Cirrus@Austlit

The site enables access to Allen & Unwin's current publications (searchable by genre) and provides information on authors via photographs and profiles. Due to its role as promotor of the The Australian/Vogel Literary Award (and publisher of the winning entry), the Allen & Unwin site gives details of the history of the award and guidelines for submission of entries. The site also provides targeted resources for students, teachers and reading groups.

'A powerful, unique novel based on the oral history of the Yolngu people from north-east Arnhem Land that tells the story of a grandmother who stops at nothing to protect her granddaughter.

'It's early in the wet season. A flock of crested terns sweeps into the bay and dives towards Batjani. The birds are saying the foreigners are coming, as they do every year, but why are they so full of menace?

'Batjani's beloved granddaughter Garritji is on the cusp of womanhood, about to go through the rituals preparing her for marriage. Batjani uses all means at her disposal to protect her granddaughter from the visiting Macassan trepang fishers, but she is betrayed. Can Garritji be saved?

'This powerful and unique novel is based on oral history and told through Yolngu eyes, with ancestors as the Yolngu remember them: proud, strong, resilient people in control of their world and interacting with foreigners on their own terms.'  (Publication summary)

'A profound and visionary collection of poetry and original artwork that explores personal narratives, First Nations wisdom and the many shapes of love, from one of Australia's most prolific young creatives.

'Eclipse weaves reflections on Country with affirmation and cheek, fusing Beyoncé with quantum physics. Through free verse, experimental and concrete poems, Kirli taps into the rhythm of Ancestral wisdom, offering connection and healing from the wounds of love, grief and our Nation's shared history. These poems celebrate the enduring strength found in kinship and Country itself, and at its heart, Eclipse is a dedication to Kirli's fierce and undying love for her community.

'Accompanied by Kirli's minimalist portraits and sketches drawn from the earth, Eclipse dances rhythmically through time and space, reminding us that both joy and sorrow are part of the same path. Kirli's playful and intentional verse brings us back to the Old Ways, while offering a fresh blak queer lens through which to view the present and future.

'Through this collection, Kirli invites readers to find themselves among the stars, grounded in the earth, and held in the constant embrace of Country, community and the cosmos.'  (Publication summary)

'An engrossing and provocative exploration of privilege, hypocrisy and justice by the bestselling author of The Cane.

'Leah has a good life. She lives on the Drove, an inner-city cul-de-sac, with her husband, Moses, and their two children. She and her neighbours - the drovers - look out for each other. Theirs is a safe, community-oriented enclave and that's the way it's going to stay.

'When itinerants set up camp in 'their' park, some of the drovers are unsettled, some are outraged, and all of them want the campers to move on. Not even Sholto, the campers' charismatic leader, can put their fears to rest.

'Why is Sholto - handsome, charming and apparently with other options - living in a tent, and why has he chosen to pitch it beside the Drove? And why is Leah tempted to put her family and her comfortable life at risk when Sholto turns his wolf-like gaze towards her?

'A compelling and revealing novel, The Campers shows what neighbours will do when anarchy and misrule threaten their cosy community.' (Publication summary)

'Against the backdrop of the last decadent gasps of the twentieth century, the Gulch family have led a charmed existence in the ultra-wealthy enclave of Belle Haven, Connecticut. Now, the empire they have built is on the edge of collapse, and as the decades of fraud and criminality that lie beneath the family's incredible wealth is exposed, the Gulch children are summoned.

'Kick Gulch, desperate and broke, is drawn back into the unreal world she thought she'd escaped forever.

'Her brother, Lincoln, one of Belle Haven's shining stars, is revelling in its culture of power and excess, and masterminding his ascendancy.

'At the head of the family are Honey and Fax, circling each other as the authorities close in. Fax is drawn out of his dream life of drug-fuelled fantasies, while Honey is willing to reshape the world to see what they have built survive.

'As tensions rise and conspiracies are forced to the surface, the truth behind the disappearance of Kick's high school friend comes into question, with each of them facing the complicity of their silence.'  (Publication summary)

'A lush, joyful picture book celebrating the wonders of a walk on the beach and the treasures to be found on the high tide line, with a gloriously surprising gatefold finale.

