AustLit

'Lyra is an active young lady who wants to get out and explore the world - but her father has turned into a Phone Zombie! He spends all his time lying on the couch working... talking... texting... reading... watching sports. Finally she persuades him to go for a walk with her in the bush where they see amazing creatures and Dad is gradually converted into a Nature Zombie! This wholesome tale, hinting at the dangers of the over-use of screens and extolling the benefits of getting out into nature, turns the usual parent-berating-child narrative on its head. The story thus delights children while at the same time tempting them to follow in Lyras footsteps. This is first in an anticipated series of books featuring Lyra and the Wilderness Warriors.' (Publication summary)

(Publication summary)

'It was an Australian summer like no other. Record-breaking temperatures and years of severe drought fuelled a series of bushfires that burnt across the country. The major fires peaked during December 2019 and January 2020 and East Gippsland was hit hard. Throughout Victoria, people started 'paying it forward' and doing what they could to help others in need. And many heroes emerged.

'Heroes of Black Summer is a brand new picture book illustrating some of the heroic, brave and kind actions of Australian people during the 2019-20 bushfire season. Each mini story captures a real life experience of the harrowing events from individuals and families living in the East Gippsland region.

'The book provides fire-affected communities with a tool to manage stress, anxiety and depression to support healing and recovery, and is also a great resource to actively engage with the community to gather and share their stories.'

Source: Publisher's blurb.

'This stunning children's picture book tells the true story of Sparky, an amazing dog who survived the devastation of the Australian bushfires 2019-20.

'The Wild family adopted Sparky at Christmas time, and when they were forced to evacuate just a few days later, Sparky was lost in the Tintaldra bushland. When the Wild family return to find their home destroyed by the fire, their spirits are buoyed when their scrappy puppy emerges from the smoky surroundings.

'This meaningful book has been written and illustrated to help children to understand and discuss traumatic events such as bushfires and other natural disasters. It comes with support from child psychologists who recognise the comfort and encouragement it will provide for kids, with one quarter of the print run being donated to children and their families in the Upper Murray region.' (Publication summary)