AustLit

'From award-winners Margaret Wild and Hannah Sommerville comes a story to remind us of the wonder and magic of reading.

'When Dora was born, her brothers were very excited.

'I'm going to cuddle her,' said Alex.

'I'm going to rock her to sleep,' said Liam.

'I'm going to make her laugh,' said Bruno.

'I'm going to read to her,' said Peter. 

'Dora has doting big brothers who play with her, look after her, and guide her as she grows. But Peter reads to her, which turns out to be the greatest gift of all.' (Publication summary)

'One little rockpool.
Two little eyes.
Three little urchins, bobbing with the tide.

'Little people love to explore little worlds! Dive into the rockpool with this glittering and gorgeous board book for our smallest nature-lovers, from the CBCA award-winning creators of Jetty Jumping, Andrea Rowe and Hannah Sommerville.' (Publication summary) 

'Clancy’s friends skate through the quiet Sunday streets, while Clancy feels self-conscious, and embarrassed, that he’s just a beginner. His board stays tucked under his arm; his feet stay firmly on the ground.

'But his friends aren’t giving up on him and Clancy realises the only way forward is to step on his board and try … even if he might fall.' (Publication summary)

'The Little Things is a reassuring reminder that there is plenty in the world to make us smile and give us hope.

'On days the sunshine stays away,
you wake up feeling sad and grey,
you'll find the small things can delight –
those little things that feel just right.

'The Little Things celebrates the joy and comfort to be found in life’s simple moments, whether it’s spitting cherry pips or bubbly baths on rainy nights. A rhyming text that calls on our senses and travels through the seasons, The Little Things is beautifully illustrated and invites readers to find solace and delight in the small but special moments of our everyday lives.'  (Publication summary)

'Charlie loved the sea.

'He loved the seashells and seahorses, the sharks and the stingrays, the crabs and the crayfish.

'He loved the gentle waves that crept up onto the sand and tickled his toes.

'He loved the huge wild waves that crashed onto the sand and made the beach tremble.

'But most of all he loved the whales.

'An elegant and classic picture book text from one of Australia's most respected and awarded authors for children about a little boy who just wants to see a real whale.' (Publication summary)

'When a boy and a dog meet, an unbreakable and life-changing bond is created. A touching and timely story about welcoming newcomers and those in need.'  (Publication summary)

'When a girl is given a coin to spend at the market, she thinks carefully about what to buy. She is tempted by the towering stacks of fruit, spinning rides and glass jars filled with sweets.

'But it isn’t until a stranger gives something to her, without expecting anything in return, that she knows exactly what to do with her coin.' (Publication summary)

'For many refugees the alphabet represents the start of a new language and a new future, but Anisa’s Alphabet is different. A poignant and highly imaginative telling of one girl’s story which will appeal to children and adults alike ... Come with Anisa, and see things through her eyes.'

Source: Publisher's blurb.

'The streetscape is changing in 1930s city Australia. Digby and Claude meet up to create their own place, somewhere they both belong. They have adventures and make plans. But then the building site becomes full of trucks and Claude's parents stop him visiting his friend. However, when new families move into the new flats, Digby has someone new to tell his stories to. Non-fiction information at the back of the book covers housing styles and the different sorts of 'homes' we can have.' (Source: Publisher's blurb)

'Much-loved actor and radio host Kate Ritchie's first book is a beautiful tribute to the joy and anticipation of expecting a child.

'When you were still a treasured bump, tucked safe away inside, I thought about you night and day and in my sleep - it's true. My heart was full of hope and love. I just couldn't wait to meet you.

'A heartwarming story to share with the children in your family.' (Publication summary)

'It's the first day of school and Ernest seems so mean and scary. But is he really?

'It's the first day of school and Oscar is trying hard to be brave. Oscar's mum feels sure he will make lots of friends, but Oscar isn't so sure, particularly when Ernest seems so mean and scary.

'But is he really?

'From talented picture book creators, award-winning Emma Allen and talented new illustrator Hannah Sommerville, comes a book about the joy of making friends.' (Publication summary)

'Everyone feels sad sometimes, but when sadness lingers, shadows appear. Some of us, even children, chase shadows. Will a wriggly, mischievous surprise help Beth chase her shadows away?' (Publication blurb)