Cirrus@Austlit

'Maude is the daughter of witches. She spent her childhood running wild with her best friend, Odette, weaving stories of girls who slayed dragons and saved princes. But Maude grew up and lost her magic.

'Then two weeks ago Odette went missing, and everyone believes she is dead. Everyone except Maude. 

'Maude is sure she can find Odette inside the ruins of an abandoned power plant built over an ancient magical forest - a place nobody else seems to remember is there. 

'Soon she discovers that wild magic is both deeply enchanting and terrifying. Can she find her friend - and stop the horrors of corrupted magic from overtaking everyone and everything she loves? ' (Publication summary)

'Dale is grappling with guilt and intense regret after stumbling in on what looked to be a rape in a bedroom at a party. In his drunken confusion, he froze-and then bolted. Why didn't he do anything? Why didn't he tell someone? He can't stop thinking about what happened. He wants to make things right-but he doesn't know how.

'There's no way he can talk to his dad. His mum walked out four months ago. And his best friend, Kieran, wouldn't understand. Dale's not even sure Kieran would see a problem with what happened. Kieran is so casual about sex. And drugs. And life in general. The opposite of Dale.

'Then Max arrives, Dale's cousin. She's older, smart, cool-with her own perspective on Dale's problem. But she's also suffering from an eating disorder, and Dale once again is powerless to help.

'Meanwhile, Dale meets Brent- he's a year older, and hot. And they hook up. It's intense and intimate and seems destined to become the perfect relationship. And Dale holds on tight-too tight.

'Blind Spot is a nuanced and insightful exploration of the responsibility that comes with being a witness, the culpability of inaction and the complex nature of friendship-from an exciting new voice in Australian YA literature.' (Publication summary)

'Jono, a city-born Indigenous teenager is trying to figure out who he really is. Life in Brisbane hasn't exactly made him feel connected to his Country or community. Luckily, he's got his best friend, Jenny, who has been by his side through their hectic days at St Lucia Private.

'After graduating, Jono and Jenny score gigs at the Aboriginal Performing Arts Centre and an incredible opportunity comes knocking - interning with a documentary crew. Their mission? To promote a big government mining project in the wild western Queensland desert. The catch? The details are sketchy, and the land is rumoured to be sacred. But who cares? Jono is stoked just to be part of something meaningful. Plus, he gets to be the lead presenter!

'Life takes a turn when they land in Gambari, a tiny rural town far from the hustle and bustle of the city. Suddenly, Jono's intuition becomes his best guide. He's haunted by an eerie omen of death, battling suffocating panic attacks, and even experiencing visions of Wudun - a malevolent spirit from the Dreaming. What's the real story behind the gas mining venture? Are the documentary crew hiding something from Jono? And could Wudun be a messenger from the land, fighting back against the invasion?

'Borderland is a heart-pounding horror gothic that follows Jono on an epic quest to find himself in the face of unbelievable challenges. Graham Akhurst, the brilliant mind behind this coming-of-age gem, is a Fulbright scholar from the Kokomini of Northern Queensland. Brace yourself for a fresh, mind-bending tale exploring Indigenous identity, the impact of colonization, and what happens when you take a stand.' (Publication summary)

'Karen McManus and Holly Jackson meets Fleur Ferris in this fast-paced YA murder mystery.

'Eleanor Jones has just started at her ninth high school in less than five years. Since she and her mum are always moving on, Eleanor likes to stay on the outer, to stay invisible. So maybe it's just bad luck that the very first person she talks to at Cooinda Secondary College, Angus Marshall, is stabbed and left for dead the same day. The last message on Angus's phone is from Eleanor Jones.

'After being interviewed by the police, Eleanor realises they don't have all the facts and decides to investigate. In trying to understand what happened to Angus, Eleanor inadvertently becomes involves with an eclectic group of fellow students - all of whom have their own reasons to want to solve the mystery.

'As they slowly unravel Angus's secrets, Eleanor discovers the true meaning of friendship - and uncovers a danger lurking at the heart of the town . . .'(Publication summary)

'Elora is leaving her hometown for university. Leaving behind friends, family, and safety to follow her dream of studying theatre while she still has the chance.

'Together, Elora and her older sister, Vivienne, set out by road for the city and the upcoming semester. The relationship between them is fractured and fading, turned upside down by Eta Draconis: the violent meteor shower that has rained across Earth since the beginning of their adolescence. In a land scarred by craters and shockwaves, to travel anywhere is to risk everything. As the showering intensifies and their way forward becomes threatened, the sisters are forced to confront their relationship and recalibrate their hopes for the future. Do they return home or press on in the face of the meteors? Can life ever be normal with the world crashing down all around you?

'Eta Draconis is an epic story about two resilient sisters who are determined to live their life in a world on the brink of destruction.'

Source: Publisher's blurb.

'This song has a grace note,

a tiny note that's there for embellishment but
can easily be ignored,
not played.
Tonight, I add it in -
just because.
We can all do with an extra note
of grace.

'Grace Dalfinch is a talented violinist who longs to play contemporary music in bars, but her mum forbids her.

'James Crux is an aspiring street artist who promised his dad he wouldn't paint in public until he's finished school.

'When Crux witnesses Grace's impromptu performance on a deserted tram, he's inspired to paint her and her violin; and when Grace stumbles across her portrait in a Melbourne alley by an anonymous street artist, she sets out to find its creator.

'Grace Notes is a debut YA verse novel, set in one of the most locked-down cities in the world - Melbourne, 2020. For fans of Cath Crowley and Pip Harry.'

'This enticing collection of contemporary fiction is a celebration of our ubuntu- the invisible ties that bind us all together. From ancient forest guardians to modern cultural warriors, from grappling with ageold traditions to championing hair identity, these evocative stories explore the duality of Kenyan life and how to find a way between two cultures, both of which are yours. Chemutai Glasheen's unforgettable characters are drawn from her early life in Africa, with all its richness, diversity and complexity.'(Publication summary)

'An exclusive group chat. A deadly challenge. How far would you go to join? Jayden Jones is missing. Everyone thinks he ran away. His best friend, Zoe Ross, knows they're wrong. Zoe's search leads her to the Seventeen, a secret group chat, used by anonymous teens to blackmail the powerless. To join, you have to put on a mask and record yourself completing a challenge. The challenges are always illegal. Sometimes dangerous. Maybe deadly. Who are the Seventeen? What have they done to Jayden? And what will they do to silence Zoe? A rollercoaster of suspense and twists from the author of the Liars series.' (Publication summary)

'A gritty YA novel about family secrets, hope and healing. Based on a true story.

'Lisa’s father has six months to live. And a story to tell about a boy sent to Auschwitz. A boy who lost everything and started again. A story he has kept hidden – until now.

'But Lisa doesn’t want to hear it, because she has secrets too. No one at school knows she is Jewish or that her dad is sick. Not even her boyfriend.

