AustLit

'From award-winning author Kate Forsyth and illustrator Lorena Carrington comes a fifth magical collection of little-known fairy tales. In these seven tales, strange and marvellous transformations take place, some due to spells and ill-wishing, some arising from the deepest longings of the human heart. A princess makes a promise to a frog and helps to break a curse upon him. A neglected girl goes to the ball in all her rags and, with the help of a gooseherd and his enchanting music, wins the prince's heart. Disguised as a boy, a girl sets out to save a captive princess with the help of a talking horse.'  (Publication summary)

 (Publication summary)

'Sneaking through airport security, two passports burned a hole in his pocket; one allowing him to run, the other never allowing him to escape. Leaving behind a devastated family and the girl it was impossible to forget was never going to be easy. Simon was brutally attacked in a South African prison cell a er a night out with his brother, Jaco, ended in violence.

'A week later, he was struggling to button his shirt beneath the pinstripe suit as he climbed the corporate ladder of the recruitment industry. In the aftermath of his mistakes, the only thing distracting him from the torment of suicidal thoughts was the pretty redhead sitting across from him in the cube farm. In his quest to end peace and redemption, the last thing he expected to find was love.

'From bestselling author, Kelly Van Nelson, comes this gripping coming-of-age novel about a young man battling his inner turmoil after a harrowing incident changes the course of his life forever. Rich with emotional undertones of overcoming guilt, battling with a strewn identity, and a budding romance which seems doomed from the very beginning, this story unravels an intriguing and touching analysis of what happens to a soul plagued by misfortune. In a journey from the southern tip of Africa to the shadows of Edinburgh Castle, this eloquent reflection captures the contrasts of society and the power of family and friends in the recovery of trauma, but first there is a detour to the darkest corners of the mind' (Publication summary)

'This is a story on the Ecology of the Eucalyptus Tree. It shares its life as just one tree on this land and how important it is and how all things are related and work together to support life for the ecosystem, sustainability, forests, plants and animals and other organisms in the soil.

'This book has been created to help educate tomorrows decision makers to help our plants to support life and to teach you to leave a bit for the bush.' (Publication summary)

(Publication summary)

'The legend of King Arthur began in Britain. But it is in twelfth-century France that the stories really took off, with gifted writers creating a panoply of vivid new characters and elements such as Lancelot, Perceval, the Grail and the doomed love between Lancelot and Guinevere, within a richly imagined, action-packed world of adventure, magic, romance and mystery. Women as much as men are important characters in the French stories, there’s an intriguing take on shapeshifters and other supernatural beings, and fascinating glimpses of the patterns and customs of medieval life as well as explorations of conscience and the true nature of courage. In the process these extraordinary medieval writers, such as Chrétien de Troyes and Marie de France, created a whole new immensely popular genre of literature whose appeal and influence endures to this day.

'This beautiful new collection of stories translated and powerfully retold by Sophie Masson and superbly illustrated by Lorena Carrington will introduce you to some of the most striking tales and extraordinary characters and places from the French Arthurian tradition, transporting you into a gripping, magical world like no other.' (Publication summary)

'You are invited to immerse yourself in the serenity that is Planet Hope. Across these pages where words dance with art, Emma Cary's beautifully crafted poetry connects young minds with the power of positivity The story comes alive through the work of Australia's award-winning artist and illustrator Emma Stuart, portraying the diversity of the Australian landscape in her rich oil paintings. With beauty and hope on every page this is a book for readers of all ages. Planet Hope shines the way to a brighter tomorrow.' (Publication summary)

'Join Peewii as he adventures through the wonders of nature and discovers the importance of protecting our environment.'  (Publication summary)

'Jude loved photography. It captured the truth. It shone a light on what was hidden. It proved that every day was not the same, even though it felt like it. Every. Damn. Day. That is, until CeCe came into his life.

'Could this beautiful mysterious girl from the other side of the world be right about his potential to be a professional photographer or should he listen to his best friend Abel and not rock the boat?

'A poignant coming of age story set at the bottom of the world in the remote fishing village of Southport, the Southern most township in Australia. The first book in the Southport Series deals with ancestry, legacy and trauma that defines a generation.'

Source: Publisher's blurb.

