Cirrus@Austlit

'Once upon a time there was a dear little girl called Peony. That’s P.E.O.N.Y. And it’s me. I live in a Castle with my Dragon whose name is Totts. That’s T.O.T.T.S And that makes me a Princess if you really want to know. Princess Peony is not really a princess, but she does have a pet dragon, which means she's kind of like a princess. In her first adventure, she must keep an evil troll (her brother) from trying to steal her dragon (dog)--and avoid being eaten by a bear, which is really hard work.'

Source: Publisher's blurb.

'Right now, Sprite Downberry's life is pretty tough. Her dad's busy and away a lot, and her mum, Sunny, is very moody and unpredictable, so Sprite feels she can't tell her about the nasty girls at school. And Sprite is also worried about her little brother, Mozz. He can't talk properly and he's supposed to be starting school soon.

'Now Dad's taken off, and Sunny's so unhappy she won't even get out of bed. Determined to fix things, Sprite grabs Mozz and sets out to find their father.

'In a night that never seems to end, Sprite faces decision after decision. Can she trust Luther, the runaway boy who rescues her and Mozz? And what should she tell the friendly policeman who knows so much about her?

By the time Sprite is reunited with her dad, things look like they're getting out of control. Will she figure out how to get her family back together - and handle the friendship problems at school?' (From the publisher's website.)

'Here is a playground of dazzling lights, sounds and noises, shapes and patterns, buildings that reach to the sky and the bellies of aeroplanes, almost close enough to touch. Here is a chance to stop, look and really see and hear the city that is In My Backyard.' (Good Reads)