'But that’s all about to change. And so is she.' (Publication summary)

'Ella and I have been best friends since grade one. We can spend hours talking about everything and nothing. We know each other’s greatest fears, things that irrationally annoy us, and ideal career if money and skill weren’t an issue. If there was only one Hartford Bakery brownie left in the whole world and it was somehow in my possession, Ella is the only person I’d consider sharing it with.

'Life is pretty good for sixteen-year-old Abby. Okay, her grandma doesn’t remember things anymore, her relationship with her mum is increasingly strained and she accidentally kissed her cousin’s cousin on the weekend, so things aren’t exactly perfect. But everything is manageable with her best friend, Ella, by her side.

'And with Ella’s brother, Will, interesting and attentive, on the sidelines.

'When new girl Chloe arrives, Abby is pleased to be the one to show her around, to welcome her to the group. But Abby doesn’t imagine Chloe fitting in so well or quite so quickly. And before long Abby is feeling just a little left out, a little unsure of Ella’s friendship. In a moment of anger and confusion she wishes something bad would happen.

'When it does—with tragic consequences—everything shifts again. And Abby has to face her own feelings and work out what friendship really means.

'Megan Williams’ brilliant debut Let’s Never Speak of This Again is a tender, moving story laced with humour, about friendship, about the things that test it, and about what matters most.'(Publication summary)

'In a dazzling new fantasy world full of whispered secrets and political intrigue, the magic of women is outlawed but three girls with unusual gifts have the chance to change it all.

'Magic may be illegal in Simta, but you can find it if you know which whispers to heed. None as tantalising as the ones about the Nightbirds, Simta's best kept secret. These privileged girls have the ability to gift their magic to others with a kiss – something the church would have them killed for. But protected by the Great Houses, their identities safe behind masks, the Nightbirds are well-guarded treasures.

'Matilde, Æsa, and Sayer spend their nights bestowing their unique brands of magic to well-paying clients. But this Season's Nightbirds find themselves at the heart of a political scheme that threatens their secrets and their safety. When they discover that their magic is far more than they were ever told, they see the carefully crafted Nightbird system for what it is: a gilded cage.

'Now they must make a choice – to remain kept birds or take control, remaking the city that dared to clip their wings.

'Filled with sumptuous, cinematic writing and dazzling details, Nightbirds is a fiercely feminist fantasy debut where the most potent magic lies not in a kiss, but in the truth.'(Publication summary)

'Aspiring singer-songwriter Eva has one last chance to enter Triple J Unearthed High and break into the music industry.

'But after three failed attempts, she needs some help.

'Cue the band: perfectionist Eva, charismatic Cooper, easy-going Ant and moody Ruby. Plus fly-on-the-wall Mim, who's filming them for her school Media project.

'Five people who have nothing in common but music. One emotionally and creatively charged weekend.

'Can they record the most important song of their lives?' (Publication summary)

'A sweetly moving story about friendship and finding happiness, for readers who loved Wonder and Lenny's Book of Everything.

'Frances is in a new house in a new neighbourhood and going to a new school, but no amount of new can make her forget the old, sad secret dragging at her heart. Not the pictures of bacteria that she draws with painstaking precision, not even Picasso, the puppy with the long soft ears and the cute black circle like a target on his bottom. Then Frances meets Kit, the tall, quiet boy with the two-coloured eyes. Kit is a real artist. His coloured pencils fill page after page of exercise books. He sees wonder in the rocks and ferns and sky. Though Kit has worries of his own. 

'But when secrets are spilled, Frances's life turns grey and drab. Not even Picasso's wet nose can brighten her up. Frances and Kit will need to face the truth of their pasts to find colour in their world again. After all, don't the most brilliant sunsets need a cloudy sky?

'A beautiful novel about finding the remarkable in the ordinary and celebrating the wonder of every day from the award-winning author of Borrowed Light.'(Publication summary)

'Inspired by Pride and Prejudice this modern tale captures the spirit and energy of Austen's original satire of manners, while updating and developing it for contemporary audiences, coming of age in the 2020s.

'The quiet coastal community of Pippi Beach is rocked when a party of young Hollywood movie stars and influencers arrives for the summer. Like most of the locals, mum Lydia is thrilled but her teenage daughter Lily finds the Hollywood types are superficial and arrogant – especially Dorian Khan, the most famous of them all. Lily’s opinion is confirmed by handsome backpacker Alex, who has quite the story about Dorian’s past. On a holiday to Los Angeles, Lily stays with family friend Wilson, an ambitious player who introduces her to powerful movie producer Stacy Black. Lily is in turns amused and appalled by the excesses of the movie business, and more than a little surprised when Dorian Khan seeks her out. Could they actually become friends? And what’s more, has she been what she hopes never to be ... stupid?'

Source: Publisher's blurb.

'Magic, romance, and slumbering gods clash in the start of a riveting fantasy series spanning gangsters' dens, forgotten temples, and the high seas from the New York Times bestselling author of the Illuminae Files and the Aurora Cycle.

'Selly has saltwater in her veins. So when her father leaves her high and dry in the port of Kirkpool, she has no intention of riding out the winter at home while he sails to adventure in the north seas. But any plans to follow him are dashed when a handsome stranger with tell-tale magician's marks on his arms commandeers her ship under cover of darkness: He is Prince Leander of Alinor, and he needs to cross the Crescent Sea without detection so he can complete a ritual on the sacred Isles of the Gods.

'Selly has no desire to escort a spoiled prince anywhere, and no time for his entitled demands or his good looks. But what starts as a leisure cruise will lead to acts of treason and sheer terror on the high seas, bringing two countries to the brink of war, two strangers closer than they ever thought possible and two dangerous gods stirring from centuries of slumber...' (Publication summary) 

'OUR HOPELESS, HOPEFUL WORLD

'A novel about the contours of friendship, family, forgiveness, trauma and love that explores the stories we suppress and the stories we speak-and the healing that comes when we voice the things we've kept quiet for so long.

'George's life is loud. On the water, though, with everything hushed above and below, she is steady, silent. Then her estranged dad says he needs to talk, and George's past begins to wake up, looping around her ankles, trying to drag her under.

'Everything is a blaring, blazing mess. Could Calliope, the girl who has just cartwheeled into George's world and shot it through with brilliant, dazzling colour, be her calm among the chaos?' (Publication summary)

'Return to the enchanting world of ABIA winner The Left-Handed Booksellers of London, as a team of booksellers must fight to keep dangerous magic under cover before the stuff of legends destroys our world. From master world builder Garth Nix, this riveting fantasy adventure is set in an alternate 1980s London.

'There is often trouble of a mythical sort in Bath. The booksellers who police the Old World keep a careful watch there, particularly on the entity who inhabits the ancient hot spring. Yet this time it is not from Sulis Minerva that trouble starts. It comes from the discovery of a sorcerous map, leading left-handed bookseller Merlin into great danger. A desperate rescue is attempted by his sister, the right-handed bookseller Vivien, and their friend, art student Susan Arkshaw, who is still struggling to deal with her own recently discovered magical heritage.

