AustLit

'The Secret Science Society in Space is a fun story about diversity and individuality and the joys of science. It follows the adventures of four students who are forced to work together to represent their school to produce a project for a science fair.

'Zane has ADHD, Bart is autistic, Kiki has anxiety and Mona is, well, Mona is Mona. After visiting a space exhibition, they are alarmed to discover that Laika, the first dog to orbit the Earth, was sent up in a rocket with no chance of return. They decide that their project would be to create a spaceship that could bring animals home safely. On the day, Zane not only sneaks in a real dog but has the brilliant idea of cooking a piece of steak for ‘space-smell’ authenticity. Naturally, this leads to DISASTER! The twist gets even bigger when it is revealed that Mona’s dad is a real live astronaut.

'Despite a comedy of errors, naturally, they win first prize. As they work together, the very diverse characters discover that they all have strengths and weaknesses and that to be the best team, they had to support each other in the difficult times and celebrate the good.' (Publication summary)

'Jessie loved all her friends birthday parties with the rollerblading, soccer and unicorns. But Jessie has something else in mind for her party. Will her friends like the slithering friend she wants to bring or will it be too scary?'

(Source: publisher's blurb)

'Harold loves music but finds out that it is just the beginning. Will all the practice pay off for Harold and the Gumnut School Band on final concert night?

'Harold’s fun stories are designed to share with pre-schoolers or for early readers. They subtly reinforce the safer, healthier life choices that he and Life Education are famous for.'  (Publication summary)

'Do you know the feeling when you just can't do ANYTHING with your hair, no matter how hard you try? Well Alice has that problem every day, but what can she do about it? At the end of the day is it really worth the worry?' (Synopsis)

'Frankie loves to just sit and watch the clouds. She conducts symphonies in the sky and listens to the melodies that only she can hear.

'As the seasons pass, Frankie is taken away from her bedroom on the tales she creates. Even when illness means she can’t leave her bed, Frankie can escape to the beach with shimmering waves or the outback with thundering horses.

'Readers will be enchanted as they learn to become cloud conductors too, no matter where they are or what situation they are in. Cloud Conductor inspires imagination that can be shared over and over.'

Source: Publisher's blurb.

'Harrison is a bit different to the other kids.

'Each time he tries to speak, he stutters. No matter how hard he tries, his tongue feels tied up in knots. That is, until one day when Harrison discovers his talent ...

'Harrison's Song tells the story of how Harrison overcame adversity because he just wanted to share the love and words inside him.'

Source: Publisher's blurb.

'Eric loves to read. He has a towering bookshelf brimming with stories of strange and wonderful worlds.

'But …

'If only there were a way to actually get to these magical places.

'He just can’t seem to find the right words and his drawings never look quite right—not like his books at all! How will Eric find a way? A humorous and unique story about finding your own way to be creative.'

Source: Publisher's blurb.

'A delightfully funny comedy about what happens when an elephant and a boy mistakenly end up at the wrong schools.

'My Brother Tom is a story for older siblings of premature babies, to help them make sense of what is happening at a difficult time.'

Source: Publisher's blurb.

'Lulu’s life was quite cosy and nice, with mountain of fish and even more ice. But something was missing, something wasn’t quite right. She dreamed of the stage, she yearned for the lights. Join Lulu on her adventure and see what she discovers…' (Publication summary)

'Meet Gus! Gus might be the only asparagus in his family, but he is happy. However, when he goes to school he starts to realise that he doesn't always 'fit in'. Gus is here to help kids understand that it's okay to be different. He will soon be a favourite with anyone who has ever felt a bit out of place, kids and adults alike.' (Source: Publisher's blurb)

'My Dad is a FIFO Dad is a book that will touch many families across Australia and the world, whom experience separation because of FIFO/DIDO work arrangements. This story will help to reassure children that despite distance, fathers can be present in heart, mind and spirit in many situations. This book forms the first of many support resources for children and families to build and maintain resilience, strength and unity to make FIFO/DIDO rosters fit seamlessly into their lifestyle. The work of Jo Emery aims to encourage an ‘I’m OK when Dad’s Away’ mindset.

'My Dad is a FIFO Dad is a heart-warming and funny story about a child who feels the love of her Dad even when he is absent at work. It can be enjoyed by children of all ages. While the topic is associated with the FIFO lifestyle, it resonates with anyone who believes in the unity of family.' (Publication summary)

'Lying in his bed one night, Liam woke and saw a bright light. It shone through his window and Liam could see, that his room was lit up as bright as could be....

'Join Liam as he investigates the mysterious bright light and his imagination leads him on an amazing adventure.' (Publication summary)

'Kieron is a little boy on the lookout for adventure, and as he swims in the ocean one hot, sunny day - That’s exactly what he finds.' (Publication summary)

'The cows are in the milking shed, the horses are in the stable and the sheep are in the field. They all have their jobs to do to help make the farm a happy place to live. Someone s squelching in the mud and it s not the pigs. Who can it be?' (Publication summary)

'Have you ever felt small when you stand at the start of the wide, blue ocean? Waves slosh, children splash and grown ups walk in a line to nowhere and back again. But if you take the time to look high, look low and look underneath, you never know what you will find.' (Publication summary)