Cirrus@Austlit

'A lyrical and optimistic tale about the power of possibility and perspective, told from the point of view of a child experiencing a family breakdown.

'Frankie’s parents have separated, and her world has fallen apart, much like the precious vase that broke on the day Dad left. But then Nana takes her to an art gallery where she falls in love with a massive mosaic, built from a ceramicist’s broken works after an earthquake. Frankie realises that though the pieces of her life may never fit together again as they did before, there is a chance that from the ‘broken’ pieces she will be able to rebuild a new beautiful life.' (Publication summary)

'Some Families Change tenderly guides children through various models of changing families with gentle verse and inclusive imagery.  

'‘You may not have thought much about it, but did you know that some families change? Some get bigger, others smaller and some completely rearrange!’ 

'Changes in the structure of a family can be joyful, turbulent, and especially confusing for little humans. Some Families Change is a gentle and reassuring way of showing children that all families go through changes – it’s completely natural, and they are not alone. 

'The book candidly explores concepts such as split families, single-parent households, families with two mums or dads, families that join together, and more, always maintaining sensitivity and sincerity. Children grappling with these changes often harbor difficult feelings. The book validates these emotions, emphasizing that it's okay to feel upset or worried because adjusting to change takes time.  

'By sharing this book, children and parents can embark on a journey of understanding and emotional healing together, reminding themselves that their feelings are normal, and it's healthy to express them. A timely and therapeutic resource, Some Families Change assists families in navigating their emotional journey together, amidst the inevitable changes that life brings.' (Publication summary) 

'A moving story about the bond between a mother and her child.

'My Heart depicts the many ways a mother's heart can
experience love and emotion while her baby journeys through the milestones of
growing up. The story uses repetition and subtle variation to reflect the activity
and reactions of the mother's heart, and how they change with each mother-child
interaction.

The narrative moves through the early years until the child goes off on their first independent activity, a deeply moving moment for all mothers. Beautifully detailed
illustrations depict the connection between mother and child, reminding readers
that a mother's heart will always be with her children, no matter where they
go.' (Publication summary)

'An uplifting story about a boy who doesn't let his eczema hold him back from having fun and facing his fears.

'Meet Mitchell, a boy who is part of the one in five children living with eczema. In Mitchell Itches, we learn about his experiences with this condition, including the common triggers and stresses of managing it, while also understanding his resilience, the support he gets from his friends and family, and the self-care he practices to manage his symptoms.

'As part of his journey, Mitchell discovers a unique talent. His Uncle Sean introduces him to the guitar to keep his itchy hands occupied. Mitchell's condition, surprisingly, leads him to a new passion that could make him a sensation. Will his newfound talent take centre stage at the school band auditions?

'This engaging story helps children to empathize with others and understand the realities of living with a skin condition, showing that challenges can also lead to discovering our strengths.' (Publication summary)

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'An inspiring story about the people – and animals – who make us brave, perfect for young readers who are struggling with nerves or anxiety.

'In The Real Cowgirl, Sal feels safe and strong at home, and out riding with her pony. She has big dreams of being a cowgirl; of being brave, smart and wild. But at school, where she feels anxious and isolated, those dreams seem very far away. How will Sal find her self-confidence and be her true self even when she is scared?

'Join Sal and her pony for this heart-warming story about friendship, and the way in which it can make you feel brave. Featuring beautiful, vibrant illustrations of Sal’s life on the farm, it will delight young readers with an interest in animals and adventure. It will also provide inspiration and comfort for children who experience anxiety, showing them the power of small acts of bravery, and how our friends can build us up to feel all the wonderful things they already see in us.

'The Real Cowgirl was inspired by the author’s own childhood, growing up on a farm in NSW, Australia with her pony as a source of support and comfort. It is a story about being yourself, finding bravery through friendship, and what it takes to be a real cowgirl.' (Publication summary) 

'In a world that has forgotten about nature, two girls live on opposite sides of society. Skyler exists above the clouds in a haven of boundless technology, while Ivy is a Groundling, roaming the surface of the earth, eking a living from the rubble of the past. Then Ivy makes a discovery that changes everything, and brings their lives crashing together. A tense, heart-pounding and empowering read about corruption, environmentalism, and what we would do if nature gave us a second chance.

Two children from impossibly different worlds might have more in common than anyone thought and might just be the answer to everything ...' (Publication summary) 

'Three friends with high-functioning autism try to save their school from never-ending maths in this fast and fun story, told from a rarely seen perspective.

'Superheroes for a Day tells the engaging story of Max, Daniel, and Natalie's mission to save their school from endless maths lessons. Using their unique abilities like heightened memory and attention to detail, they turn their differences into superpowers. While handling their individual traits, they find the courage to become heroes, at least for a day, in the eyes of their schoolmates.

'The book seeks to normalize the experiences of high-functioning autistic kids who are often seen as uncool because of their quirks. By making them the heroes, the story offers insight into their personal experiences and perspectives in a fun and engaging manner, resonating with readers in mainstream classrooms.

' Filled with delightful illustrations, Superheroes for a Day is an empowering tale of friendship, bravery, and the remarkable abilities that often go unnoticed in those who are different.' (Publication summary)

'A sensitive, beautifully illustrated book that uses backyard chickens to give a closely observed child’s-eye view of early-onset dementia.

'Mama didn’t want chickens, but she grows to love them as her dementia symptoms increase. Her young children see that she doesn’t always act like her old self anymore; this upsets both them and the chickens, but Mama always finds ways to show them just how much they are wanted and loved.