'The map takes the trio to a place separated from this world, maintained by deadly sorcery performed by an Ancient Sovereign and guarded by monstrous living statues of Purbeck marble. But this is only the beginning, as the booksellers investigate centuries of disappearances and deaths and try to unravel the secrets of the murderous Lady of Stone, a serial killer of awesome powers.

'If they do not stop her, she will soon kill again. And this time, her target is not an ordinary mortal.

'A wintry return to the somewhat alternate 1980s England of The Left-Handed Booksellers of London.'(Publication summary)

'Get ready to fall in love in this hilarious romcom about a girl who begins a fake relationship with the famous actor in her class, perfect for fans of Meg Cabot and Jenny Han.

'When seventeen-year-old Eliza Lin's essay about meeting the love of her life unexpectedly goes viral, her entire life changes overnight. Now she has the approval of her classmates at her new international school in Beijing, a career-launching internship opportunity at her favourite magazine ... and a massive secret to keep.

'Eliza made her essay up. She's never been in a relationship before, let alone in love. All good writing is lying, right?

'Desperate to hide the truth, Eliza strikes a deal with the famous actor in her class, the charming but aloof Caz Song. She'll help him write his college applications if he poses as her boyfriend. Caz is a dream boyfriend -- he passes handwritten notes to her in class, makes her little sister laugh, and takes her out on motorcycle rides to the best snack stalls around the city.

'But when her relationship with Caz starts feeling a little too convincing, all of Eliza's carefully laid plans are threatened. Can she still follow her dreams if it means breaking her own heart?' (Publication summary)

'Funny and romantic, an upbeat YA novel about gaming, goals and getting even from a fresh new voice in contemporary fiction.

'Sam Khoo has one goal in life: create cool indie games. She's willing to do anything to make her dream come true – even throw away a scholarship to university. All she needs is a super-rare ticket to a game design workshop and she can kickstart her career.

'So when Jay Chua, aka Jerky McJerkface, sneakily grabs the last ticket, it's war. Knowing how their Australian-Malaysian community works, Sam issues him an ultimatum: put the ticket on the line in a 1v1 competition of classic video games, or she'll broadcast his duplicity to everyone. Thank you, Asian Gossip Network.

'Meeting in neutral locations, away from the eyes and ears of nosy aunties and uncles, Sam and Jay connect despite themselves. It's a puzzle that Sam's not sure she wants to solve. But when her dream is under threat, will she discover that there is more than one way to win?' (Publication summary)

'A wonderful emotional rollercoaster of a novel about two young men, each on a journey of discovery. It's part coming-out story, part falling-in-love story, part relationship breakdown story, part extended Greek family story. It's warm and funny, a little bit heartbreaking, and completely satisfying.

'Seventeen-year-old Harvey dreams of breaking free from his life. But when the relationship between his dads breaks down, he's hauled across Australia on a red-eye flight from Perth to Sydney to live on top of a café with the extended Greek family he barely knows - a family who are about to get some very sad news.

'Sotiris has achieved his dream. He's a published author at seventeen. But in reality, the dream … kind of sucks. When he meets a cute, wise-cracking bookseller named Jeremy, however, he discovers a new and unexpected dream. One he's not sure he's prepared for.

'Harvey's and Sotiris's stories converge on the same street in Darlinghurst, in this beautifully heartfelt novel about how our dreams shape us, and what they cost us.' (Publication summary) 

'The thought comes to me: This is how I die. Dally is going to lose control and crash us into a pole or a house and we will be killed on impact.

'The justice system characterises Jamie Langton as a 'danger to society', but he's just an Aboriginal kid, trying to find his way through adolescence.

'Jamie lives in Dalton's Bay with Aunty Dawn and Uncle Bobby. He spends his downtime hanging out with his mates, Dally and Lenny. Mark Cassidy and his white mates - the Footy Heads - take every opportunity they can to bully Jamie and his friends. On Lenny's last night in town before moving to Sydney, after another episode of racist harassment, Jamie, Dally and Lenny decide to retaliate by vandalising Mark Cassidy's car. And when they discover the keys are in the ignition… Dally changes the plan. Soon they are all in Mark Cassidy's stolen car cruising through town, aiming to take it for a quick spin, then dump it.

'But it's a bad plan. And as a consequence, Jamie ends up in the youth justice system where he must find a way to mend his relationships with himself, his friends, his family and his future.' (Publication summary)

(Publication summary)

'Sometimes feeling bored is just the beginning ...

'My name is Evie and I'm making plans. Actual plans. I'm going to build my own house. I'm not talking about some silly treehouse either. I'm going to build a real house.

'Only it seems everyone else who lives in Turtle Place has an opinion they'd like to share. Frog and Milo want to build something totally different, Mr Santos is grumpy, Mrs Katz is spying on us, my sister is the most annoying person on earth and my parents don't believe in me at all. But I have a plan!

'I have big dreams when I'm bored ...' (Publication summary)

'The world's happiest and most dog-friendly superhero is here! A brand new adventure for junior readers from Kate Foster.

'Meet Harriet Hound. She's eight years old and loves dogs!

'But Harriet has something else that makes her super ... the power to summon the dogs from her family's rescue shelter every time there’s trouble afoot.

'Whether it's a carnival catastrophe, a sudden storm, or vanishing vegetables, Harriet and her best dog friends use their super special talents and problem-solving skills to save the day!' (Publication summary)

'Huda hatches a bold plan to help her dad get a job - which lands her and her brother in all kinds of trouble. A delightful and hilarious story from a CBCA award-winning author, about a lion-hearted girl who just wants the best for her family.

'Huda yawns loudly and stretches out her arms. Almost like she's bored in science class and waiting for the bell to go for lunch. Except we're not at school, we're in police custody. Because of her stupid idea.

'When her dad loses his job as a security officer and has to work interstate, Huda convinces her brother Akeal to sneak out at night to make mischief. They hope that introducing some minor crime activity into the neighbourhood will force their dad's bosses to hire him back. 

'The dynamic duo begin their crime spree by pushing over bins the night before rubbish collection. They're almost caught - but that's only the beginning of the hot water they end up in. As their activities escalate, will they be able to outsmart the authorities? Huda is brave, but how much is she willing to risk for family unity - and what else might she and Akeal uncover along the way?

'A thoroughly entertaining story full of hijinks, courage and hilarity.' (Publication summary)

'A tender Australian story about searching for the impossible in the places where magic and science meet.

'For Carina Sugden, there is nothing more special than a moon tree - a tree grown from the seeds taken on the 1971 Apollo mission into space. Her father taught her everything she knows about them. But he passed away before they found one together.

