'In March 1944, deep in the jungle New Guinea,a little Yorkshire Terrier was found in a fox hole. Based on the best-selling Smoky the War Dog, Nigel has brought the remarkable story of Smoky to the younger generations. Based on true events during WWII, follow Smoky and Bill as they endure the front line of PNG and Smoky becomes recognised as the first Military Therapy Dog.'

Source: Publisher's blurb.

'Leo McGuffin had the best job in the world. As Chief Technical Officer of the Institute of Fantastical inventions (IFI), he had one central mission - to take the wishes, the dreams, the fantasies of ordinary people and to make them come true. Leo’s latest clients were the Simpson Family. Their wish was simple - to create a harmonious family.

'While Leo and his boy genius assistant Edward are researching ways to help the Simpson family, pint sized Isabella Santo is hired to monitor the performance of the scientists, and the IFI is thrown into chaos.Can Leo and Edward save the IFI from robots? Will Edward find a way to get Isabella to notice him? And will Leo ever find the words to make things right with his favourite colleague, Dr Andrea Allsop?'

Source: Publisher's blurb.

'Dark plans are afoot for the peaceful and prosperous land of Avenal. Eleven-year-old Maia, daughter of the Lord, must put aside her dreams of competing in the annual tournament and stand up for her realm. Accompanied by her faithful pony and a rag-tag boy named Raven, Maia must undertake a journey far from home and the ones she loves. Along the way she discovered within her the power to change the world. Eleven-year-old Maia is a better rider than her older brother, and a better shot, but her father, the Lord of Avenal, refuses to let her compete in the annual tournament and prove she is as brave a warrior as him. Angry at her father’s decision, Maia rides her pony deep into the valley where she stumbles across a rag-tag boy called Raven. Little does she realise, this strange boy’s friendship will change her life forever. Dark plans are afoot for the peaceful prosperous land of Avenal and Maia is forced to undertake a journey far from home and the ones she loves. With only her pony and the annoying Raven to help her, Maia must find a way to save Avenal. And, along the way, discover within her the power to change the world.'

Source: Publisher's blurb.

'Renowned abstract artist, the curmudgeonly octogenarian Giles Paumen, is the head of a family of artists, each of whom he considers less talented than himself. His son Laurence is a conceptual artist and lecturer – code for the fact that, unlike his father, he cannot draw at all. However, granddaughter Sophie has inherited the genes and is making a name for herself as a painter of massive portraits, not that Giles would ever dream of expressing a positive word about her work.

'When a new national art prize is announced, each of the Paumen’s secretly enters, the prize galvanizing them to embark in new directions. Giles will complete a landscape honouring his recently deceased wife. Laurence heads to Uluru intent on capturing the true spirit of Australia in this most iconic of outback locations. And Sophie decides to portray the malevolence lurking beneath the benign exterior of that most awful of men, the chauvinist.

'What none of them predicts is that they will become embroiled in an art fraud which threatens to undermine their reputations and devastate their careers. Here, the truth of their narcissistic and insecure personalities is revealed. So too, the underbelly of the art world is exposed in all its ugly, and hilarious, glory.'

Source: Publisher's blurb.

'First to flee were Ted and Dupree, then Tessa Turtle, Poncho and Mousy Dundee. Not far behind was the smallest of all, the teeny tiny reindeer that Jacob called Paul.

Jacob tells his mother that he is too old for soft toys and he wants to give them away. His mother washes them and hangs them on the line to dry. But wild weather sets the toys free and sends them on an exciting adventure across the garden.

What will become of the toys? Will they make it to their new home safely? Will Jacob realise he will never be too old for his soft toy friends?

Celebrating the concepts of friendship and loyalty, Jacob’s Toys is a heart-warming story for both young and old, which reminds us of the magic of childhood. The simple rhyming text encourages early readers’ efforts and makes it ideal for reading out loud to pre and early readers. It features stunning illustrations that bring the story to life.'

Source: Publisher's blurb.

'Dave POW Tabain’s schoolmate Stu is being bullied by Johno and his crew. At first, Dave doesn’t know how he can help Stu. He’s ashamed that he just stands and watches, too scared to do anything. Then he remembers that his parents taught him how to deal with people who say and do mean things to others. Its time to make a plan.

