Cirrus@Austlit

'Meet Zadie Ma, a girl who writes magical stories that sometimes come true. Can Zadie bring to life her most important story of all . . . the one where she finds Jupiter, the dog of her dreams?

'From one of Australia's most esteemed and award-winning children's authors comes a heartwarming story set in postwar Melbourne about courage, friendship, the magic of stories and one girl's unwavering love for her dog.

'Zadie Ma has a special talent for telling stories . . . and it seems that some of Zadie's stories come true. Zadie's dearest wish is to have a dog of her own and so she starts to write the story of a poor unwanted dog called Jupiter, who's just waiting to be rescued by a loving girl like Zadie.

'One morning when she's supposed to be minding the family shop for her mother, Zadie sets off to look for Jupiter. The scene that unfolds isn't quite the same as in her story but she does find a real dog, and his name is Jupiter. Once Zadie has rescued him, she realises she can't just take Jupiter home because her mother won't let her keep a dog. Luckily her bold new friend Sparrow lets Zadie keep Jupiter at her house till Zadie can work things out.

'But a series of unlucky events means that Zadie can't write the happy ending she dreams of for her story, and now she may lose her beloved Jupiter forever.

'Can Zadie's most important story of all finally come true?'  (Publication summary)

'This sequel to the award-winning Ghost in My Suitcase is a powerful magic realism story for 10+ readers about ghost-hunting, finding yourself, Chinese mythology and culture.

'Thirteen-year-old Ting Ting has learned the ancient skills and art of ghost hunting from her adopted grandmother, Por Por, a famous ghost hunter. But Ting Ting is sick of capturing harmless ‘fat belly’ ghosts, and when a desperate plea for help comes for Por Por, Ting Ting recklessly decides to take matters into her own hands and prove that she is a true ghost hunter. But what Ting Ting discovers is much more dangerous than she had thought. Can Ting Ting conquer her own pride to save Por Por and the villagers before it’s too late? '  (Publication summary)

'Ziggy Truegood lives in a tiny town deep in Hushing Wood, where strange things are happening. The townspeople are fighting, Ziggy feels like something is hunting her, and her beloved woods have become dark and hostile. When exotic Raffi and his grandfather arrive in town, Ziggy finds herself strangely drawn to them. But are they there to save Ziggy, or are they the hunters? Thought-provoking and engaging, Hushing Wood is a lovely blend of action, fable and magic realism.' (Publication summary)