'When Mum relocates the family to a small town in the Otway Ranges, Carina becomes determined to find a moon tree on her own. Like a scientist, she methodically searches the forest behind her new house. But after a mysterious encounter with a black cockatoo, Carina realises there's magic in this forest. And if magic really exists, anything is possible, like seeing her dad one last time...

'Meet Me at the Moon Tree is a heart-healing book about believing in magic, in science, and in the power of love.' (Publication summary) 

'Ming Qong is convinced that girls have changed history throughout the world.

'She's faced danger and adventure when Herstory sent her to the past to witness girls' bravery in the incredible feats left out of 'histories'. Now Ming asks Herstory for another time-travelling quest – this time, one that is less confronting.

'Ming finds herself in relative luxury, heading to an unknown destination on a ship carrying royal Saxon sheep, travelling with the girls who care for them.

'What do female shepherds have to do with history? And is it even possible for sheep to be royal?

'As Ming knows only too well, change is never easy, so how can one girl – and a sheep – change the world?' (Publication summary)

'Ever wonder why pigeons always act so weird? It’s because they’re out there chasing the bad guys and saving your butts!

'The Real Pigeons love flapping around the city and fighting crime.

But when lunches start mysteriously DISAPPEARING from tummies, a LOOKALIKE pigeon makes evil plans and a dangerous DOVE starts DESTROYING the city, the pigeons will need to use all the powers they have – and more!

Can the Real Pigeons stick together through the chaos? Or will someone fly away for good? One thing is for sure: the squad will never be the same again!' (Publication summary)

'Yearning to escape the new family he never wanted, thirteen-year-old Leo Arnold is transported to wartime Europe where he must draw on his courage to save himself and those around him.

'From award-winning author Suzanne Leal comes a gripping timeslip novel inspired by true stories.

'Thirteen-year-old Leo Arnold hates his life. He doesn't want a new school, a new house or a new family. And he definitely doesn't want to be sharing a room with his new stepbrother, Cooper.

'What Leo wants is to be somewhere else, far away. So when he uncovers an old music box and turns the key, he is astonished to find himself in Prague, surrounded by whispers and fears of a second world war. A war that ended decades ago.

'In Prague, Leo meets Ivan, a Czech boy, and the two become friends. But when World War Two finally erupts, the unimaginable becomes real and the boys are imprisoned. Fearing the worst, Leo and Ivan frantically search for an escape. A search that sends them running.

'Running against time.

'Running for their lives.'  (Publication summary)

'Who are you when your other half is gone? Twelve-year-old Charli knows no other way of being than as a twin. But when her twin sister, Freya, succumbs to a lifelong battle with illness, Charli, consumed by grief, retreats into a tent in her backyard. Closed off from her family and friends, Charli risks losing not only her other half but her whole self. Without her twin, who is left to save Charli? From Di Walker comes a story of loss, the importance of friendship and the transcendence of love, even if it is sometimes hard to see.' (Publication summary)

'Twelve-year-old Will Haddon and his twin friends, Dar and Juno, find a safe full of money and human bones in an old house that’s sticking out of a rapidly receding lake amid the worst drought in history. Their mission to identify the body reveals secrets that will rewrite the history of their town and the story of their lives. 

'When Will was five, his dad, a young cop, went missing just days before Old Scarborough was drowned beneath a man-made lake for a hydroelectric scheme. Old Scarborough’s residents were promised new houses, jobs, tourist dollars and a fresh start, but hardly any of it materialised. Neither did Will’s dad. And he’s not the only person to go missing from this bad-luck town.

'Will, Dar and Juno are forced on a dangerous journey to discover the truth in a town that wants the past to stay buried' (Publication summary)   

(Publication summary)

'This hilarious and heart-warming middle-grade debut tackles how to be a good friend (and realise when you’ve been a bad one), leaving childhood behind, and, most importantly, how to get back up when it feels like the world has knocked you down.

'2Natalie (Nutty to her friends) knows turning 12 is a big deal, and even though she doesn’t like change AT ALL, she’s prepping for:
a) having the best bat mitzvah party anyone has ever been to
b) graduating from primary school and
c) hopefully getting a boyfriend.

'But there’s even more headed Nutty’s way that might change everything, like her parents running out of money and selling her childhood home, along with the reassuring family smell. Or when her best friend no longer feels like a girl and wants to leave the bat mitzvah group altogether. It seems only Natalie can keep her family, her friendships and her party from falling apart.' (Publication summary)

'A sweet and emotional novel about friendship, family and accepting change from a fresh new voice.

'Freya's world is turned upside down when she and her mum move to inner-city Melbourne. Now she's ...

'Stuck in a new apartment on the eleventh floor and Freya is afraid of lifts. 

'Stuck in a new basketball team where not everyone likes a killer new player. 

'Stuck in a classroom of kids who don't know Freya is a donor-conceived baby.

'Stuck, just like little Audrey in the Skipping Girl sign suspended in mid-air over the suburb of Abbotsford.

'Being the new girl makes Freya feel like a dark cloud on a summer's day. Can she figure out how to belong on Vinegar Street?' (Publication summary)

'Sixteen-year-old Nipper and his Gallipoli mates Lanky, Spud, Bluey and Wallaby Joe are starving, freezing and ill-equipped. By November 1915 they know that that there is more to winning a war than courage. The Gallipoli campaign has been lost.

'Nipper has played cricket with the Turks in the opposing dugout, dodged rocket fire and rescued desperate and drowning men when the blizzard snow melted. He is one of the few trusted with the secret kept from even most of the officers: how an entire army will vanish from the Peninsula over three impeccably planned nights.

'Based on first-hand accounts of those extraordinary last weeks of the Gallipoli campaign, this is the fascinating 'lost story' of how 150,000 men – and their horses and equipment – were secretly moved to waiting ships without a single life lost. An unforgettable story told through the eyes of a boy who lied about his age to defend his country.' (Publication summary)

'Two worlds collide in this conclusion to The Odds trilogy

'Kip, Dad and the Odds have been taken to Kip's Imaginatorium -- a mysterious building in the middle of the desert. This is her imagination in real life. Going in is easy. Getting out might be impossible.

'A place filled with magnificent new characters, unbelievable rooms, secret doors, terrifying Fears and the incredibly strange Dots, could this finally be the way for the Odds to get back to their own worlds? And will the greatest adventure of Kip's life be inside her own mind?' (Publication summary)

'Friendship, family and feelings collide in this sparkling middle-grade debut from Matilda Prize winner, Samera Kamaleddine.

'Evie Hart likes rules. A lot. But as she embarks on her very last year of primary school, it feels like all the rules around her are being broken.

'When Evie's class starts learning about the Earth's place in the universe, it makes Evie think about her own place in the world and where she belongs. Which has her more worried than ever.

'When your mum writes a horoscope page for a living, it's hard not to think about what the future holds. Especially when she and the only dad Evie has ever known are acting like they're on different planets.

