Cirrus@Austlit

'Tarah’s dad has gone away, and she doesn’t know where. She imagines he is doing all the things he loves, but when she asks her mum, everything changes. This heartfelt, honest and sensitively told story explores the challenges a child faces when a parent is incarcerated. My Dad’s Gone Away sheds light on an unspoken issue and gently encourages children and families to talk about how they feel and what their future may look like. This age-appropriate story will help to encourage safe conversations around a difficult topic and promote empathy in children with different life experiences. My Dad’s Gone Away is written through a child’s perspective and is illustrated with care and complemented by soft warm tones. Paul Seden’s evocative and timeless imagery underpin a powerful story and captures the heartache of dealing with missing a parent.' (Publication summary)

'Every week, Rosie and her mother drive down the bumpy dirt road and across the rocky riverbed to visit the 'Shop Train'.

'The Shop Train was inspired by the Tea and Sugar train that began operating in 1917 to provide supplies and services for railworkers and people living in remote communities between Port Augusta in South Australia and Kalgoorlie in Western Australia.

'The Shop Train is a heartwarming story about Rosie and her mum, and the rickety journey in their old car to pick up stores from the shop train. The train carried everything they needed, and was an exciting time for all who lived near its tracks. Rosie and her mum slowly wind their way through Wonghi country, on its dusty tracks and never-ending horizon, until they reach the train, brimming with activity and treasures from other places.

'Paul Seden's evocative illustrations effortlessly capture a bygone era, rendering the past with a deep sense of nostalgia, whilst capturing its uncluttered beauty. The Shop Train was inspired by similar journeys author Josie Wowolla Boyle took as a young girl. It was these journeys that left unforgettable memories on Josie, no matter how young or old she may have been.'  (Publication summary)

'Young Molly’s imagination knows no bounds when she transforms her Australian backyard into an adventure playground on the high seas. Molly conjures up a pirate ship on her inland horizon and takes her loyal cat and dog along for the ride as she rows across the choppy ocean to the unsuspecting pirates. On board, she meets a feisty crew of salty buccaneers who look suspiciously like her own farmyard chickens. They are no match for Molly’s daring exploits as she walks the plank, dances jolly jigs, scrambles up the rigging (or is that a clothesline?) and steers the ship like a true seafaring adventurer.' (Publication summary)

'A story about how the events surrounding the historic 1967 Referendum played out in the everyday lives of two young girls.

'Once there were two little girls who were best friends. They did everything together. As they got older they weren't allowed to do the same things anymore. Because they looked different. Because of the law.

'This is a story about the landmark 1967 Referendum, the two women who came together to change the law ... and how the Australian people said YES.' (Publication summary)

'Crabbing with Dad is a beautiful children's picture book debut from Darwin-based author and illustrator, Paul Seden. Aimed at a younger audience, children will love reading about the adventures of two small children as they go out in the boat with Dad to set crab pots in their secret spot.

'Sunscreen and life jackets on, they zoom off into the creek, passing other boats and people fishing along the way. It's a good tide to be on the water and they even come across Cousin Dan throwing his net as far as he can. Crab pots set, they all wait patiently and play games as they guess what fish could be swimming under their boat. When it's finally time to check the crab pots, the adventure begins as they pull up a big, angry crab! Dad teaches the children how to handle the crabs very carefully so they don't get nipped!' (Publication summary)

'A lively and endearing story about a child in an Indigenous community getting ready to play his favourite game - footy!'

I pull the sock on my left foot

I pull the sock on my right foot

I lace up the boot on my left foot

I lace up the boot on my right foot ...

It's time for footy!

A cheerful, energetic story about a young boy playing Australia's favourite game. (Publication summary)