'A mysterious visitor had come to stay. But what was the big secret surrounding this colourful chook? Overnight, while the others slept, a secret wish came true. All care of a magic laying box!

'Baba Stefka and the Magic Chook is Lesa Melnyczuk second book in the Baba's Chook and the magic laying box series.' (Publication summary)

'Twelve-year-old Finn Townsend wakes up one day with super-hearing. It gives him 'dancing eyes' and fainting spells, makes him the target of the school bully, and opens a window onto his parents' failing marriage. At night he hears the dream-talk of Buseje, an illegal asylum seeker from Malawi who lives downstairs in the granny flat. Finn begins to retrieve the fragmented stories which spill out while Buseje sleeps, helping her untangle the terrible mysteries of her childhood. But as Finn's superpowers grow, he unwittingly unleashes ghosts from the past and the secrets they carry. As the immigration officers close in on Buseje, can Finn do anything to prevent her from being deported?'

Source: Publisher's blurb.

'Willow's father has gone from saying "how is my sweet girl?" To "where is my sweet girl?" Even Willow feels lost and bewildered by her own behaviour. After having her parent's sole attention for twelve years she knew there would be adjustments to make with the arrival of her baby brother. But she wasn't prepared for the dramatic change within her. With all her parent's assurances ringing in her ears she still thinks there won't be enough love to go around. Willow expects love to be withdrawn and builds walls around herself to protect her from its loss. What will it take for Willow to remember and get back to being her better self? Her walls are making her weary. She wants to make changes but how can she do this? What will it take? It takes three forces combining together, her favourite Aunty, a time shift, and a magical meeting with an ancestor to create the change that Willow desires. Willow will rediscover that Love doesn't get taken away. It stretches .... "and is like the water in the creek, it keeps flowing."'

Source: Publisher's blurb.

'Once Grandma knew so much. Now she finds most things a puzzle. Even her granddaughter's name has become a guessing game.

'As her grandmother seems to be going backwards, a young girl remembers all the treasured times they have spent together.

'Although Grandma is different now, their love for each other has not changed. They can still connect in special ways, making new memories for her granddaughter to carry forwards.

'Grandma's days of looking after others may be over, but there is someone who will look after her.

'A warm-hearted story of family love and connection.'

Source: Publisher's blurb.

'Finn travels the world in a magical quest to find the golden bird, in the company of a wise old fox.

'Rory releases a captured mermaid from his fishing net, and her father gives him a ring that will bring him his heart's desire.

'Bahram saves the life of a cat, a dog and a snake so, when he loses all he loves, the three beasts join together to help him.

'Jack and his mam are poor and homeless, but with the gift of a stick, a feather and a mechanical singing bird, Jack fights giants and outwits a dragon to win the hand of the squire's daughter.

'Prince Ivan sets out to find his long-lost sisters with nothing but his harp and his own wits, while Gervaise joins forces with a serving-maid to rescue his best friend from the wicked enchantment of an unnaturally beautiful princess.

'And Perseus sets out, with the help of the gods, to defeat the gorgon whose glance has the power to turn all living things to stone.'

Source: Publisher's blurb.

'Sometimes my mind is a curious butterfly that flits from one idea to the next... a playful puppy that can't concentrate... a busy blender that mixes things up... a mean monster that makes me feel bad.

'That's OK because my parents and teachers know how to help me deal with all the emotions that feel so BIG.

'I can learn what to do when my mind is a mean monster... a busy blender... a playful puppy... and a curious butterfly... and I smile, knowing I am safe, and loved, and special.'

Source: Publisher's blurb.

'Join Charli on her knowledge filled adventure with Poppy John and learn all about native Australian plants and trees, birds and bees, animals and insects in this colourful heart-warming story.'

Source: Publisher's blurb.

'Join Leo on his knowledge filled adventure with Poppy John and learn all about native Australian plants and trees, birds and bees, animals and insects in this colourful heart-warming story.'

Source: Publisher's blurb.

'Join Luca on his knowledge filled adventure with Poppy John and learn all about native Australian plants and trees, birds and bees, animals and insects in this colourful heart-warming story.'

Source: Publisher's blurb.

'Join Oliver on his knowledge filled adventure with Poppy John and learn all about native Australian plants and trees, birds and bees, animals and insects in this colourful heart-warming story.'

Source: Publisher's blurb.