'Children will relate to the endearing personalities of the chickens, while the award winning author draws on her own experience to create an entirely age-appropriate story about the impact of early-onset dementia. The result is a supportive, much-needed book about a reality that many families face.

'Dementia doesn’t only affect the elderly. Like the parent in the story, people with early-onset dementia may have memory loss, difficulty thinking, trouble recognising people or confusion, or begin acting unlike themselves. Michelle Worthington has had personal experience of all of these symptoms since her diagnosis with Progressive Nonfluent Aphasia (a form of dementia), and hopes her book will help children understand what dementia can look like when their care-giver suffers from it.

'Her wish is that the book will initiate open and honest communication and help parents all around the world recognise the symptoms while providing love and support for their children.' (Publication summary)

'A fun, engaging story, perfect for children learning how to do something for the first time.

'Easy Peasy follows Ruby, who has just received her first pair of roller skates as a present from her dad. She’s convinced it will be easy peasy to learn how to roller skate and dismisses her dad when he offers to help her. But after a few tumbles, Ruby realizes it isn’t as easy as she thinks and she might need her dad’s help after all.

'Author Ky Garvey was initially inspired by her son, who as a little boy loved his skateboard so much that he took it to bed with him every night like a teddy bear. But as she began to write, she remembered the joy of roller skating with her dad at the local rink every Saturday morning. As Ky puts it, ‘It was treasured time together and I wanted to reflect that relationship in my book.’

'Easy Peasy will delight skating-mad girls and patient parents while providing a lesson in independence and perseverance. And the hilarious, relatable illustrations by Amy Calautti add an extra dash of shiny, sparkly fun!' (Publication summary)

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'Milly and the Mulberry Tree is a simple yet heartfelt story about growing up, family and home. Inspired by the 100-year-old mulberry tree that grows in the author’s own childhood garden, it highlights the importance of exploring new worlds as we grow, while keeping home close to our hearts. Any young readers who like playing outdoors or have their own special hideaway will delight in the vibrant illustrations, the playful prose, and the memories Milly makes under her beloved mulberry tree.' (Publication summary)

'Freddy is certainly not a Teddy, but that won't stop him from being the star of the Teddy Bears' Picnic in this inspiring story about inclusion, friendship and staying true to yourself.

'Freddy is Jonah's favourite stuffed toy, but no one knows quite what Freddy is - a funky duck, a peculiar platypus, a punk rock penguin? When Jonah's teacher announces that they're going to have a Teddy Bears' Picnic, it seems that if Jonah wants to take Freddy, Freddy will have to go in disguise!

'Jonah and Freddy try all of their best Teddy Bear disguises, but nothing can quite cover up the fact that Freddy is a little different. What should Jonah do? He loves Freddy, but should he still take Freddy to the picnic if he doesn't look like all the other teddies?'

'Find out what happens when Jonah stands up for himself and for his beloved Freddy in a heart-warming story that will resonate with any child who has ever felt like they're a little different. A celebration of inclusivity and being kind to others, Freddy the Not-Teddy will inspire young readers to express themselves just as they are!'  (Publication summary)

'Find out how reading just one book can lead to a brand-new library in this lively chain-reaction story about actions and their consequences – however unintended they may be!

'Violet has searched her room high and low, but just can’t find a book she hasn’t read before. She wishes her town had a library; a magical place full of adventure where she would never run out of stories to discover. But alas, on this particular rainy day, the only unfamiliar book she can find is the one propping up the kitchen table. Dad won’t miss it, right?…

'With a CLATTER and a CRASH, Violet’s actions set in motion an unstoppable chain of events that soon has the whole town in chaos! Young readers will delight at the playful, colourful illustrations, while learning an important lesson about how actions lead to consequences. The story also introduces children to the wonder of libraries, while highlighting their vital role in fostering literacy.'  (Publication summary)

'Bringing the mystery of metamorphosis to life, Grub is sure to delight insect-loving young readers with its realistic illustrations, gentle humour, and surprise ending.

'On the floor of the rainforest, far below the tree canopy, a small grub has a big question. Sensing that his body is about to change, he wonders what he will become, so he turns to his friends for answers. The ladybird, the cicada, the dragonfly and the monarch butterfly all describe what they looked like before they changed - and none looked like the grub. Eventually, the grub begins to change - and his transformation is spectacular

'With realistic illustrations, vivid detail and gentle humour, Grub brings the habitat and life cycle of the Hercules beetle, and other insects that undergo metamorphosis, to life. The final reveal is sure to send young readers on a journey of discovery to learn more about the amazing Hercules beetle - one of the world's largest - with its giant pincers.' (Publication summary)

'Even the most reluctant risers will find the fun in the morning routine with this lively role-reversal story about a mama who just doesn’t want to get ready!

'Getting Mama ready for the day can be a challenge… you’d better watch out that she doesn’t sneak back into bed, try to distract you with cuddles, get breakfast all over her top, or… wait, is Mama watching TV?! Learn how to get Mama up and ready despite her mischievous delaying tactics with this essential guide to dealing with morning mayhem!

'With gorgeous illustrations and playful writing, Get Ready, Mama! is the perfect way to introduce some fun into the morning routine. Little ones will delight in the cheeky role-reversal that sees a young girl doing everything she can to get her reluctant mother out of the house, while parents and carers will gain a strategy for motivating reluctant risers.'  (Publication summary)

'Sapling Green has always hidden her big secret – her green thumbs. But one day the old schoolyard tree is damaged in a storm. Can Sapling be brave enough to show her classmates her secret and save the tree?

'This heart-warming story is an important reminder that our differences are our strengths, and we should always accept each other for who we are.' (Publication summary)