'Searching for treasure on the high tide line.
One step, two steps, what can you find?

'A walk on the beach becomes a joyous, creative adventure.

'What has the sea washed up?
Can you find its hidden treasures?

'Find sea urchins and shark's eggs, ghost crabs and cuttlefish, limpets and barnacles and so much more.' (Publication summary)

'A contagiously funny graphic novel from bestselling creator Remy Lai. Abby and her four younger siblings are itching to escape their house - literally. Perfect for fans of Raina Telgemeier.

'Abby Lai is sick of being trapped at home with her FOUR younger siblings! All she wants is to spend more time with her friends, far away from the sticky fingers and snooping eyes of her annoying brothers and sisters. But when a case of chickenpox leaves the Lai kids covered in scratchy red spots and stuck at home for two weeks of nonstop mayhem, Abby thinks this might be the end ... of her sanity. Yet she feels responsible for the situation, since her best friend was Patient Zero and brought chickenpox into their home.

'Will the itch to escape her siblings overwhelm Abby or will she realise being a big sister isn't all bad? Full of heart and hijinks, Chickenpox showcases what gets us through good times and bad: family.

'A funny and absorbing graphic novel by the award-winning creator of Ghost Book and Pawcasso.'  (Publication summary)

'DARK ACADEMIA…WITH DEMONS. After a deadly incident at her old school, Page enrols in Agathion College, an exclusive boarding school, only to find that it's built over centuries of secrets - including an ancient society potentially linked to demonic magic. Perfect for fans of Lynette Noni and Leigh Bardugo, from the acclaimed author of A Hunger of Thorns.

'Page Whittaker has always been an outcast. She's too smart, too quiet, too weird. And after the deadly incident that destroyed her only friendship at her old school, she needs a fresh start.

'Agathion College is everything Page has ever wanted: a safe haven of wood-panelled halls and dusty books, on a remote Scottish moor. And for the first time in her life, she has a close group of friends. Cyrus, Ren, Gideon, Lacey and Oak help her feel at home at Agathion; the only problem is, they're all keeping secrets from her.

'Page doesn't know it yet, but her perfect new school has a crooked foundation, rooted in an ancient clandestine society with rumoured ties to demonic magic. Soon, Page will learn that not everyone at Agathion is who they say they are. Least of all, her friends.

'Agathion claims to teach its students history…but some histories are better left buried.'  (Publication summary)

'This is the ultimate children's science book by DeadlyScience founder Corey Tutt, bestselling author of The First Scientists. Bursting with vibrant illustrations and cool facts about more than 60 reptiles, Corey celebrates First Nations knowledge about animals found on Country, from lizards and snakes to turtles and crocodiles.

'As a child, Corey would run barefoot across fields, climb rocks, jump into creeks and explore red sands in search of reptiles. The only reference books he could find included European and Latin names, but as a Kamilaroi man, Corey was keen to learn reptile names in First Languages.

'Sharing knowledge from 20 different First Nations, Caution! This Book Contains Deadly Reptiles is a reptile book unlike any you've seen before. For each reptile featured, you'll discover its name in a First Language, plus learn about favourite feeds, breeding and babies, conservation, predators and prey, and most importantly, what makes that reptile deadly (in a good way). There are also descriptions of the landscapes where you can spot these reptiles, and Ben Williams' colourful illustrations will have you turning every page in wonder.

'The amazing facts in this book will astound you! Did you know that a central bearded dragon's beard can change colour to protect it from predators? Or that the temperature of a turtle egg nest determines if the baby turtles will be boys or girls? Or that some First Nations names for reptiles can be more scientifically accurate than the European names, such as the common death adder that is more closely related to a brown snake than an adder?

'Corey will introduce you to this incredible world of reptiles, which may be deadly in more ways than one.'  (Publication summary)

'An entrancing new rural romance from the bestselling author of A Homestead in the Eucalypts.

'Forced away from the Outback she both loves and loathes, bush pilot Amelia Fraser has lost everything - except her compassion. Running from tragedy, she finds herself in Settlers Bridge, determined to never let anyone get close to her again... because accepting love might mean she is ready to replace her memories. And she'll never let that happen.