Instead of doing his maths work, Dave spends the lesson writing out his POW PLAN. He explains it to Stu and their friend Bray, and they test it out that afternoon at sport. In a thrilling game of basketball, Stu overcomes Johno’s bullying and their team wins the game. The boys are so excited that the plan worked, they’re pretty sure it could work for other kids too.'

Source: Publisher's blurb.

'Leo McGuffin has the best job in the world. He works for the Institute of Fantastical Inventions making people’s fantasies come true. Want to float around the house like a bubble and pop at midnight? No problem. Have you secretly always wanted to be an astronaut but were too short, too round or had poor eyesight? Never fear, the IFI can make it happen. And though Leo is a talented scientist, his people skills leave a lot to be desired: witness his relationship with colleague, Dr Andrea Allsop.

'When boy wonder Edward joins up with Leo, they help boring Roger Mumble become an international man of mystery. Then the pair uncover a dastardly plan to steal and sell the Institute’s array of magnificent inventions, threatening the very existence of the organisation Leo loves. Can Leo, Edward, Dr Andrea Allsop and the mysterious Roger Mumble outwit the spies and save the Institute from ruin?'

Source: Publisher's blurb.

'Our world has forgotten about the walkers. Able to communicate with animals, they maintained the balance between the physical and spirit worlds. Now, scientist Robyn Greene has found their modern day reincarnations: Fletcher, Ariana and Eli. But they’re not the only ones with the ability to communicate with animals: a small percentage of the population also has the Convergence gene. Using herself as a guinea pig, Robyn discovers how to activate this gene, but the breakthrough comes at a terrible price.

'The MRI has stolen the bio-technology and is seizing Convergers across the world, desperate to control the weapon these teenagers represent. Reeling from loss and betrayal, Robyn adjusts to her new abilities while keeping the walkers safe as they grow into their powers. But time is running out: a catastrophic solar storm threatens to release a dark spirit that will imperil the entire planet. Only Robyn can set things right, but can she figure out the MRI’s plans and bring the Earth back into balance before it’s too late?'

Source: Publisher's blurb.

'The streets of Darlinghurst are dangerous. It is 1930 and razor gangs compete for domination of the turf. Leaving home isn’t optional when Gilbert Maggs’ drunken father chases him from the house with a carving knife. He quickly finds that the back streets hold dangers of their own.

'Jase Callaghan has got it made. Between dating hot copper Sabina ‘the Bod’ Bodanski and a top gig working for casino legend Kevin Honan, life is pretty sweet. Until well-known entrepreneur and conman William Sorley, aka Billion Dollar Bill, disappears off Manly Beach presumed taken by a shark. Billion Dollar Bill has conveniently gone missing owing millions of dollars, not to mention the small matter of an entire stud of racehorses vanishing into thin air.

'Hot on the trail, Jase heads to the Hunter Valley to track down the missing gallopers. Despite succumbing to the inevitable distractions of fine wine and pretty girls, Jase soon discovers that Billion Dollar Bill may not be quite as dead in the water as first thought. And that’s when things become a complicated.

'Turns out Jase can take a number when it comes to wanting to wring the slimy bugger’s neck. But Jase has a few tricks up his own sleeve, not to mention a few good mates, who are just as handy as him in a tight corner. Things might be hotting up but as Jase likes to say, “Stay frosty!”'

Source: Publisher's blurb.

'When eighteen-year-old Eva Carmichael boarded the Loch Ard, she did so amidst rumours that the ships of the Loch Line were cursed. And so it came to pass. In 1878, the magnificent clipper was wrecked off the treacherous coast of Victoria, Australia. Though the sole female survivor, and despite having lost her entire family, Eva refused to conform to the romantic image of the ‘maiden in distress.’ In the face of a media storm, Eva remained true to herself and resolute in demanding respect for her independence. Her courage and strength are qualities that still mark Eva Carmichael out today as a truly heroic woman.'

Source: Publisher's blurb.

