Cirrus@Austlit

'Pittering, pattering, plink, plonk, plop.

Dribbling, drizzling, drip, drap, drop.

Rattling, roaring, thrash and thrumming.

Can you hear the dragons drumming?

'Kids will delight in the noises of the rain and thunder as their imaginations lead them to a world of magical dragons playing percussion in the sky.

Dragons Drumming is a beautifully illustrated picture book perfect for toddlers, pre-schoolers and the early school years that will help alleviate the fear of thunderstorms.' (Publication summary)

'In the drought-stricken present the only hope is buried in the past.

'Devastated by the effects of the drought on the family farm, Zac has a plan. Along with his siblings, Clare and Luke the trio head off in search of fossils.

'Not heeding weather warnings they must seek shelter fast when two cyclones merge to descend upon them. After the storm their environment is strangely different. A lush rainforest canopy now shelters them and the homestead is nowhere in sight. Will they find the proof they need to save the farm or have they discovered much more than they ever thought possible?'

Source: Publisher's blurb.

'A cyclone is coming, Kayla's dad is very scared. What will they do? This is an informative graphic novel about cyclones for 8 to 12 year old readers, from Library For All's Natural Hazards series. Every book purchased helps Library For All make a difference to the lives of children around the world.'(Publication summary)

'Zac doesn't believe in ghosts. He's never seen any scientific proof of their existence. Clare is sceptical but open minded to the possibility. She likes the idea of ghosts and fairies, even angels. Luke is convinced they have encountered a ghost at Caves Beach. He is the one who is determined to lead them on a ghost hunt to the old ruined lighthouse on the point. Join the Adamson siblings on their second adventure as they discover a ghost desperate to save her father and another just as determined to see her not succeed. Follow the clues along with Zac, Clare and Luke, as you learn about the shipwrecks that crashed off the NSW South Coast and find a long-lost ship's manifest, a lighthouse keeper's journal and all the secrets within a lighthouse lost in time.'

Source: Publisher's blurb.

'The Adamson family are set for a surfing holiday in Bali they'll never forget. Dad wants to surf all day and Mum wants to shop. Zac is eager to explore a sunken WW11 shipwreck. Luke is keen to cause mischief wherever he goes. Clare on the other hand, just wants to stay out of trouble. But while building sandcastles on Kuta Beach, the kids unearth a surprising find that dramatically changes their holiday. Curiosity leads them on a dangerous path to an adventure where difficulties lurk around every corner. Secrets Hidden Below takes the reader on an intriguing treasure hunt around an exotic tropical island that includes plenty of rotten-egg gas, a guardian snake and a volcano spirit you definitely, don't want to anger.'

Source: Publisher's blurb.

'The Australian Outback is a harsh and dry place. Not the ideal environment for a game or race. Freya is too frightened to go out and play. So she hides in the shadows to watch all day.

Her friends are all out in the heat of the sun. But Freya is too frazzled to join in their fun. Can Freya face what frightens her so? Or will she forever hide and say no!'

Source: Publisher's blurb.

'There is trouble afoot in Mr Haggardy’s classroom. An unexplainable explosion in a science experiment wreaks havoc once again and Principal Penwright knows exactly who to blame! Can Brian and his brothers solve the mystery before the snooping Mrs Witherbottom discovers the unbelievable truth behind all the shenanigans?

'Brian, David and Simon Bradberrie return in part two of their alien adventure. Mischief and mayhem abounds whenever they are involved. The school is a disaster zone but is it really their fault this time?' (Publication summary)

'Emma is a bird with tenacity and determination. She will not let her differences overcome her dreams. She learns that through practise she can strive to achieve her goal, even if it does take thinking a little outside of the box.

'Emma the Eager Emu is at flying school with all her other Australian bird friends. She tries to fly from a rock, she tries to fly from an old car, Emma even tries climbing a tree! But no matter how hard she tries to fly, Emma just can’t seem to fit in.

'Will Emma ever learn to fly? Will she ever accept her differences?

'A beautifully illustrated picture book of magnificent Australian birds, each unique in their own way.

'A subtle tale for pre-schoolers and the early school years where they learn all about individualism, and owning your unique special qualities. Emma also teaches the importance of never giving up on your dreams. That through hard work and practice it is possible to do whatever you set your mind to achieve.'

Source: Publisher's blurb.

'We all know what a Gingerbread Man looks like, but if you were to make a Gingerbread Alien what would it look like?

'Simon Bradberrie shapes the head to be more elongated and triangular. Adds sultanas for brains, green jelly eyes and an orange lolly snake all wound up in the middle for intestines!

'He and his brothers, David and Brian are cooking for the school fete. David is cooking loaves of bread and Brian is making green slime!

'But what if the mixtures get all muddled up?

'What could possibly go wrong?' (Publication summary)