Cirrus@Austlit

'Felix and Pip are back for the third and final installment of the COO-EE Trilogy, COO-EE Call to Forest Recovery. The first two stories followed Felix and Pip amidst experiencing the beginning embers of bush fires, through to the firefighters from near and far banding together to tame the flames. In this next chapter, from the ashes, new growth buds. Felix and Pip meet two kangaroo foresters who walk them through the process of encouraging and nurturing new life.

'Though there is never a dull day in the adventures of Felix and Pip, this wonderfully crafted story showcases the magic of nature reclaiming its space after such a disaster. COO-EE Call to Forest Recovery continues to pay homage to all those who either risk their lives fighting fires or dedicate themselves to rebuilding life.

'Lorraine de Kleuver, both author and illustrator of the trilogy, which COO-EE Call from the Bush and COO-EE Call to Friends Far Away, celebrates the life of the Australian bush. This one will undoubtedly be shared in schools, amongst families and friends for generations to come.' (Publication summary)

'For 10 year old Douha Hassan, the first school term shaped up better than expected. She has the best teacher, joined the school's basketball team, and made loads of new friends. But now it's the school holidays, and Douha is facing lots of challenges at home. She feels stuck between her older sister Siham who thinks she is ungrateful and her younger twin sisters who she finds annoying. She is also trying to befriend and be kind to her elderly, but grumpy neighbour, Mr Taylor. It's all very frustrating, but this school holiday falls in the special month of Ramadan, and it seems that Douha will be in for a change of heart.'

Source: Publisher's blurb.

'Bravery isn’t about being fearless. It’s about something magical that happens inside of us to push through our fear, self doubt, and anxiety and to do the things that feel hard or frightening.

'During challenging times that make us feel small, Brave As Can Be is a comforting celebration of everyday courage:

• Believing in ourselves,.
• Speaking out,.
• Trying new things,.
• Asking for help, and.
• Getting back up no matter how many times we may fall.' (Publication summary)

'This book follows on from the book "COO-EE Call from the Bush", and this time the fire fighters need help from Far away,

'Still amidst the raging bush fires, the KFA (Kanga Firefighters) must enlist the help of their overseas firefighting friends. Cue in the Bison and Brown Bear Crews! They all must work together to overcome this raging foe. with the Kangaroo and Bison flying the Water bombing Planes and the Bisons clearing fire breaks by pushing over trees the manage to control the fires and save a family of Koalas.' (Publication summary)

'Lucky is a bright and happy little girl who loves to wear big twirly dresses. Dancing and going on adventures with her dads are two of her favourite things to do. 

'Though her life is vibrant, sometimes things upset Lucky. But when she's feeling a little down, her two dads encourage her to change her frame of mind consciously. Shifting perspective, from sad to glad, will help improve her day in moments. 

'Sad to Glad introduces the concept of "cognitive reframing" in a simple way for an early childhood audience with rhyme and rhythm. It reminds us we have the power to change our mood. 

'No matter what is going on in the world, or our lives, holding onto the goodness of life helps us become more resilient to its twists and turns.

'Gracie Munari's first published work, Sad to Glad, is a brilliant resource for young children, families and teachers alike. 

'This book reflects society's diverse nature and the need for a light of support moving forward. ' (Publication summary)

'It's moving day! The chaos of moving to a new house and adapting to change can be daunting. But how can anyone focus on that when the new house has such a beautiful garden? And this is not just any garden. No. This garden has a secret - the mystery of the oak tree! Douha and her family say goodbye to their old house. Changing schools means having to make new friends. Though, Douha is so eager to uncover what is hidden, that she can hardly think of anything else! Is the oak tree trying to tell her something? It seems to be calling to her. Will Douha solve the mystery? You'll have to see for yourself.'

Source: Publisher's blurb.

'What Do I Love More Than My Balloon? is a story of inclusion and acceptance. Each coloured balloon inspires different flights of fantasy and fun. Through rhythm and rhyme, Linda El Samad presents the beauty of the world made all the more vibrant by our individuality. Shared through play and imagination, reminding us that in our uniqueness, we are brilliant. This colourful children's book asks a simple question that encourages children to be proud of who they are and to embrace others. Though we are different on the outside, our essence is the same.'  (Publication summary)

'Pip and Felix are back again for another adventure filled tale, fulle of heroism and bravery.

'It all starts when they receive an invitation to their friends wedding. But on their way, their little pit stop is a lot longer than expected. As the weather takes a turn, so does their journey. When lightning sparks a grass fire, Pip, Felix and the local animals must get the message out fast and escape quickly. "COO-EE" can be heard from far and wide, alerting others and calling for help. Wombats, Kangaroos, animals big and small all work together to get to safety, in true bush style.

'Coo-ee Call from the bush is Lorraine deKleuver's sixth published work. It's perfect timing with all that's occured in Australia and the world in the last couple of years. The messages in the story are clear, it is a celebration of resilience, compassion, and community mindset. All of which define us as human beings. It is and inspiring story for the family.' (Publication summary)

'Felix and Pip are off on another adventure, and this time the big blue moon will amaze them with its magic and beauty!

'The pair of friends find themselves on Raymond Island, hoping to see koalas, but when the night becomes a wonderful, mystical light show, they find new friends to help, and a new problem to solve, one piece of straw (and talking scarecrow) at a time!' (Publication summary)

'Young Charlie is a true-blue young Aussie, and so is his friend Khaled. They spend time together on their scooters, as well as chatting about the things that they share, and the things that make them different. My Muslim Mate, written by exciting new author Amal Abou-Eid, is the story of how, through talking and learning about each other's cultures, friendships can flourish and lives can work together harmoniously.