'SHE’S BEEN TRAINED FOR BATTLE BUT IS SHE READY FOR WAR? Army Captain Fallon Lourds’s career is in ruins following a combat mission that ended in carnage, saw three of her men dead and of which she has no recollection. When she is abducted and taken to a place unlike any on this earth, Fallon finds herself under the ‘protection’ of Hadwin. He tells her she is the heir and rightful Queen of the Northern Keep. Fallon’s people need her to lead them in a rebellion to wrest their kingdom from the control of the human Queen Adamari. Forced to accompany Hadwin on a treacherous journey to rejoin his men, Fallon discovers a strange world filled with magic, monsters and battle-hardened rebels. But as in her own world, she discovers that leadership comes at a price. Allies and enemies are interchangeable. And the reason she could never recall the events of that dark night when her men were killed is because Fallon is not human… and has powers beyond her imagination.'

Source: Publisher's blurb.

'In 2023, with global conflict escalating, a paranoid billionaire develops a force field designed to provide safety to those shielded beneath. Five hundred years later, the society under the shield is very different. Gods rule with an iron fist and the lives of everyone else revolves around serving their interests or reproducing the dwindling population. But the balance of power is about to shift. Now eighteen, Grady Pryndot sets out on the travels that mark her coming of age. Her mother has never told her the truth about her father. Her teacher has never told her the truth about her legacy. Grady is about to challenge the world order because Grady is not who she thinks she is. She is much, much more.'

Source: Publisher's blurb.

'Ula lives by a beautiful lake with her mum and dad and spends hours in her favourite tree daydreaming. Despite being forbidden to ever go out on the lake by herself, Ula imagines she sees a magic island appear in the middle of the lake. Unable to resist, she paddles out and meets the wish bird Ambrose who grants her one wish. She could be an Hawaiian princess or wish for a room full of toys or shiny new pink boots. But Ula realises all she really wants is to go home and be with her family.

• Celebrates the importance of imagination and adventure
• Balances the idea of having freedom and independence with the need to be nurtured and loved within the family
• Beautifully illustrated, Ula will appeal to both pre and early readers

'Ula loves to daydream and go on big adventures. When she visits the magic island where wishes come true, what will Ula wish for' (Publication summary)

'How to be Awesome is a guide to being the best for kids who like to think outside the box. The story is a step by step guide to quietly achieving great things through just using a little imagination.

'Complemented by fantastical illustrations throughout, How to be Awesome is a heart warming little story, and the perfect pre-bedtime read for kids and their parents' (Publication summary)

'Have you ever eaten pink spider web?

'What are the 79 zaniest things to bring to show and tell?

'Is it possible to earn three thousand dollars without anybody else finding out?

'And how do you stop random people texting you?

'Find out in this hilarious collection of short stories. One thing is guaranteed you will NEVER pick the endings! ' (Synopsis)

'For scientist Robyn Greene, her laboratory is a second home. Here she searches for the ancient gene that is supposed to enable humans to communicate with animals. After years of failure, she’s beginning to wonder if the gene is a myth. But when she stumbles across a strange genetic mutation, Robyn’s world turns upside down. The man posing as her boss is, in fact, an operative of the mysterious international organisation, the MRI. Worse, they have dark plans to exploit her discovery. In a race against time, Robyn must track down the individuals with this rare gene before the MRI turns them into lab rats. But when she meets the three teenagers, she realises that protecting them from the MRI is not only about saving their lives. Fletcher, Ariana and Eli are capable of more than anyone realises; they are part of an ancient cycle designed to keep the Earth in balance. A terrible future awaits the planet if the MRI gains control of Robyn and her research before she’s figured out the kindred ties that bind these teenagers.'

Source: Publisher's blurb.

'After selling out of Exploding Endings Book 1, author Tim Harris is back with his second book Exploding Endings BOOK 2. With generously-sized short stories, Tim Harris throws the reader into a world where it rains lemonade, dentists terrorise children, a whole school is put on detention at once and making a simple chocolate cake is one of life's more dangerous tasks. Exploding Endings will have young readers laughing aloud and wondering where each story will lead. Exploding Endings contains a quirky visual element to engage readers at a second level.' (Publication summary)