Cirrus@Austlit

'In a land on the edge of all that is known dwells Princess Winterhued, erudite, beautiful, broken-hearted. The heir to her father's kingdom and raised to be queen, she is troubled by terrifying dreams and now finds the half-demented king turning against her. Slimy sycophants whisper in his ear, persuading him that a 'mere woman' is incapable of ruling, and now he ogles the princess's ladies-in-waiting and boasts of begetting a male heir.

'But Winterhued's fears become as naught when a vast and ancient being comes flying on dread wings to lay siege to Castle Lawhill. Trailing fear and slaughter, it traps Winterhued and her people within the broken walls. The princess strives to save her subjects, but it seems the only one courageous enough to help her is the lowliest servant-boy in the castle.

'Yet from the east, riding across wraith-haunted Iron Crag, comes a nameless knight, exiled and condemned... and a horned creature follows him, silent as moonlight.'

(Source: publisher's blurb)

'Children sometimes find it hard to get to sleep.

'What if you could read them a bedtime story incorporating powerful psychological methods to help them fall asleep quickly, easily and without drugs?' (Publication summary)

'What if you could read your children a story incorporating effective psychological methods to help them learn to manage anger?Many parents worry about young children behaving aggressively when they feel upset. Much of this is normal for youngsters. Nevertheless, these issues do need to be addressed.Psychological anger management techniques include:'Breathing out' the anger with slow, deep breaths.Counting to ten slowly, to give angry feelings some time to subside.Moving away from the problem situation until you feel calmer.Squeezing or pummelling a soft, inanimate object such as a cushion, which cannot be hurt and which cannot hurt you.Engaging in vigorous physical activities such as running, cycling, dancing or even housework, as an outlet for pent-up feelings.Lying down and listening to relaxing music, or sleeping.When you feel calmer, talking about your feelings with someone you trust.This book also harnesses the mnemonic power of visual association and simple rhyming verse to make learning fun and the techniques easier to remember.Just as children respond to Cecilia Egan's sleep-inducing story 'The Kitten Who Learns to Fall Asleep," so they can learn to be the boss of their temper while listening to this tale.' (Publication summary)

'What is different about this children's toilet training book? It uses language patterns and proven, powerful psychological techniques that really get results.Motivation is the key to toilet training. This story is designed to be gently persuasive on both the conscious and unconscious levels. It can be be read aloud to children by an older person, and is intended as an aid to any potty-training method. The psychological techniques woven into this tale can make training quicker and easier. Simple rhyming verses add an extra element of fun. Many concepts are common to all potty-training methods. They are based on motivations that are natural in all healthy children. These include: Imitation - seeing a person or a 'drink and wet' doll using a toilet or potty and wanting to copy. Wanting to be independent and feel like a grown- up. Peer pressure - seeing siblings or other toddlers successfully using the potty. Wanting to be praiseworthy. Wanting to feel dry. Wanting to feel clean. To help children learn, the story is interactive. You can read out questions for the child to answer, and you can ask the child to point to images on the pages.Parents, relax! Just read the story to your little ones and enjoy helping them learn.' (Publication summary)

'More than a hilarious rhyme, this is a slapstick comedy that causes a riot of laughter when read aloud.

'Princess Pam and her messy sisters appeal to every child.

'The rollicking rhymes, the unconventional story and the lively, detailed pictures combine to make one of the funniest and most original children's books published.' (Publication summary)

'A brightly illustrated book with a story that is easy for kids to relate to. This Australian story brings into play an action packed journey on board a read steam engine as it travels through the bush to Kakadu.' (Publication summary)

''The Willy Willy and the Ant' is about selfishness and sharing. Another wonderful legend of the native Australians which has been adapted to be read and understood by young children, giving them an insight into the rich and complex culture that existed for tens of thousands of years before European settlement.' (Publication summary)

'Tiddalick the giant frog wouldn't laugh until he met.... This wonderful legend of the native Australians has been adapted to be read and understood by young children, giving them an insight into the rich and complex culture that existed for tens of thousands of years before European settlement.' (Publication summary)

'When Uncle Jack begins to act suspiciously, young Jack and his friends suspect that he has become a "wrecker"--Someone who causes shipwrecks in order to loot the wreckage. When the kids discover the truth, they hatch a plan to help Uncle Jack in his endeavors.' (Publication summary)