'Widower Heath Brennan has learned to channel his grief into anger and self-recrimination. Haunted by the tragic accident that claimed his wife, he is a recluse, grappling with guilt and a heart full of unresolved anguish. His nineteen-year-old daughter, Charlee, battles her own demons. Once the perfect child, she's now a troubled university student. Her rage towards Heath for her mother's death forms an impenetrable barrier between them.'  (Publication summary)

'From the bestselling author of Elizabeth & Elizabeth and That Bligh Girl, comes another fascinating story of female friendship, betrayal and triumphs based on historical events.

'When future governor Philip Gidley King sailed with the First Fleet to the new colony, he had his pick of the convict women to look after him.

'Two years, and two sons, later, he set out back to England to provide a report on Sydney and its newly tamed Norfolk Island, as his mistress Ann Inet begged him to return to her and their children.

'After a year and a half he did - but bringing with him a shocking secret that would cut her to the core, and forevermore change all their lives.

'This is the story of tangled love affairs, female friendship, twisted loyalties, betrayals, hardship, male infidelity, and the tragedies and triumphs of life in a new land.'  (Publication summary)

'A delightfully entertaining new rural romance from Karly Lane, the bestselling author with over 600,000 books sold.

'At twenty-nine years old, single, living in a very small country town, and working in the same job she's had since she left school, some would say Bel Buckley's life is mediocre at best.

'But Bel is content and always escapes to her beloved romance novels whenever she feels a bit lonely. No matter how hopeless a situation seems, there's always a hero to swoop in and save the day with a happily-ever-after at the end.

'Despite her best friend, Emma, trying to set her up with every eligible man in town, no one holds a light to Bel's perfect hero: Jax Lexington. Bel owns every book in the outrageously romantic series and loves them.

'Emma is concerned about her obsession, but Bel knows the line between fantasy and reality . . . until the day Jax Lexington arrives in town.

'Her fictional hero is real - and he's best man at her cousin's wedding.' (Publication summary)

'An entrancing, laugh-out-loud enemies-to-lovers romantic comedy. If you like Book Lovers by Emily Henry and No Hard Feelings by Genevieve Novak, you'll love Special Delivery!

'Moving back to her hometown in country NSW, single, jobless and pregnant was never Poppy's plan.

'With her best friend living hundreds of kilometres away and an ex who refuses to pick up the phone, she doesn't know who to turn to for help.

'There's definitely no point asking her midwife, James, because he's the worst. Sure, he held her hand through the birth, but that's only because it was his job.

'However, as Poppy and James keep crossing paths in the small country town, Poppy begins to realise she may have misjudged her midwife. And that complicates things.

'As Poppy stumbles from crisis to crisis in a town that feels unrecognisable, she learns that to build a future, sometimes you need to let go of the past. And often, the strongest relationships are those you forge when you're at rock bottom.'  (Publication summary)

'From the author of the bestselling Sleepless in Stringybark Bay, this new book celebrates life, love, community and the power of forgiveness.

'When former journalist turned café owner Kate Jackson abandons her six-month-old baby and disappears without a word, the quirky offshore community of Cook's Basin quickly steps in to salvage a delicate and difficult situation.

'But even the best intentions can go horribly awry.

'Relationships are tested, loyalties divided and the future of the beloved Briny Café, the beating heart of the community, comes under threat.

'It takes a group of bossy retirees to navigate the brittle twists and turns of the grim past to point the way towards a hopeful future.

'Wrapped in the colourful culture of a boat-access community, Finding Joy in Oyster Bay, the final book in the Cook's Basin series, celebrates life, love, community and the power of forgiveness.' (Publication summary) 

'Join Wolf Girl and her loyal pack in the thrilling twelfth instalment of this smash-hit series that has sold over one million copies!

'When Gwen discovers her dad has escaped from Snake Dungeon in Winter Hill, she and her pack race to the town, desperate to find out whether her mum is still being held there. But when they arrive they realise the Braxans are watching them, and when they split up, the dogs start disappearing . . .

