outdoor learning.' (Publication summary)

'Some cats are house cats. Some are apartment cats.
But Tinka is a truck cat. Tinka lives everywhere.

'Along with his human, Yacoub, Tinka travels roads wide and narrow, near and distant. But no matter how much they travel, home feels very far away – for both of them. 

'Yacoub drives his truck to make a living, learning the landscape of a new country along the way, and longing for connection. When Tinka and Yacoub are unexpectedly separated, they are determined to find their way back to each other – and, in doing so, might find more than they expected …' (Publication summary)

'A tender and uplifting picture book about pregnancy after loss, from the perspective of a soon-to-be-older sibling. 

'Exciting things were happening in Nina’s home. 
‘While we wait,’ said Mum, ‘let’s plant a seed and watch it grow.’  

'When Nina plants a pumpkin seed, she imagines herself and a little sister playing in the leaves of a large pumpkin plant. Nina’s mum is pregnant and it seems that Nina’s dreams may soon come true. But despite Nina’s loving care, her seedling stops growing as her mother’s pregnancy ends early. 

'As time goes by, her mother is pregnant again, and Nina finds the courage to plant another seed. This time, Nina’s seedling grows and grows, and her family embraces a joyful surprise with not one but two rainbow babies.

'The perfect picture book to share with any growing family.'  (Publication summary)

'A powerfully delightful picture book about childhood play and the enduring magic of our natural world.

'To make a magic potion, you will need these things:
A friend (or two or three)
A bucket or a pot
Or a hole
And – ingredients.

'At first glance this story could be seen as a set of instructions on how to brew a magic potion, the ingredients of which are familiar – mud, a leaf, some sand. But as the story unfolds, the two children at the heart of this story let their imaginations run wild as they take the reader on a glorious, lyrical journey outside.'  (Publication summary)

'Everyone Wants an Octopus Book! is a thought-provoking picture book about how everyone deserves to see themselves in books.

'Inky the octopus wants to read a book with a character that looks like them. With their best friend, Quack the duck, they scour every shelf, but all they seem to find are more books about ducks! Why aren't there any stories with octopuses? They decide maybe it’s time for one.' (Publication summary)

'A bear hug from my mama is the warmest place to be.
We’ll sleep inside our cave, all snuggly brave ... my Mama Bear and me.

'Bears can be cuddly soft and grizzly grumpy. But who is the cuddliest, grizzliest bear of all? Why, it’s MAMA BEAR!

'From the best-selling author of Love Makes a Family comes this loving tribute to real-life mama bears.' (Publication summary)

'Eid-al-Fitr is a joyous time of year for Muslims. It marks the end to Ramadan, a holy month of fasting, praying and deep spirituality – so the build-up to Eid is exciting and exuberant. Families come together to celebrate with delicious feasts and gifts, but sighting the crescent moon is the first sign that Eid can begin. In this gorgeous story about anticipation, celebration and tradition, a young girl called Maymoona – self-proclaimed future astronaut – cleverly finds a way to be the first to see the crescent moon in the sky, and to announce that Eid has begun.' (Publication summary)

'A loving, heartfelt collection of very short stories to help soothe children at the end of the day.

'Bedtime Stories for Hard Days is a thoughtful, loving collection of very short rhyming stories to help children unwind after a day of heightened emotions. 

'Inspired by the runaway success of Scott Stuart's TikTok and Instagram series, Bedtime Stories for Hard Days will help soothe and repair as children prepare to start tomorrow afresh. With Scott's characteristic warmth, friendliness and compassion, each story invites children to reflect on the day they've experienced before letting it go and relaxing into rest.' (Publication summary)

'‘Everybody is a genius.
But if you judge a fish by its ability to climb a tree,
it will live its whole life believing that it is stupid.’
-- Albert Einstein (or not, as it turns out!)

'So … can a fish climb a tree?
Can a horse drive a car?
Can a baby bake a cake?

'And if they can’t, what wonderful things can they do?

'From bestselling creators Jane Godwin and Terry Denton comes a quirky and inspiring book about celebrating who YOU are and the power and peace to be found in not trying to be anyone else.' (Publication summary)

'Our family is moving to a new country.
We can’t take all our things, so we need to make a list …

'In this warm-hearted and lovingly detailed picture book, Niña Nill weaves a story about the pieces of ourselves we bring along when we move, the things we have to leave behind, and how we rebuild a sense of home.

'We're Moving Away is the perfect book for any family facing change – no matter how big or how small.' (Publication summary)

'Reuben thinks it's impossible to tell Esmé and Eunwoo apart! They both have the same dark hair, are both short, and they even wear the same school uniform. Except that once Reuben starts to think about it, of course he knows who is who. But just as he starts to learn who's who, the girls have a surprise in store for him ...

'In this masterful picture book about race and perception, Nothing Alike shines a light on the tricky topic of micro-aggressions and stereotyping, with the wry humour, child-centredness and friendship dynamics of Who's Your Real Mum?.' (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)

'Sophie Beer celebrates gender expression in all forms in You’re Fabulous As You Are: whether it’s wearing sparkly tutus or stomping around in big black boots, to having messy fun or needing quiet time.

'You’re Fabulous As You Are tells kids it’s okay to choose any colour or change your mind, and encourages them to be completely and unashamedly their fabulous selves.

'From the creator of Love Makes a Family, Kindness Makes Us Strong and How to Say Hello, which have sold nearly a million copies worldwide.'  (Publication summary)

'A warm and optimistic story that introduces an Autistic character to a young audience

'Remarkable Remy is a warm and optimistic story that introduces an Autistic character to a young audience. The story helps explain the Autistic brain – how it works a little differently and how unique it is – and how our neurodivergent friends make the world remarkable!   

'My best friend’s name is Remy.
I think Remy is remarkable.
Remy is Autistic. That means Remy’s brain works differently to my brain.
I love that Remy is different to me, because Remy can teach me new ways to experience the world.

'A picture book for both Autistic and non-Autistic readers aged 3 and up, Remarkable Remy illuminates the experiences and strengths of Autistic people, and the joys of having Autistic friends.'  (Publication summary)

'I love hands!
Hands that are white and hands that are brown,
Freckles mean sunshine has sent kisses down.
Short fingers, long fingers, bendy or straight,
Hands to clap, or high-five your mate.

'Bold and beautiful, loud and proud, All Bodies are Good Bodies is an uplifting book about different body features and types.

'Through playful rhyme, it promotes the development of body acceptance and celebrates inclusivity and individuality.'

Source: Publisher's blurb.

'Hello Every Body! is a picture book that joyfully explores and celebrates the human body in all its many shapes and sizes. With playful illustrations and a joyful tone, Hello Every Body! is fun, diverse and inclusive, showing that all bodies are fabulous just the way they are, and that our differences make us who we are.'

Source: Publisher's blurb.