Cirrus@Austlit

'From the creators of An Aussie Christmas Gum Tree, Jackie Hosking’s lyrical rhymes and Nathaniel Eckstrom’s charming illustrations are the perfect match to get you into the Christmas spirit.

'It’s Christmas Eve but Santa is stuck in a gum tree! How will he deliver the presents?
Luckily, an enthusiastic cast of Aussie animals are up for the challenge. But despite their Christmas spirit, unsticking Santa is harder than they thought! Maybe they need a new plan …' (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)

'Life can be beautiful if you make it beautiful. It is up to you.

'Eddie lived with his family and adorable dachshund, Lulu, in the beautiful city of Leipzig in Germany. But one day, into the sunshine of his childhood crept a dark, heavy cloud. Not a rain cloud. Much worse than that. Adolf Hitler came to power.

'When Eddie was 18, he was sent to a concentration camp.

'A picture book adaptation for older readers (8+ years) based on the extraordinary, the bestselling adult title THE HAPPIEST MAN ON EARTH.

'The story is framed as a conversation between 101-year-old Eddie and his great grandchildren - who are bursting with questions about the life of their Pépé.

'The story of Eddie's life unfolds beautifully, sensitively, heartbreakingly through his words, and exquisite illustrations by Nathaniel Eckstrom.'

Source: Publisher's blurb.

'Join Possum and his bush friends in this rhyming read-aloud story, perfect to share for an Aussie Christmas.

'From his lofty watch post, Possum is drawn to the sight of a distant tree covered in sparkling trinkets. A Christmas Tree, according to Kookaburra. So begins a quest in which Possum and his crafty crew of helpers try very hard to decorate their very own Christmas gum tree from Bowerbird’s treasure trove. But it’s not as easy as you might think!' (Publication summary)

'At Christmastime all over Australia - from the bush to the 'burbs - Santa arrives on the back of the fire truck! This boisterous picture book celebrates a much-loved Aussie tradition.

'A Christmas tradition, all round this land,
from the city to the country, from the bush to the sand,
in a shiny red truck instead of a sleigh,
Santa sets out on his jolly old way.

But this fire truck has seen better days. It creaks and rattles and groans as Santa makes his rounds.
'It will take a miracle to get through Christmas Eve...

'With beautiful illustrations by Nathaniel Eckstrom, this is an energetic and delightful celebration of a wonderful Aussie tradition.'(Publication summary)

'Ten little figs are on my tree. I love figs and they're all for me. Ten Little Figs is a joyful rhyming picture book about a child keeping careful watch of the figs on the fig tree in his backyard. With his dog by his side, he counts down the number of figs as they are taken by various hungry Australian animals (flying fox, finches, green ants and others) until only one fig is left. Who will get that very last fig? Luckily Dad comes to the rescue and surprises his little one with the very last fig.'

Source: Publisher's blurb.

'Finnian Jones lived in a house brimming with books. One morning, Finnian woke up eager to create a story of his own... Follow Finnian's journey as he takes his Gran's advice and "digs deep" to find his own ideas. Along the way he discovers much more than he expected but will he ever be able to create a story of his own?'

Source: Publisher's blurb.

'A seagull above

'Said, “See, look here, loves, I’ve winged my way further than you!”

'A soaring brown hawk

'Said, “Hey, you two dorks, See me stick to the clouds here like glue!'

'From the illustrator who brought you The Racker Racker Club and The Dress-Up Box comes a picture book about a pack of arrogant characters in a race to the top, and a duck who cleverly brings them back to reality.'

Source: Publisher's blurb.

'I am NEVER going to be able to tie my shoelaces. It's IMPOSSIBLE! Caterpillar really wants to learn to tie his shoelaces so he can be a tap dancing star! Luckily, his bunny friend gives him all the steps to learn how to do it.You can learn too!'  (Publication summary)

'The Frolleys have to move from their beloved house at 32 Sunshine Avenue to a place with dripping taps, stinky carpets and ants. 

'But they have brought something with them that can turn any house into a home. 

'The Dress-Up Box is a story about childhood, belonging and the power of imagination.'  (Publication summary)

'Duck can see that something is falling from the sky. He tries to warn the other farmyard animals by telling them to "Duck!" but they won’t listen…' (Source: Publisher's blurb) 

'The only thing worse than a long and boring road trip is driving with someone who loves long and boring road trips. Even when that someone is your dad. 

'A hilarious story about a child who becomes increasingly exasperated by his father's inclination to take it slow.' (Publication summary)

'Stanley loves inventing fun things to play with. But Stanley is so stubborn he wont let anyone else join inno matter what! Can Stanley work out how to make things fun all by himself? Or will he have to come up with another plan...?' (Publication summary)

'To be in the Ricker Racker Club you have to be brave. You have to be kind. You have to not be a girl ...but some people are better than others at being both kind and brave. Patrick Guest and Nathaniel Eckstrom tell us who and why and how in this lively story about silly rules and even sillier situations.' (Publication summary)

'This is me, and this is Moo. And THIS is Roar. Moo has been part of the family for a while now. It was quite a surprise when Roar came to live with us too! Meet Me and Moos new friend, Roar. He likes dressing up, using Mums hairbrush and sneaking snacks from the kitchen. But thats not all Roar SNORES! What will Mum and Dad have to say when they find out Roar has come to stay too? ' (Publication summary)

'Moo lives under my bed, and at night he eats Mum’s flowers from the backyard.

I tell him not to eat the flowers but he just loves the purple ones.

'Meet me and Moo.

'Sometimes new friends can be found in the most unexpected places...' (Publisher's abstract.)

'"Ten of Santa's reindeer were going out for a skate, but when one of those reindeer flew right over the gate, there were only nine of Santa's reindeer left going for a skate." It's nearly Christmas! The presents are wrapped and the sleigh is packed, but ten of Santa's reindeer still have lots to do. Find out what they get up to before their busiest day of the year!' (Publication summary)

'Connected is a children's picture book for our ultra-connected world. Nathaniel Eckstrom takes us on a whimsical and sensory journey through this quaint little apartment block, exploring its inhabitants, floor by floor and introducing us to its quirky occupants; each very different, but all surprisingly connected. What is it that links each neighbour to the next?' (Publication summary)

'This is a jouney into a fantasy land that the child eventually tires of and returns home.

'Little belle's mornings begin the same way every day...drumming on doors, stringing flags and flying on her trapeze - and while all of this is lots of fun, breakfast never is - it's always plain, old, gluggy, muggy porridge.' (Publication summary)