'The story explains aspects of Islam that are often misunderstood, and is a great resource for non-Muslim families who wish to learn more, as well as Muslim students in classrooms across Australia who can access the book to help express themselves.'  (Publication summary)

'Meet Chips and Potato Cake, two Seagulls from Williamstown. They love to race. Chips and Potato Cake are enthralled in their game, flying back and forth, to-and-fro. Flying is like running—you must be careful and pay attention. Potato Cake gets distracted for only a second and . . . oh no!

'Meanwhile, after mooring at Gem Pier, Felix and Pip follow their noses in search of some food. But, wait. Look at the fountain! What’s all the commotion? With clever thinking and the help of some unlikely friends, how will Felix and Pip save the day?

'When the Uneverythingable Happened teaches children the importance of being careful. Running around and playing is fun. However, wearing a bandage isn’t. Run and play, jump and swing. But, look out and watch where you are going. You don’t want to get stuck in a fountain too!' (Publication summary)

'In this, the third in the series of Felix and Pip and their adventures aboard boat Purr-fect, we find the friends at Queenscliff, on the look out for something exciting to do. Scuba diving seems just the thing, and once they’re all kitted out and in the water they meet a pair of animals who become their new friends for the afternoon adventure. After losing track of time while they play, the four fast friends discover what happens when you go off and don’t tell your loved ones where you are.

'This latest tale in the series of Felix and Pip teaches a valuable lesson to our little ones – your Mum, Dad, or carer needs to know where you’re going and who you are with!' (Publication summary)

'It’s a fun and carefree life for Felix the Water rat and his gang of friends, playing together on the banks of the Werribee River. They are an unusual combination of pals – four water rats, two dogs, and even a pelican!

'Things are just fine, until one stormy night Felix finds himself in trouble, and it’s up to his brave buddies to rescue him, with a bit of help from some friends in high places!

'Felix the Water rat and the Rescue of Purr-fect is an exciting tale of friendship and teamwork, and a wonderful book for the whole family to enjoy – not just on a stormy night either! Felix is even based on a real rat, and the lovely illustrations are drawn by Lorraine herself, with just the right eye for bringing Felix to life!' (Publication summary)

'What do a couple of firm friends (a water rat and a dog no less!) do for fun? They go sailing around Port Phillip Bay of course!

'In this tale we see plucky Felix and Pip, the most daring of duos, meet up with an animal they’ve never seen before – a baby dragon from Geelong! Can they overcome their differences to add another friend to their lives? You’ll have to read and find out!

'Incorporating well-known areas and emphasising the importance of not ‘judging a book by its cover’, the first tale in the series promises to be not only an Australian classic, but also a wonderful story of friends, fun and adventure. The first in a series of tales about the irrepressible Felix and Pip, children and parents alike will enjoy the references to areas of Victoria they know and love, as well as the astonishing adventures these two get themselves into!' (Publication summary)

'We all have deep respect for the legacy and bravery of Australia's diggers, but how many of their stories do we truly know? Michelle Primmer, grandniece of Herbert Frederick Golding Lefevre, knows her uncle's story better than most after spending years transcribing his WW1 diary.Uncle Bert's Diary shares a story that must be told, beginning with the day he began service in April 1917 and weaving an incredible story through many countries - Egypt, Italy, France and eventually on to Belgium. We see Bert's life as a soldier, warts and all, the training, the trenches and the mates who stood by each other through thick and thin.' (Source : Trove)

'Shhh! You must solemnly swear to use this wonderful collection of poetry only in non‐mum settings! When it’s time for a bit of silly, stinky, crazy fun, dads can really shine (or smell!).

'Tim Healy’s collection of verse is a dad‐friendly zone, taking a hilarious approach to all the yucky (and fun) things that mum just may not care for.

'Springing from real‐life scenarios, and some fantastical creations of fiction too, Don’t Tell Mum is a great way for dads to get stuck into the fun of reading and rhyme with their kids, all while touching on subjects dads can relate to. Tim wants dads to get silly with their kids, and relieve some of the seriousness that can come along with being a modern father.' (Publication summary)

'Freddie the frog and his family live in a beautiful frog-bog by the banks of a crystal clear lake. Slowly their waterways become polluted, and the family of frogs begin to get sick.

'Just when they think the pollution is there to stay, everything changes for the better when a little girl called Charlie comes along and helps to clean up the mess.' (Publication summary)

'I Love You Now Until Forever is written from the heart, motivated by the loss Blake and his family experienced and what he found to be a lack of appropriate children's literature to help them grieve. It is an adaptation of When I Left by Aly Walsh, whose children were in the same classes as Blake's children at primary school. The idea was hatched in the schoolyard by Aly, keen for Blake to go away and write a book that was appropriate for the loss of someone special to cancer. From borrowed beginnings the book took on a creative life of its own, and has been designed as a kind of scrapbook for anyone, be they here or sadly lost, to give to a child as a treasure trove of memories, personal photos and positive messages. Blake has designed the book using elements that his wife loved, like butterflies, frangipanis, antique gold frames, and of course diamonds. Additionally, the dandelion blowing in the wind has special significance, illustrating the experience of loss and re-birth. Blake has written a book that he and his wife would have loved to create for each of their children, to read and keep forever. He can do it now, and so can anyone else, immortalising treasured memories forever. Blake's wish is that anyone, and especially those people who are on a personal journey of their own, can use this book to provide comfort, joy and confidence to the children dearest to their hearts.' (Publication summary)