Cirrus@Austlit

'Pile the presents by the tree/ Though clouds spiral out at sea./ Wind snarls, skies weep grey/ But Santa's sleigh is on its way!

'Christmas Eve 1974 is marked indelibly into the Australian psyche, as the night tropical Cyclone Tracy devastated the city of Darwin. Now, over 40 years later, Jackie French's lyrical rhyming text tells the story of a city's indomitable spirit, and Bruce Whatley's sumptuous illustrations bring to life the powerful force of the storm to a whole new generation of readers.' (Publication summary)

'One small spark brought fire awake

'Winding like a small black snake

'Fire flickered, fire crept

'Flames snickered, bushfire leapt...

'Inspired by the bushfires that have affected many Australians, Fire is a moving and sensitive story of a natural disaster as seen through the eyes of a cockatoo. The fire mercilessly engulfs homes and land, leaving a devastating path of destruction.

'But from the ruins, courage, kindness and new life grows.

'A beautiful and timely expression of the strength of the Australian spirit during times of adversity. ' (Publication summary)

'A meditation on fatherhood, and a timeless story that will resonate with fathers across the generations.

'As a day unfolds in a quiet Italian village, a father encapsulates his hopes and dreams for his young child. Wise, moving and inspirational, What My Pa Told Me is the perfect story for fathers to share with their children.'

Source: Publisher's blurb.

'When Piglet cannot find her mother, all of the barnyard animals try to make her feel better, but Piglet wants nothing but Mama.' (Source: Trove)

"There is just one creature bothing him: a persistent flea. Bear tries to get away, but Flea just won't leave him alone. When Bear finally gets rid of Flea, he finds that he misses him - and a new friendship is born." (Source: Trove)

"This story, told in rhyme, is about a young boy and a monster who get to spend the day together, following an exchange of letters.

A monster wrote me a letter today. He said he was coming to my house to play. But what if he's scary and won't go away. What if the monster decides to stay...?" (Source: Trove)

'Lost and afraid in the darkening bush, Dot is befriended by a kind Kangaroo. She eats the berries of understanding and is then able to communicate with all the bush creatures, who eventually guide her home.

'The intriguing tale of Dot and her Kangaroo is told by Ethel Pedley with the charm that has made this book an Australian favourite since it was first published in 1899. Now, as then, children will be enthralled by this oldest of Australian classics, it will endure to entertain generations to come.' (Publication summary)