Cirrus@Austlit

'Scientists seek to tell meaningful, logical, comprehensive stories that explain how the world works. Allowing for differences in cultural logic, storytellers have long sought to do the same. Scientists and storytellers may use different methods and tools in their explorations, communicate using different discursive modes, and value different outcomes, but at heart they are on the same quest: to make sense of things.'(Introduction)

'A virus has made Birdie’s friends sick! Birdie feels lonely and worried. What if everyone stays sick forever? But the doctors and nurses are there to help.'

Source: Publisher's blurb.

'One very hot day, Birdie and Mr Frog are feeling tired, cross and bored. They have to find ways to cool down and feel better.'

Source: Publisher's blurb.

' I've just switched off the engine, killing the lights, when someone's banging on the car roof. A rangy young man in ragged shorts and t-shirt appears beside me, brandishing a bush-knife and wrenching at the locked door, his mouth open in a fury of yelling. In front, a boy about sixteen holds a rock as big as his head, poised to plunge it through the windshield. The lamp on my cabin's front porch - so near yet so far - backlights a third youth squinting through the passenger window's dark glass. He has a gun...'  (Publication abstract)

'Swinging in my hammock, it’s hard to get to sleep. Beside my head the sea bounces between hull and wharf – a hollow liquid sound, repetitive scrape and gollop. The rhythm hauls up lines from a sea shanty:

'Oh the anchor’s onboard and the sails are unfurled
We’re bound for to take her halfway round the world.'  (Introduction)

'A terrible drought means Birdie has to leave her home. She is frightened and sad until she makes new friends.

'A story for young children about getting through hard times.'

Source: Publisher's blurb.