Cirrus@Austlit

'Minty Mae Gray is having a very bad day. A girl in her class made some rude remarks about how she looks, and poor Minty is crushed.

'But just as she’s sinking into the depths of despair, something odd happens … the unicorn picture on Minty’s wall COMES TO LIFE!

'Led by her lovable, pink-spotted unicorn friend, Minty sets off on a magical journey through some of history’s greatest works of art.

'As she meets the subjects of these great paintings, and the artists behind them, Minty comes to realise that true beauty comes from the inside, and that she’s perfect just the way she is.'

Source: Publisher's blurb.

'Professor Terry Denton talks you through all you need to know about Earth, Life, the Universe and EVERYTHING (almost).

'Sure to engage anyone from the ages of 8 to 80 (and beyond), this is a funny, fascinating whistle-stop tour of the history and science of the universe, life on Earth, the ins and outs of biology, geography, geology and the weather, how life evolved and how it works, and how people use the forces of nature around us to create amazing things. There's even a chapter on time! Get ready to laugh and be amazed at the world around you and within you.' (Publication summary)

'Pearl and Vally Cole live in a bookshop. And not just any bookshop. In 1893, Cole's Book Arcade in Melbourne is the grandest bookshop in the world, brimming with every curiosity imaginable. Each day brings fresh delights for the siblings: voice-changing sweets, talking parrots, a new story written just for them by their eccentric father.

'When Pearl and Vally learn that Pa has risked the Arcade - and himself - in a shocking deal with the mysterious Obscurosmith, the siblings hatch a plan. Soon they are swept into a dangerous game with impossibly high stakes: defeat seven challenges by the stroke of midnight and both the Arcade and their father will be restored. But if they fail Pearl and Vally won't just lose Pa - they'll forget that he and the Arcade ever existed.' (Publication summary)