'But the more Evie learns about the sky and the stars, the more she learns that changes in the world can't always be controlled. And maybe that's not a bad thing.

'From the inaugural winner of the Matilda Prize comes a tender and moving story about one girl's journey to find her place in the world.' (Publication summary)

(Publication summary)

'Despite being oceans apart, Tug and Ship are connected by strong bonds in Anchored, a tale of love and connection told through the relationship of a tugboat and a cargo ship.'

Source: Publisher's blurb.

'Bear and Duck are best friends, but they are very different. Duck likes to try new things, and Bear ... well, Bear likes not to. ​​

'When Duck needs a friend for her dance class, Bear reluctantly agrees. Bear’s big size causes problems at first, but he soon discovers that he might just be a very good dancer. ​​

'Bear and Duck is a story about friendship, confidence, and overcoming the fear of trying new things.'  (Publication summary)

'Big Dog and Little Dog go camping in this fun follow up to Sally Rippin and Lucinda Gifford's Big Dog, Little Dog.

'Big Dog can't wait to go camping with Little Dog for the first time and show him how it's done. Big Dog is very good at helping! But things don't go as planned ...

'A warm, funny picture book about newly blended families and learning to get along, from two of Australia's most beloved and award-winning storytellers.' (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)

'A warm, comforting story about a cross little duckling and her mother's unconditional love, from the award-winning and bestselling team behind The Sloth Who Came To Stay.

'Duckling is running away and she's never, ever coming back! Or is she?Luckily, no matter how far Duckling roams, a mother's love is always near.

'A reassuring story about love and trust from bestselling author Margaret Wild, with sweetly charming illustrations by Vivienne To.' (Publication summary) 

'Gurril could not understand why everyone was afraid of a snake, even if it was Gudju-gudju, the rainbow serpent! But he was soon to discover just how powerful Gudju-gudju really was and why it is not a good idea to torment the rainbow serpent.

'Gurril, Storm Bird is a Gimuy Walubara (pronounced ghee-moy-wah-la-burra) Yidinji traditional story that helps to explain the cultural beliefs held by the Yidinji First Nations People of Cairns. The Gimuy Walubarra are the traditional custodians of Cairns and the surrounding regions.

'This story has been told orally by many generations over thousands of years and is intrinsic to the Yidinji culture, both past and present. The call of the storm bird helps the Yidinji people prepare for the arrival of rain or the wet season. During the dry season the Gimuy Walubara people would dance and mimic the storm bird to bring in the rain.' (Publication summary)

'Quick! Come and see! Something fabulous, it's . . . me!

'Gymnastica Fantastica! is a joyful and exuberant picture book about a child discovering and attempting new physical skills and putting on wonderfully imperfect shows for whoever will watch them.

'Join Gymnastica, a small person with big energy, as they bend and balance, bounce and roll, attempt a cartwheel and a spectacular trapeze flip-out finale. Written in playful rhyming text and with brightly energetic and appealing illustrations, this is a book that kids and parents alike will find irresistible to read aloud and delight in its energy and humour.'(Publication summary)

'Everyone’s hair is unique and fabulous!

'Hair! is a vibrant and uplifting celebration of wildly different hair – individual colours, textures, styles, lengths, shapes and behaviours – all of which are cause for applause!

'Told in rhyming text and brought to life in hilarious and surprising ways, Hair! will leave all readers – young and old – with a bursting sense of pride.'(Publication summary)

'One little rockpool.
Two little eyes.
Three little urchins, bobbing with the tide.

'Little people love to explore little worlds! Dive into the rockpool with this glittering and gorgeous board book for our smallest nature-lovers, from the CBCA award-winning creators of Jetty Jumping, Andrea Rowe and Hannah Sommerville.' (Publication summary) 

'Mum says it’s the first day of day care, but Ravi’s dressed up as his favourite insect, and he is quite certain that ladybirds do not go to day care. In fact, this ladybird would much prefer to stay home and eat aphids, thank you very much!

'Can an anxious and unsure Ravi find the bravery he needs to take flight?'

Source: Publisher's blurb.

'A young girl wants to meet her Ancestors. She wants to know them, and learn from them and follow their ways. Her mother gently explains that she has already met her Ancestors, yesterday, today and tomorrow, and that they are everywhere in Country, walking close behind her. This lyrical, dual language picture book from two debut Noongar creators celebrates the beauty of Country and family.'  (Publication summary)

'Ruby loves to fix things, rather than throwing them away. When a shiny new department store opens next door to Ruby's Repair Cafe, everyone in town soon forgets about fixing things.

'But will Ruby be able to save her family business from big business before the rubbish takes over the town?' (Publication summary)

'When a family heads to the beach with their dogs an adventurous summer day unfolds. A lost kite, riding the waves, sandcastles, ice-cream, hiding from their parents and a thunderstorm!

'A rollicking, rhyming adventure story to read aloud and share with the whole family. Run Pups Run celebrates the simple joys of childhood and the bond between children and their dogs.' (Publication summary)

'A delightful picture book that celebrates the joy of young children trying to catch their shadows - from the creators of CBCA Honour Book When Billy was a Dog and Puddle Hunters.

'On sunshiny mornings, we go shadow catching.

'Inside, outside, in our home and in our neighbourhood, shadows dance around us from morning through to night.  

'Our shadows are so tall, then small, then tall again in sunlight, lamplight and even in the moonlight. 

'A wonderful picture book about playfulness and the joy of light and movement.' (Publication summary)

'After a cold, dark winter, doors opened. Children spilled out like sweets from a box. Amanda was last one out of the tower block. She brought some chalk with her. On every inch of the concrete outside, the children drew pictures of everything they could think of, from flowers and snails, to spaceships and queens. Before long, a beautiful and exotic garden spread out across the concrete.

'From master storyteller Bob Graham comes a charming, and gently post-pandemic story about finding optimism after a dark spell, and the nurturing power of community friendships in an urban setting. The Concrete Garden will resonate with anyone who has been apart from their loved ones, and will encourage us all to find the brightness and colour within ourselves.' (Publication summary)

'The Little Things is a reassuring reminder that there is plenty in the world to make us smile and give us hope.

'On days the sunshine stays away,
you wake up feeling sad and grey,
you'll find the small things can delight –
those little things that feel just right.

'The Little Things celebrates the joy and comfort to be found in life’s simple moments, whether it’s spitting cherry pips or bubbly baths on rainy nights. A rhyming text that calls on our senses and travels through the seasons, The Little Things is beautifully illustrated and invites readers to find solace and delight in the small but special moments of our everyday lives.'  (Publication summary)

'Take a walk with Uncle Kuu in The Trees, a picture book about caring for Country and respect for Indigenous knowledge.

'Looking after the trees is important for keeping Country happy and healthy. First Nations People have cared for the trees on Country for thousands of years. In return, the trees look after the people and provide them with gifts of seeds, flowers, wood and more. This creates the balance between giving and taking from the land.

