Cirrus@Austlit

'Dotty and the Lonely Farm is a heartwarming childrens picture book that whisks young readers into a tale of friendship and purpose. It follows Dotty, a spirited adopted greyhound whose energy and enthusiasm bring joy to the farm she calls home. With her best friend, Chloe, Dotty romps around the farm, but when the clock strikes eight and Chloe hurries to the school bus, Dotty feels all alone. Dotty sets off on a journey and discovers each animals role in the busy farm community. Visiting the hens, the cow and the sheep, Dotty learns that everyone on the farm has a very important job. Can she find a job of her own? Join Dotty as she learns the value of friendship, purpose, and the joy of discovering where she truly belongs.' (Publication summary) 

The true story of Albert, an anxious adopted greyhound, who overcomes his fear of cats to find a safe home, a warm bed and a family of his own.\

Source: Publisher's blurb.

'It was an Australian summer like no other. Record-breaking temperatures and years of severe drought fuelled a series of bushfires that burnt across the country. The major fires peaked during December 2019 and January 2020 and East Gippsland was hit hard. Throughout Victoria, people started 'paying it forward' and doing what they could to help others in need. And many heroes emerged.

'Heroes of Black Summer is a brand new picture book illustrating some of the heroic, brave and kind actions of Australian people during the 2019-20 bushfire season. Each mini story captures a real life experience of the harrowing events from individuals and families living in the East Gippsland region.

'The book provides fire-affected communities with a tool to manage stress, anxiety and depression to support healing and recovery, and is also a great resource to actively engage with the community to gather and share their stories.'

Source: Publisher's blurb.

‘Polly likes these stripy seeds,’ Grace said. ‘What are they from?’

‘Let’s find out,’ said Mrs Marino.

Grace and her neighbour plant a mystery seed. They wait and wait for ages. Then a little green shoot starts to grow . . . and grow . . . and grow . . . until, at last, Grace discovers the truth about her amazing mystery seed.'

Source: Publisher's blurb.

'Eva doesn’t know what an imagination is. With the help of her dog, Chops, Eva goes on a hunt to find it.

'A delightful story about the power of the imagination.'

Source: Publisher's blurb.

'The Flying Optometrist travels in his little red aeroplane from his practice in the city to a remote outback town. Lots of people are waiting for him! Aunty can't see well enough to carve her emu eggs and Bill the plumber has a splinter in his eye. Young Stephanie can't wait for him to arrive as she has broken her glasses and can't join in games of cricket and have fun with her friends - she can't see the ball! Hurry up Flying Optometrist! Where is he? Is he lost? 

'The townsfolk wait with bated breath until finally the Flying Optmetrist's little red plane appears, having only just missed a bad storm. A big meal waits for him in the local hotel. Then starts work checking eyesight. The Flying Optometrist doesn't have long, but he helps as many people as he can. He returns to the city but Stephanie has to wait a little longer for an exciting package to come - her new glasses!' (Publication summary)

'The little red boots went marching - marching - marching.

The little red boots went marching, merrily on their way.

'Rose and her scruffy companion, Banjo, take their kite on a morning adventure.' 

Source: Publisher's blurb.

'“If only I knew how to get to heaven!”, Summer whispered.
But Summer was sick of crying.
Summer set off to find heaven…

'Set off on a journey of discovery and adventure with Summer, a determined young girl who wants to find heaven. This beautiful story reassures children that loved ones are always with us.'

Source: Publisher's blurb.

'Amelia Arbuckle and her family are moving away. Amelia is sad because they are moving away from Granny. Amelia visits her granny every day before moving and together they have amazing adventures and lots of laughs. 

'This beautiful book highlights the beautiful, fun and playful relationship that exists between a child and their grandparent. It is comforting and reassuring for kids who are moving away from close family.'

Source: Publisher's blurb.

'Jemima likes to sing loud, dance her own moves and use her imagination, but her teacher and the other kids think she's too 'different'. When Mrs Chuckles takes over the class, Jemima discovers that being different is WONDERFUL!' (Publication summary)

'Our mummy says she loves us more than a gazillion billion trillion plus infinity. She says that we are the cleverest kids that she has ever known. Then sometimes we notice our mummy feeling sad. Our mummy's sadness explodes, and she cries. Our mummy cries all night. It feels strange...and a bit scary.'

Source: Publisher's blurb.

'It’s Christmas Eve, and Santa finds many treats left for him while delivering presents throughout the world. But as Santa keeps eating, his belt gets a bit tighter each time. Will he still fit down the chimney?' (Publication summary)

'‘The day before her birthday, Annabel said: “I must have the biggest and best cake for my party!’’ Her mother, who always wanted the best for her precious Annabel, organised a special taste– test at Chef Pierre’s Chocolate Emporium. Annabel wolfed down a chocolate sponge cake and grumbled, “Too plain!” Chef Pierre raised an eyebrow and twirled his magnificent moustache.

'He took up his whisk and said: “Watch this! He…Beat- Whipped-Swirled-Twirled and…”Voila! A chewy-gooey chocolate caramel mudcake with butterscotch syrup and every colour sprinkles." “Goodness me!” gasped Annabel’s mother... Annabel bit into the cake. “Hooray” cheered the crowd! “Too plain!” said Annabel, smoothing down her posh, frilly dress.’' (Publication summary)

'It happened when I was little, always when we were alone…but, sometimes he did things that worried me and made me feel strange on the inside…I thought games were supposed to be FUN. This is a gentle book that encourages children to tell someone about any confusing feelings that they might be experiencing, as a way of HEALING.' (Publication summary)

'A fresh Aussie twist is given to the classic song Five Little Ducks Went Out One Day in this gorgeous picture book.' (Publication summary)

10 Christmas crackers on the table top
And if one Christmas cracker should accidentally POP
There'll be 9 Christmas crackers on the table top.

'Sing along to the tune of '10 Green Bottles' as a typical Aussie family counts down to the most exciting day of the year! From decorating the tree, performing in a Christmas pageant, making presents for Mum and Dad, and laying out the stockings, this book includes everyone's favourite things about Christmas.'

Source: Publisher's blurb.

'We all know that the rain washed the Incy Wincy spider down the water spout. But where else did he try to shelter before the sun came out?

'In this fun and lively story, Incy tries to find a place to rest but keeps getting into strife! When he crawls under the house, he comes face to face with a hungry cat. In the living room, he nearly gets sucked up by Gran's vacuum cleaner, and his comfy resting place in the laundry hamper leads to a wet and wild ride in the washing machine.

'The adventures of this determined little spider are brought to life by Karen Erasmus' brightly coloured and irresistible illustrations.' (Publication summary)

'Lottie, Hamish and Whistle all agree that school crossing road safety rules are important.

'Luckily, Hamish is fluent in the language of Whistle and spends much of his time trying to teach his friends. Lottie the lollipop lady and Whistle himself join Hamish in teaching 'Whistle' to crossing users.

'Soon everyone discovers that the language of safety is necessary and a lot of fun to learn.'

Source: Back cover blurb.