'Gwen isn't sure who she and her pack can trust in Winter Hill. Will they find a way to Snake Dungeon – and if they do make it, who will be waiting for them?

'Shadows and Secrets is another epic adventure following Wolf Girl and her devoted pack of dogs from Australia's number one bestselling author!'  (Publication summary)

'A hilarious full-colour illustrated cosmic adventure featuring teen superheroes, a wobbegong and a sourdough starter with a real punch intent on saving the world from climate disaster, from Australia's best-loved marsupial cartoonist.

'Letitia, Binky and Worried Norman are no ordinary teens. They are the superheroes better known as the Indefatigable EnviroTeens! Unluckily they have been space snorkelled - sucked up by giant tubes, teleported through the galaxy, stripped of their powers and squeezed out on ... Mars?! Forced to join the Great Snorkel Manufactory, the three teenagers overhear the evil Baron Kartuffelpoffen's plan to snorkel up all of Earth's water. It really sucks!

'Can their trusty sidekicks, Stuart the wobbegong and Beverly the sourdough starter, come to the rescue?

'An intergalactic quest filled with friends, fiends and friands that proves there's nothing like a tasty snack.

'A wacky adventure for fans of Dog Man and the Treehouse books from the award- winning Guardian Australia cartoonist, bandicoot enthusiast and national treasure.' (Publication summary) 

'A new extended collection from Jim Haynes about the true essence of Australia – our yarns and stories, from every walk of life.

''Aussies love a good story and entertainer Jim Haynes has been telling them for decades' - Courier-Mail

'The Big Book of Australian Yarns is master storyteller Jim Haynes' comprehensive collection of factual and fanciful stories and humour. The yarns range from the poignant to the hilarious, the ridiculously Australian to the unexplained and spooky. There are heroic and inspiring Aussie characters, as well as our larrikins and crooks, and everyday humorous events told with a refreshing understatement that vividly evokes a vanishing Australia.

'There are tall stories from the bush, yarns from the trenches and shearing sheds, railway stories, sporting legends and humour, and many things you never knew about our amazing history and the people who made it – men and women whose fascinating lives and achievements created the Aussie spirit.

'The result of decades of researching popular Aussie culture and history from all parts of the country and unearthing little known facts and undiscovered information, The Big Book of Australian Yarns will tell you things you never knew, have you smiling for days and spinning yarns to all your mates.'  (Publication summary)

'A powerful and poignant tale of rural suspense told by the acclaimed Fleur McDonald, bestselling author of Voices in the Dark and Shock Waves.

'Left alone on the vast cattle station with her baby while her husband, Alex, works the farm, Hallie Donaldson is having trouble adjusting to the flies, dust, snakes and isolation in the Flinders Ranges.

'At least today, Hallie knows that she and their daughter Ruby can watch Alex on the security camera erected at the windmill where he'll be working. But something goes horribly wrong and he suddenly disappears from view.

'Alex is found later, dead at the bottom of the windmill.

'After Alex's death, Hallie discovers an alarming series of phone messages sent to a still-shared link on Alex's phone. A short time later, one of Alex's close friends from agricultural college, Danny Betts, loses his life in another tragic rural accident.

'When Hallie reveals the horrifying information she's been keeping secret to Detective Dave Burrows and his partner, Constable Mia Worth, they quickly realise that all is not what it seems.' (Publication summary)

'Australia's leading film critic reviews (almost) every Australian feature film from 1990 to 2020.

'Australia's best-loved film critic David Stratton reviews (almost) every feature film from the past three decades in the ultimate guide to modern Australian cinema.

'From The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert to The Dry, from The Big Steal to The Drover's Wife, he tells us why they're worth watching, and reveals fascinating behind-the-scenes details. There is something for everyone: road movies and coming-of-age movies; comedies and love stories; rural noir and gritty urban movies; flourishing First Nations cinema; horror, zombies and science fiction; movies for families and for children; international co-productions, and much more. He's seen them all, and he knows every director, producer and actor.

'Australia at the Movies is the indispensable companion for every cinema lover: it's where you'll find your next favourite movie.'  (Publication summary)