AustLit

'Ever since Captain Cook came to Botany Bay over two hundred years ago, an old, wild, and hairy nut lady has refused to speak. As a frightened Sarah Banksia sits on a cobbie branch of a banksia tree that leans out dangerously over the sea, she recalls the moment when she first heard the voices of the terrible square peoplethe ones who changed her life forever. Meanwhile, a girl is visited by a large black crow who stands on her chest and tells her that she is a naughty and square girl. Moments later, little Margaret finds comfort with a kindly moth. But when the determined crow returns and proclaims she is a heartless piece of wood, Margaret worries what is to become of her. But what she does not know is that this is just the beginning of an unforgettable journey through a wonderful and magical world where the answers may just lie within Sarahs tree. In this delightful fairy tale adventure for children, a frightened old lady and a little girl are brought together in a magical world to find truth, happiness, and unconditional love. Sarah Banksia is the culmination of Jeans extraordinarily perceptive and inspirational writing and illustrations. Once again, she breaks new ground, introducing young readers to the evolution of lifein particular, the preciously unique plants and animals of Australia (Kathryn McConnochie). Edith Jean Walkers classic Australian fairy tale is about deep time. Like some intense storm or a sublime passage of light in landscape it shakes your foundation and shifts your perspective (Richard Leplastrier).'

'Dam Diligent grew up in a city of asphalt where nature struggled to survive, crushed between cracks of metal and pavement. Despite these harsh surroundings, Dam discovered a talent for creativity and innovation. When his parents first gave him a skateboard, for instance, he found the little piece of wood on wheels too small, which is why he thought a limousinesized skateboard would be preferable. Dam Diligent is part one of a series written over fifteen years and encompassing over ninety short stories. Each story exposes the meek foibles of humanity with Dam at the center. The simplicity of day-to-day life, boring to some, only brews invention for Dam as he seeks to expand the minutiae of normal human existence. He dyes his hair strange colors to stand out. He makes up words to keep things interesting. He explores deep, dark caves, but also the world at large. Dam is always inspired and sometimes ridiculous as he clings to the joys of youth and refuses to grow up. His life is one of discovery and escape as he discovers the wonder of being alive and escapes taking himself-or other people-too seriously.' (Publication summary)

'Dam Diligent grew up in a city of asphalt where nature struggled to survive, crushed between cracks of metal and pavement. Despite these harsh surroundings, Dam discovered a talent for creativity and innovation. When his parents first gave him a skateboard, for instance, he found the little piece of wood on wheels too small, which is why he thought a limousine-sized skateboard would be preferable. Dam Diligent is part one of a series written over fifteen years and encompassing over ninety short stories. Each story exposes the meek foibles of humanity with Dam at the center. The simplicity of day-to-day life, boring to some, only brews invention for Dam as he seeks to expand the minutiae of normal human existence. He dyes his hair strange colors to stand out. He makes up words to keep things interesting. He explores deep, dark caves, but also the world at large. Dam is always inspired and sometimes ridiculous as he clings to the joys of youth and refuses to grow up. His life is one of discovery and escape as he discovers the wonder of being alive and escapes taking himself-or other people-too seriously.' (Publication summary)

'Sarah, Misty and Scribbles' journey to the house by the sea aims to raise awareness and a better understanding about vision impairment in younger children. The story has been written from a child's perspective. Sarah the ragdoll, Misty the rabbit, and Scribbles the teddy bear, all have a vision impairment. Sarah is missing an eye, Misty's eyes look fine in outward physical appearance, and Scribbles has scratches on his eyes. Some of the other toys make fun of them because they do not understand what it means not to be able to see properly. The conclusion of the story is that Sarah, Misty and Scribbles are able to join in the games with the other toys. They feel confident and safe to explore the new house by the sea, which has now become for them a safe and happy place to be. "Sarah, Misty and Scribbles' journey to the house by the sea" is a story that can be read to children by both parents and educational figures' (Publication summary)

'The little fiery dragon is so excited to begin another adventure in Sydney town. But after he gets on the bus, his ticket suddenly disappears. When he is told he must get off the bus, the dragon begins spewing flames, sending everyone into a panic. As tickets and money fly and people scream in fear, firefighters and police arrive to extinguish the fire and throw the little dragon in the paddy wagon. When the dragon arrives at the jailhouse, he begins crying because he has no time to be locked up. He needs to be somewhere right away! Once the town's mayor hears his story, he jumps into action and helps the fiery dragon race to his destination where he leads by example and teaches a valuable lesson. In this colorfully illustrated children's tale, a little dragon demonstrates compassion, selflessness, and gratitude as he does everything in his power to fulfill an important mission.' (Publication summary)

'At sixty years old, Ian has just recently returned to Australia from three months travel in India. The trip marked the end of a dilapidated tenyear relationship with an old school and family friend. Now, Ian finds himself mesmerized by a face on a computer screen. Her name is Lilly and he's never before seen such a beautiful woman. At that instant, he knows his life has changed. After writing eighty letters back and forth during the course of four months, Ian travels to Shenyang, China, to meet Lilly, a fifty year old masseuses and doctor, in person. As the weeks pass, their love grows despite their language barrier. Ian speaks no Chinese, and Lilly is just learning English. Ian hears Lilly's story of growing up in poverty, and he marvels at the beautiful person she is. Filled with insights to contemporary Chinese polities as well as slices of culture and cuisine, Lilly & Ian shares a love story that began across the miles and took root in Shenyang, China.' (Publication summary)