'Featuring stunning artwork by Sandra Steffensen, The Trees is a powerful and timely story to help future generations manage our landscapes and ensure that they thrive. At the back of the book, you will find lyrics to a song written by author Victor Steffensen with the title, ‘We are the Trees’, and a QR code to watch the song's YouTube video.

'This book is the follow-up to Victor Steffensen’s Looking after Country with Fire, which explains Aboriginal burning practices for children.' (Publication summary)

'In the classic tradition of Ten Little Fingers and Ten Little Toes andKissed by the Moon, These Little Feet will take you and your little one on a joyous journey of love, hope and dreams for the future. The perfect gift for newborns and new parents.

'These little feet, so tiny and new.

The places they'll go, the dances they'll do.

The mountains they'll climb, the dreams they'll pursue.

These little feet, so tiny and new.

'A delightful celebration of love, hope and promise, this beautiful picture book perfectly captures the precious dreams of childhood and parenting.' (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)

'A gorgeous, funny, tongue-twisting picture book by two incredibly talented creators. Perfect for bedtime reading.

'Do you think the sleepy sheep will sleep on top of this wild and windy hill
Baah!
'No-o-o, this windy hill is far too high and wild for a sleepy sheep to sleep on!
'Do you think the sleepy sheep will sleep deep down in this steep and stony valley?
Baah!
'No-o-o, this valley is far too deep, steep, and stony for a sleepy sheep to sleep in!

'So where will the sleepy sheep end up sleeping? A delight from beginning to end - bedtime reading at its best.' (Publication summary)

'Despite being oceans apart, Tug and Ship are connected by strong bonds in Anchored, a tale of love and connection told through the relationship of a tugboat and a cargo ship.'

Source: Publisher's blurb.

'I am a collector. Always looking, finding ... and keeping! Bowerbird loves blue. Magnificent colbalt. Brilliant, vibrant blue! But something is missing. What could it be? This new picture book from Aura Parker stars a beautiful bowerbird on the search for blue! It's a moving story of longing and connection, that unfolds as the bowerbird's search sends him soaring across the sea, sky and city. He swoops and snatches vibrant treasures for his collection, and soon his bower - a mix of natural and unnatural objects - attracts something greater and more fulfilling than he could ever have imagined.' (Publication summary)

'On Monday 20 Februrary 1962, the people of Perth lit up their city overnight to acknowledge the special mission of American astronaut John Glenn – the first American to orbit the Earth. Glenn, in turn, observed that the city was clearly visible from space, and Perth became known worldwide as ‘The City of Light’.

'This true story is a snapshot in time that captures the excitement of human’s first forays into outer space. It is a time of Hills Hoists, friendly neighbours, and small TVs in the family lounge room. It’s a time when we received our news through newspapers, radio and television... or shared it with a neighbour over a cuppa or the back fence.

'This is a story of two small children with one big idea: an idea that captured the imagination of a city. It is also a story about connection – the connection of a community that came together to achieve a goal, and their connection with John Glenn who was travelling far from home.'  (Publication summary)

'In spectacular and astonishing collage detail, Jeannie Baker captures the deep beauty, mystery, and hidden vitality of the desert landscape – and why it needs our protection.

'Chico’s grandpa has taken him on holiday where he grew up as a child, out in the desert. Chico has no interest in exploring the land – the desert jungle frightens him, and he’d much rather play on his his tablet. Grandpa decides that it is time to show Chico the secrets and the wonders that the desert has to offer so that he will not fear it but, instead, welcome it, embrace it and help protect it. Grandpa shows Chico paths through the cactus and the scrub, teaches Chico the plants' names – ocotillo, cholla, cirios, pin cushion, fishhook – and, soon, Chico begins to understand the wonders of the wild. He learns the value of watching, waiting and listening for all the life that hums within his desert home.' (Publication summary)

'From the award-winning author-illustrator of Mamie comes a beautiful and inspiring picture book that celebrates Dorothy Wall, creator of the beloved Australian icon, Blinky Bill.

'In the land of long, white clouds and snowy peaks, a little girl is born. Her name is Dorothy, but her family calls her Dorrie.

'When Dorrie moves to a land of flat red deserts and squeaky beaches, a koala appears in a gumtree outside her window. This lovable larrikin brings a bundle of mischief ... and changes Dorrie's life forever.

'From the award-winning creator of Mamie, Dorrie celebrates the beloved and talented Dorothy Wall, and her treasured Australian icon, Blinky Bill.' (Publication summary)

'A little lone werewolf prowls the nights on his own until he finds friendship in the most unexpected of places in this whimsical and tender picture book in the spirit of Julie Fogliano’s My Best Friend.

'Every night at midnight, Felix turns into a wolf. His hands and feet turn into velvety paws, his senses grow sharper, and he grows a long, furry tail. Felix loves exploring on four legs, and he has the nighttime world to himself. There’s no one else like him.

'During the day, Felix is human, but it still feels like there’s no one like him. The other kids used to invite him to play, but now they keep their distance. That’s fine, though. Felix doesn’t need anyone else. But after a chance encounter, Felix the little lone wolf starts to wonder whether he might find his pack after all.'

Source: Publisher's blurb.

'Next, I brushed my hare and put on my new pear of shoes.
'Mum painted her nails before we set out for the day.

'Join Banjo and his mum on what starts as a straightforward day out, only to have it upended by homophones (two words with the same pronunciation but with different meanings), turning the narrative into the delightfully absurd. Kids and adults alike will love this joyful new wordplay extravaganza from debut author Mel Amon with illustrations by international superstar Sophie Beer. The hilarious wordplay combined with delightful illustrations have kids 'in on the joke' from the very beginning.' (Publication summary)

'If I was a horse, I would gallop all day.
I could go anywhere I want . . .

'If you were a horse, what would you do? Could you fit in your clothes? Would you give your little sister a ride? Would your brother even notice?

'Gallop along with two-time Caldecott Medallist Sophie Blackall through this riotous day in the life of a child who imagines their life as a horse. Sophie's delightful text and resonant illustrations that feature a giant horse in familiar settings offer a visual feast, a grand dose of joy and a celebration of the real power of imagination to help us navigate the world.' (Publication summary)

'Mum says it’s the first day of day care, but Ravi’s dressed up as his favourite insect, and he is quite certain that ladybirds do not go to day care. In fact, this ladybird would much prefer to stay home and eat aphids, thank you very much!

'Can an anxious and unsure Ravi find the bravery he needs to take flight?'

Source: Publisher's blurb.

'This beautiful graphic novel is a stand-alone companion to Landing with Wings by CBCA award-winning author Trace Balla. Join Miri on her quest to help a rescued baby emu find its feet in the world, and as she connects to her community in joyful and unexpected ways. From the multi-award-winning creator of Rivertime and Rockhopping comes a beautiful ode to working together to make the world a better place.

