Cirrus@Austlit

'Hi, I'm Laika. I'm going to be the first dog in outer space! Cool, hey? It all started when some nice humans found me wandering around the streets. I was lost. They took me in, fed me, and taught me all about space. Good creatures these humans, good. Now, I'm writing this book as my diary for you. Why don't you come along and share my adventure out in space?

'Based upon the true story of Laika (the dog the Soviets sent into orbit), this book recounts events from her own perspective. To ensure its educational value, it also includes a few pages of facts about outer space.' (Publication summary)

'This traditional folktale about a leopard and a lion takes a twist when the big cats begin to fight over lunch and an unexpected visitor arrives. Whose lunch will it be in the end?' (Publication summary)

'Aniket is an admiral in Caesar Nero's navy, but he thinks all the rules make life boring. Thankfully, the Emperor needs someone to do his dirty work on the high seas! Together, they hatch a plan. But when Nero dies, what will Aniket do? This is a real life legend of a former slave turned pirate!

'An action packed adventure book based on the true story of ancient Lazi man who would do whatever it took to survive. This book is especially appealing to boys, although a few pages may raise some laughter while learning about history. After all, did you know Nero kept a pirate?' (Publication summary)

'One day, while Quetzalcoatl was walking the earth, Rabbit and her friends found him tired and hungry. They stopped to help but Rabbit ended up badly hurt. Quetzalcoatl knows how to save her, but he needs some help. Based upon a traditional legend blended with similar tales from the world over, this book tells the story of the how Rabbit came to live on the Moon.' 

'The year is 525 BC. Insulted by Pharaoh, the Persian King marches to the Battle of Pelusium. There, he will unleash a weapon never before used in war. Can the terrified Egyptians save the day? Can you guess the secret weapon before it's too late? Or will the dynasty fall?' (Publication summary)

'After the King kills all Gustav's family, he tries to starts a rebellion. Unfortunately, nobody supports him. He has to make a quick getaway but he knows the King's men are after him. Having survived the snow, he learns the King has died. Could this be his chance?' (Publication summary)

'In 1527, chaos reigns as the Emperor's unpaid rogue army sacks Rome. The sworn duty of Captain Casper of the Swiss Guard is to save the Pope's life, but along the way he must attend to many lesser tasks. Meanwhile, a mercenary has an unexpected spiritual encounter with a painter who won't be disturbed.' (Publication summary)

'The King has long a prisoner been, in a dungeon over in Spain, while Willie of the Winsbury, of his daughter's heart took gain. Now the King has returned to find the belly of the betrothed Princess a little round and decides to have Willie hung! Her heart is broken but Willie has a plan to marry her. Only, what if the stableman betrays him first?

'Based upon the famous Childs' Ballad 100, this classic suspense-filled romance has been newly adapted to be set around horse riding, making it a perfect mystery for girls! Lavishly decorated throughout, the illustrator went well beyond the series' usual standard, making as much a delight to the eyes as to the heart.' (Publication summary)

'After the hunting expedition of the Prince of Palembang goes awry, he sails towards another island. But when he angers the King of the Ocean, a great storm arises. Can he survive, and what will he find there if he does?

'This short adventure relates the history behind the founding of the Kingdom of Singapura (modern Singapore). An excellent story for boys, presented in vibrant colours.' (Publication summary)

'The Oracle of Delphi has foretold the fate of the Spartan army, but what did she really mean? This historical fiction tells the tale of betrayal in high places and a secret, forbidden romance. Whose voice will prevail? Which army will win the day? And what can a young lady learn from her little sister?' (Publication summary)

'Kato Kintu challenges the evil King Bemba to a duel. But Kintu loses terribly and flees into exile on an island. There, he gains wisdom and experience. Will it be enough for Kintu to return, unite his people, and free them from the strongest warrior in the world?

'Based upon the true story of the man who founded Uganda's most famous royal dynasty, this book inspires confidence in boys that even if at first they fail, they can still overcome their adversaries. More importantly, it teaches the importance of working together to achieve a goal while giving credit to the one responsible for making it all possible.' (Publication summary)

'Queen Tarabai's husband died when her son was just a baby. But this brave woman did not let that stop her from leading the Marathi army into battle against the Mughals. After declaring herself regent, she faced many adversaries and was even imprisoned by her own people for a while. However, every time she was knocked down, she rose up stronger than ever.' (Publication summary)

'Gangesh's father sends him to school when his relatives tease him for being stupid. But his teacher soon realizes that Gangesh is much smarter than people give him credit for. So why does he always do such stupid things? What will he learn in school that will turn him into a great philosophical guru?' (Google translate summary)

'This historical fiction is based upon the true story of James Porter and his companions, convicts who escaped from Tasmania to South America. Once caught, they devised an unexpected way of avoiding a hanging by exploiting a legal loophole that meant that they weren't technically pirates.

'A mix of adventure and suspense with a little humour thrown in, this book is sure to engage reluctant young readers. Its strong focus upon the exploits of men finding their way out of trouble will be of particular interest to boys.' (Publication summary)

'William Adams went sailing in search of riches but ended up a shipwrecked hostage in Japan! Now he must prove his worth for the Shogun to become a samurai.

'This historical fiction is based upon the true story of an English sailor's misadventure on a Dutch ship. His triumph over adversity makes this book particularly engaging for boys.' (Publication summary)

'While searching for a lost baby cow one evening, Rachel and her little brother become lost in a snowstorm. This is the story that made a young heroine a household name, known to all Afrikaners.

'This is a sensitive tale about the love shared between siblings in spite of their occasional differences. The example set by this one young lady serves as a reminder to all sisters and brothers everywhere that, no matter how much we might hate them sometimes, some siblings truly would do anything for us.' (Publication summary)