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)

'It's 1941 . . . and the war is changing Pearlie's life every day. Darwin is full of soldiers, there's a spy on the loose, her beloved pets are in danger and people are turning against Pearlie's best friend, Naoko, just because she's Japanese. When everything falls apart, will Pearlie be brave enough to stick up for what's right? Timid, kind, and courageous, Pearlie is an unforgettable Australian Girl.'(Publication summary)

'In the black velvety mantle of the night sky, two young people fall in love, only to be parted; while in a far-away time, a lonely and mistreated girl finds herself at a ball in a dress of sea green silk and a kingfisher cloak: two beautiful, magical tales from old China, The Weaver Girl and the Cowherd, and The Magic Fishbones, are here enchantingly retold for young readers by award-winning author Gabrielle Wang and evocatively illustrated by David Allan.'

Source: Publisher's blurb.

'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)

'It's 1942 and Darwin is under attack. While bombs are falling, Pearlie is doing all she can to save her beloved pets and help the wounded soldiers. But it's too dangerous to stay, and when Pearlie finally has to say goodbye, only the thought of being reunited with her best friend Naoko can cheer her up. But Naoko has a problem of her own: a ghostly mystery that will truly test Pearlie's newfound courage . . .' (Publication summary)

'It's1942 . . . and Pearlie is all alone in Darwin. Not only has she been separated from her family, but now Beake, the spy, is back and he's on the loose. He's out to get Pearlie – but she has a plan . . . Can she pull it off? And when bombs fall on Darwin, will Pearlie survive?

'Follow Pearlie on her adventure in the third of four exciting stories about a courageous girl in a world at war.' (Publication summary)

'It's 1941... and school is almost over – not just for summer, but forever. Darwin could be bombed any day, and everyone Pearlie knows is leaving for a safer place. Animals and pets of all kinds are being left behind, and Pearlie can't bear it. But can she rescue them all? And what will happen when it's her turn to leave the home she loves?

'Follow Pearlie on her adventure in the second of four exciting stories about a courageous girl in a world at war.' (Publication summary)

'It's1941 . . . and the war is changing Pearlie's life every day. Darwin is full of soldiers, there's a spy on the loose, and people are turning against Pearlie's best friend, Naoko, just because she's Japanese. When everything falls apart, will Pearlie be brave enough to stick up for what's right, or will her old fears get the better of her?

'Meet Pearlie and join her adventure in the first of four exciting stories about a courageous girl in a world at war.' (Publication summary)

'Two extraordinary children. A quest to save a city. A magical adventure for children 10 years and olders.

Oriole's beloved Wishbird is dying and she must leave the Forest of Birds to save him. But in the City of Soulless there are traitors everywhere, and when Oriole is captured, only a street orphan can help her. Can Oriole and Boy save Soulless and its bewitched king, or will the city's darkness prove too great even for magic?' (Publisher's blurb)

'Thirteen animals line up along the shore. But there are only twelve places to be won. Who will miss out? One of China's favourite fables is brought to life through an intercultural arts experience for inquisitive young minds.

Follow the story of the Jade Emperor, ruler of heaven and earth, who has proclaimed a great race: the first twelve animals to cross the river will win their place on the Chinese Zodiac. Find out who wins, who misses out and which animal of the Chinese Zodiac you are.

Gabrielle Wang's picture book is transformed into a multifaceted theatre production incorporating animation, storytelling and an original Chinese score played on traditional Chinese instruments and performed live by the Australian Chinese Music Ensemble. Don't miss this wonderful introduction into Chinese culture.' Source: http://www.outoftheboxfestival.com.au (Sighted 18/05/2012).

'It's 1864 . . .

'and Poppy lives at Bird Creek Mission near Echuca. Poppy hates the Mission, especially now that her brother, Gus, has run away to pan for gold. What if Poppy escaped, too? Would she survive alone in the bush? And would she ever find Gus, whom she loves more than anything in the world?

'Meet Poppy and join her adventure in the first of four stories about a Gold Rush girl who dreams of a better life.' (From the publisher's website.)