Cirrus@Austlit

'When Fenton and his father catch the coach to Geelong, they have no idea that their driver of the team of powerful horses is the famous Edward Devine - 'Cabbage tree Ned'-or of the incredible adventure that lies ahead.

'A breathless story of bushrangers, danger, daring and escape as Fen finds himself holding the reins of the tearaway coach.' (Publication summary)

'Who’s in your family?

'Frizzle and Me is the gently humorous story of a growing rainbow family. It’s a big deal when your family changes, but with plenty of love to go around, even the biggest changes can be wonderful!'

Source : publisher's blurb

'As the stock are slowly stringing, Clancy rides behind them singing,
For the drover's life has pleasures That the townsfolk never know.

'First published in 1889, Banjo Patersonâs iconic poem has been loved by generations. Capturing the grit of the city, and the longed-for freedom of the wide, open plains where Clancy rides, it is now published with stunning new illustrations by award-winning illustrator Andrew McLean' (Publication summary)

'Nine-year-old Lennie Gwyther dreamed of seeing the opening of the Sydney Harbour Bridge. With his father's blessing, he rode his pony Ginger Mick across Australia, inspiring crowds of supporters to greet him in cities along the way, as he made his way to Sydney. It was there that he saw the bridge that had captivated his imagination and inspired his brave journey. And it was then that he and Ginger Mick became a legend.'

Source: Publisher's blurb.

'The fire awoke like a dragon. Its flames licked the sky, and smoke veiled the sun. With a hungry crackle and an angry hiss, the cruel beast circled, trapping them. Until, through the smoke, knights appeared. Through the Smoke tells the story of three kids, their imagination and a frightening fire in the Australian bush.' (Publication summary)

'In 1942, Sergeant “Griff” Griffin was a prisoner of war. With Christmas approaching, he decided to make a book for the children cooped up in nearby Changi Prison. The book was said to contain the secrets to happiness. But the enemy was suspicious … With this picture book, award winners Mark Greenwood and Andrew McLean bring to life the inspirational true story of a book that became a National Treasure.'

Source: Publisher's blurb.

'A powerful and beautifully illustrated picture book based on the true story of a heroic horse called Fabish, who saved a group of young horses during the Black Saturday bushfires.

'This is the true story of a brave horse called Fabish. In his racing days, he always tried his hardest. And when he retired, Fabish took care of the flighty young horses.

'One hot summer day, a wild wind blew up and the yearlings were restless. Then Fabish smelled smoke. Fire was coming, fast. The trainer threw open the gate and said, 'Go now!' Fabish neighed to the young ones and they galloped away. All through the night, the fire raged and the trainer battled to save the racehorses in the stables.

'But what would become of Fabish and the yearlings? Could he save them from the firestorm?' (Publication summary)

'The true story of a little dog who had adventure in his heart and the rattle of the rails in his soul.

'In the early days of the railway, when shiny new tracks were opening vast areas of Australia, there was an adventurous dog who was part of it all. As the tracks were being laid he was there on the train - riding in his favourite spot on top of the Yankee engine. Everyone knew him. He was Bob the Railway Dog. ' (Publication summary)

''There's a track winding back, to an old-fashioned shack, Along the road to Gundagai' The words are familiar, but the story they tell may not be. Andrew McLean's illustrations bring to life the story of the men who went to the Great War, many of them never to return home.' (Publication summary)

'Every week Lucas' mum visits Great Grandpop at the nursing home. And every week Lucas waits for her outside. Waiting is boring! Until Lucas meets Jack.

'Jack is tricky and Jack is fun, and he is a great storyteller.

'Lucas & Jack is a great book for introducing young children to the idea that old people can be fun and that deep down we have more in common than we think. More importantly Lucas & Jack encourages children to ask questions, be curious, imaginative and empathetic.' (Publication summary)

'Have you ever wanted to have a cat for a pet, a very large cat? Need another player for cricket? How about Scruffy, the dog? How cute are Penguins? What would you do to help save one? A very wet kitten and an even wetter goldfish, will they stay in the family?

'A wonderful collection of heartfelt stories all about pets and animals.' (Publication summary)

'The Squeak Street mice are back again in this entertaining collection of five stories from the much loved Squeak Street series.

'Meet the richest mouse in Squeak Street, Old Bun from No 1, and fearless treasure-hunter One-Shoe from No 2. Share the excitement of Fee-Fee from No 3 as she enters the Cheesey Chews competition for the holiday of her dreams. Find out if Pink-Paw from No 4 can finish her painting in time for the special viewing at the Sunny Corner Home for Old Mice and discover why Clive from No 5 makes everyone in Squeak Street happy.'  (Publication summary)
 

'The Squeak Street nice are back again in this entertaining collection of five stories from the much loved Squeak Street series.

'Meet Quick-Sticks from Number 6 who wants to be a famous drummer and Kevin from Number 7, the reluctant hero who solves the mystery of Rosie Rich- Mouse's missing jewels. Find out why Tails the Great from Number 8 is so scary. Share the piratical adventures of Adeline from Number 9 when she sets sail for Dead Mouse Island, and discover why everyone in Squeak Street loves Ben from Number 10.' (Publication summary)