'Join Miri in her special spot, high up among the dappled leaf-light, and below with her neighbour Wingo, two joeys, a wombat and a baby emu!

'A story about friendship, taking down barriers and creating community, finding your own path in the world and inspiring others along the way - from one of Australia's most unique creative talents.' (Publication summary) 

'Inside the small bowl of your hands,
I see your treasure.

'A mother and child explore a deserted beach on a windy day. It is an afternoon they will both treasure always.

'A poetic and tender book about how the small moments spent together are often the most precious.'

Source: Publisher's blurb.

'Mizuto is a young boy living an ordinary life in Japan until one day, something extraordinary happens.

'Following a deadly tsunami, Mizuto’s father is missing.

'Could a mysterious telephone connected only to the wind help him find his father?

'Based on real events, Mizuto and the Wind is a story about the forces of nature, grief, family, and the importance of hope.'

(Publication summary)

'Willow jumps on the Ferris Wheel and is intrigued to see a boy surrounded by moths.

'As they travel high above the fairground he tells her the reason why the moths love him so much: he was raised by moths.

'Wonderfully fantastical and thought-provoking with stunning illustrations, Raised by Moths is quite unlike anything you've read before.' (Publication summary)

'Every morning early, when no-one’s about, Satin slips out of the forest and walks along the sleepy sunrise streets, looking for blue...

'He’s collected all kinds of blues, from all kinds of places. He’s making something beautiful, with all those blues. But something’s missing, and he doesn’t know what it is. And then, one day, he comes to a street he’s never been in before. And what he finds there will change his lonely life forever. 

'A beautiful, haunting fable by award-winning writer Sophie Masson and acclaimed illustrator Lorena Carrington.' (Publication summary)

'Stay for Dinner is a powerful story that celebrates culture and connection through food, from the creators of The Boy Who Tried to Shrink His Name, winner of the 2022 Children's Book Council of Australia's Award for New Illustrator.

'Reshma loves dinnertime with her family. Her family eat with their hands – not just finger food type–eating, but hands-on squishy eating. When she’s invited to stay for dinner at her friends’ places, she finds out that they all eat in different ways. Some go ting ting with their cutlery, and others go click clack with their chopsticks. So what will her friends say when they see her family eat with their hands?'

Source: Publisher's blurb.

'Roy is an ordinary bird in every way. He is not the biggest, or the smallest. His squawk is not the loudest or the quietest. He even follows the same football team as everyone else. He was very normal except for one thing – he has ARMS. Absolutely nobody knows – and Roy would like to keep it that way...

'That Bird Has Arms is a story about difference and identity. It’s about learning to see that what sets you apart is what makes you strong, and it’s about pride in your own uniqueness.' (Publication summary)

'What happens when the one thing that makes you special is stolen? Join the Black Cockatoo in this fun, read-aloud adventure through the Australian bush as she searches for her missing feather... and discovers what's truly important.'

Source: Publisher's blurb.

'After a cold, dark winter, doors opened. Children spilled out like sweets from a box. Amanda was last one out of the tower block. She brought some chalk with her. On every inch of the concrete outside, the children drew pictures of everything they could think of, from flowers and snails, to spaceships and queens. Before long, a beautiful and exotic garden spread out across the concrete.

'From master storyteller Bob Graham comes a charming, and gently post-pandemic story about finding optimism after a dark spell, and the nurturing power of community friendships in an urban setting. The Concrete Garden will resonate with anyone who has been apart from their loved ones, and will encourage us all to find the brightness and colour within ourselves.' (Publication summary)

(Publication summary)

'A timeless message of hope - of love lost and found again - this story is a stunning debut that will warm your heart.

'I am a lucky shack.
I spend my days watching boats bob gently
under puffy clouds, on a sparkling sea.

'Surrounded by natural beauty, a seaside shack is lovingly cared for by a fisherman, until one day everything changes.

'The Lucky Shack is a heartfelt and uplifting journey through the seasons, the cycle of life, and the beauty and power of nature. If you are brave enough to let the light in, love and gratitude will triumph.' (Publication summary)

'This vibrant new picture book by award-winning author and illustrator Kelly Canby is all about time - making it, losing it and subverting the whole darn concept.;

'Emit (whose parents turned back time to name him) is surrounded by busyness. Dad is too busy to read stories, Mum is too busy to play games and Emit's brother and sister are simply too busy doing nothing to do anything, at all. Emit tries everything he can think of to get more time, he tries to catch it, wait for it, but it's not until Emit tries to buy some time that he learns the secret which is, if you want time, you have to make it.'  (Publication summary)

'Some problems seem heavy, they can weigh you down. Your mind feels too cluttered, the world seems too loud! Sometimes your brain feels full up and crowdy. Your mood swings from sunny to suddenly cloudy. We're full to the brim with unknowable things, but your head's not the place to store problems in. A whimsical and wise picture book on navigating life's ups and downs, from two multi-award-winning creators.' (Publication summary)

'Bestselling creator Jess Racklyeft celebrates Australian animals, plants and landscapes through the lens of the colour wheel.

'With its vivid red dirt, big blue skies, wild green bushland and golden sandy beaches, Australia is a country of extraordinary colour.

'Here is a celebration of the stunning plants and animals of this colourful country, from vibrant pink Flame Peas to startling blue Fairy Wrens, electric yellow Billy Buttons, glossy black Tasmanian Devils, and many more.

'Come and take a closer look at nature’s paintbox and the rainbow of life that lives in Australia, from one of our best-loved picture book creators.' (Publication summary)

'Myke Mollards signature illustrations and engaging text bring kids up close and personal with over 150 of Australia’s colourful and characterful backyard birds. These are birds most commonly seen in our gardens and surrounding bush and parks. The birds are not only beautifully drafted, but the accompanying text also vividly describes their lifestyles and habits. The wonderment of these stunning creatures, delivered in an engaging cinematic punch, will excite the imaginations of children for life, and fully engage any adult with a love of birds.' (Publication summary)

'Powerful and moving, Bidhi Galing (Big Rain) celebrates the Wiradyuri heroes of the Great Flood of Gundagai in 1852, told through the eyes of a young girl who is rescued from the raging floodwaters by her father.

'Wagadhaany grew up near the Marrambidya Bila. She loved dancing in the rain and listening to her father, Yarri, tell her stories about life on Wiradyuri ngurambang.

'When white people started building on the floodplains, Yarri was worried. He knew the power of the bila and tried to warn the strangers, but they would not listen.

'Years later, when the big rains came, Yarri and his brother, Jacky Jacky, jumped into their bark canoes and paddled through raging floodwaters, risking their lives to save countless others.' (Publication summary)

Caroline is the true story of Caroline Chisholm. All who went before her did their part in helping shape Australia into a confident, progressive and vibrant society. But when Caroline arrived in Australia, she thrived on the challenges facing her to help the many orphans, migrants and destitute girls she found living on the streets of Sydney.

'Mark Wilson’s book gives the reader an insight into her life of service which was evident from when she was a young girl. He traces her life from childhood through to adulthood, retelling her story for young readers' (Publication summary)

'Some cultures around the world have four seasons that they look out for on a calendar; Summer, Autumn, Winter and Spring.

'Us Yawuru mob, we don't have four seasons that are told to us by a calendar. We have six seasons and Country tells us when they have arrived by what we feel, see, taste, smell and hear.

'Discover how the Yawuru people read the seasons in this beautifully illustrated book.' (Publication summary)

'Explore an Australian country town through time.

'Drawing on the experiences of many real towns, Country Town tells the history of a fictional inland Australian town in pictures. From a First Nations people's camp by a river crossing through to the present day, and with many major Australian history themes woven in, this picture book makes a wonderful classroom asset and a great starting point for discussions on the past.'

Source: Publisher's blurb.

'What you say (and how you say it) has the power to change the world. Democracy gives you that power. Democracy is people power.

'But does democracy really matter? How does it work? And what exactly is democracy, anyway?! Get set to speak up and learn how you can create positive change in your corner of the world.

'The brilliant new picture book from bestselling Australian author–illustrator Philip Bunting, created in consultation with The Museum of Australian Democracy at Old Parliament House, Canberra.

'Democracy! is full of fascinating and engaging information about democracy, and provides young readers with easily digestible information about the importance of their voice. It is filled with handy tips on how to engage in community discussions, from petitions to peaceful protests, and explains the history of democracy in a funny and positive way.' (Publication summary)

'The amazing true story of Jean Robertson and Kathleen Howell, who helped map Australia.

'In 1928, girls don't drive cars, let alone race them, until two fearless and intrepid best friends make history, racing across Australia and beating the land speed record ... with Barney the dog in tow!' (Publication summary)

'Get ready to discover just how gross our universe really is.

'Learn the foulest facts about space, Earth, humans, animals and science that have been tested by real scientists, and even do your own gross experiments.

'Meet your guide, Slimon, who loves all things rotten, revolting, despicable and downright disgusting.

'Rate the facts yourself using the grossometer!'

Source: Publisher's blurb.

'An illustrated non-fiction book that explores the natural world above us, the efforts humans have made to venture high above the Earth, and the mythology about the stars. Linking seemingly diverse subject matter, it invites the reader to explore the wonder of the universe.

'What wonders are soaring far above your head? Come on a journey to meet the creatures who live high in the treetops, the birds that ride the wind, the people who have braved the highest mountain summits, and the stories we tell to explain the night-time's dazzling stars. There is a whole world in the sky, waiting to be discovered...'

Source: Publisher's blurb.

'Discover the secrets behind some of the natural world's most unusual creatures of camouflage and mimicry. Find out about the chameleon who changes colour to communicate with its friends, the burrowing owl who copies the sound of a fiercer animal to protect itself from threats, and the harlequin filefish that has come to smell like coral to blend in with its surroundings.

'You'll be amazed by how these clever creatures use disguise and imitation to find food, send out warning signals and, most of all, avoid predators!' (Publication summary)

'The evacuation from Gallipoli of Australian and New Zealand troops was a logistically incredible undertaking. The exhausted young men were to slip away by ship in the dead of night.
But…
'Someone needed to remain behind to cover for their fellow soldiers. This was a mission that almost certainly meant death.
Would it be you?
Would you volunteer to be the last man out?

'And so, the rivalry begins. Who will be chosen to stay on until the end? Who will hold fast to the last to allow tens of thousands to slip away silently from Gallipoli? Only the fittest, the most gallant and capable will be chosen. The pick of the whole force, we are told. And the message is clear: the rear guard of honour will be killed or captured.

'The rear party, the most daring men of all, doomed. John Alexander Park grew up in England and served in Africa, the Afghan War, and the Boxer Rising before settling in Australia. The assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria in 1914 sparked The Great War – or World War I. On 1st March 1915, John joined the Australian Army in Sydney and was promoted to Sergeant before being assigned to the 19th Battalion. He was 36 years old and a seasoned serviceman when he arrived at Gallipoli.

'And he was the last man out.'(Publication summary)

'In every corner of Australia, history happened. The pages of this book are a journey through tens of thousands of years. Our history is recorded in ancient rock art, in the flag flown at the Eureka Stockade, by Burke and Wills' tree. All around our coastline history unfolded in shipwrecks and ship arrivals. Sometimes tragic, often regrettable, always formative, history is commemorated from Tasmania and throughout the mainland at the sites of prisons and massacres. From the birthplace of a new federated nation at the beginning of the twentieth century in Sydney's Centennial Park to Eddie Mabo's struggle for acknowledgement of land rights in the 1990s, history happened all around Our Country.' (Publication summary)

'Kulin Nation country is abundant with waterways essential to the way the traditional owners have lived for more than 40,000 years.

'Those same crucial waterways are where the first ships of European settlers found safe harbour in their trips of exploration.

'What they found would determine the development of Victoria.' (Publication summary)

A colourful, fun and educational First Nations book about bugs!

'Tamarra: A Story of Termites on Gurindji Country is a fascinating, illustrated science book that takes kids inside the life of termites through storytelling from the Gurindji People.

'Did you know there are four types of termite poo? Or that a warm paste made from termite mound is used to strengthen a Gurindji baby’s body and spirit? Or that spinifex (which termites eat) is one of the strongest plants in the world?

'Created as a collaboration between over 30 First Nations and non-Indigenous contributors, the story and artworks explore how termites and their mounds connect different parts of Country, from tiny Gurindji babies and their loving grandmothers, to spiky spinifex plants growing in the hot sun.

'Written in traditional Gurindji, Gurindji Kriol and English (with a QR code to an audio version spoken in language), Tamarra is a truly original story with beautiful artwork that takes readers on an educational and cultural journey through Gurindji Country.' (Publication summary) 

'The song of the regent honeyeater has been heard in the bush for many generations - but could it soon be lost forever?

'Regent's father had learnt the song from his father, who learnt it from his father too. But with Regent's species now facing extinction, there is no one around to teach him. Regent tries to mimic the sounds of different birds but without success.

'Will Regent learn his mating call before it's too late? Or will his ancient song be forgotten forever?

'Reading level varies from child to child, but we recommend this book for ages 5 to 9.'(Publication summary)

'The World’s Most Atrocious* Animals (*or are they?)

'This witty, quirky, colourfully illustrated and fact-filled book features some of the most terrifying and shocking animals on the planet! 

'The third title in The World's Most series from the hilarious Philip Bunting is filled with facts about some of the scariest creatures in the natural world. Meet the enormous murder hornets of east and southeast Asia, the poisonous blue-ringed octopus, Africa's hungry but deadly hippos and some shocking electric eels, among many more truly scary creatures!' (Publication summary)