AustLit

'Little Max has little legs, little feet and little steps.
When Rosie, Izzy and Georgi go cubby hunting, little Max wants to go too but he can’t keep up with his friends. Max soon finds himself lost and alone.
But what else will he find?

'Cubby Hunting is a universal story about a young child who isn’t quite tall enough or strong enough just yet but tries desperately to keep up. It's a gentle story that navigates growing up and celebrates that we can all excel in different ways.' (Publication summary)

'A lyrical and optimistic tale about the power of possibility and perspective, told from the point of view of a child experiencing a family breakdown.

'Frankie’s parents have separated, and her world has fallen apart, much like the precious vase that broke on the day Dad left. But then Nana takes her to an art gallery where she falls in love with a massive mosaic, built from a ceramicist’s broken works after an earthquake. Frankie realises that though the pieces of her life may never fit together again as they did before, there is a chance that from the ‘broken’ pieces she will be able to rebuild a new beautiful life.' (Publication summary)

'Millicent-Mae Moonbeam-White was quite the tiniest little fluffy white puppy that had ever been left on the doorstep at St Bernard’s Home for Little Lost Dogs.' (Publication summary)

'A sensitive, beautifully illustrated book that uses backyard chickens to give a closely observed child’s-eye view of early-onset dementia.

'Mama didn’t want chickens, but she grows to love them as her dementia symptoms increase. Her young children see that she doesn’t always act like her old self anymore; this upsets both them and the chickens, but Mama always finds ways to show them just how much they are wanted and loved.

'Children will relate to the endearing personalities of the chickens, while the award winning author draws on her own experience to create an entirely age-appropriate story about the impact of early-onset dementia. The result is a supportive, much-needed book about a reality that many families face.

'Dementia doesn’t only affect the elderly. Like the parent in the story, people with early-onset dementia may have memory loss, difficulty thinking, trouble recognising people or confusion, or begin acting unlike themselves. Michelle Worthington has had personal experience of all of these symptoms since her diagnosis with Progressive Nonfluent Aphasia (a form of dementia), and hopes her book will help children understand what dementia can look like when their care-giver suffers from it.

'Her wish is that the book will initiate open and honest communication and help parents all around the world recognise the symptoms while providing love and support for their children.' (Publication summary)

'Coco loves Christmas. Everything about it. She is most looking forward to the celebrations in town, especially the lighting of the tree. But then she finds out Tabby Town won't be putting on a celebration this year. Can a lonely Christmas beetle give Coco the bright idea she needs to create the most meow-gical Christmas ever?' (Publication summary)

'When a family heads to the beach with their dogs an adventurous summer day unfolds. A lost kite, riding the waves, sandcastles, ice-cream, hiding from their parents and a thunderstorm!

'A rollicking, rhyming adventure story to read aloud and share with the whole family. Run Pups Run celebrates the simple joys of childhood and the bond between children and their dogs.' (Publication summary)

(Publication summary)

'What would you do if a unicorn appeared on your doorstep? Well, you'd let them in, of course! But be careful, because unicorns are very lively creatures. They like to paint (spat!), and play games (crash!) and read books (watch out!). And maybe, just maybe, they might also be a little hungry (Uh-Oh!) ... As fast-paced as it is exciting, this is a unicorn book like no other!'  (Publication summary)

'Bunny and Vee are best friends. They go on adventures, as best friends do, until one day, when Vee and her grandad accidentally leave Bunny behind How will poor Bunny find her way home to Vee?'  (Publication summary)

'Celebrating new ideas that can make a world of difference, Jørn’s Magnificent Imagination is the true story of Jørn Utzon, the architect of the world-renowned Sydney Opera House. In this gorgeously illustrated book, we follow Jørn through his life as he discovers his love of building and creating, gathering ideas from everything around himself.
'Along the way, young readers will be reminded of the importance of taking the time to dream and create, and of the incredible power of the imagination.' (Publication summary)

'This is My Dad, The perfect dad isn’t always a father

'Leo lives with his monster-battling, world creating, children’s author mother, and has never known a father figure. So when his teacher announces Tell Us About Your Dad Day, Leo’s tummy flip-flops; he worries that he won’t have anything to present to his class. Then he remembers that he already knows someone cool, courageous and clever – someone who’s not his dad, but is his everything. A heart-warming celebration of families of all shapes and sizes that will resonate with millions of children.' (Publication summary)

'Most children would say that the ocean is blue, but when Bowen looks at it he sees white where the waves crash, deep black on the ocean floor, and green when there's a storm. He wonders whether fireflies are hot, and notices how the brushstrokes of a painting tell a story too. Bowen sees the world differently to other children and struggles to fit in. How will he find his place in the world?

'The Incredibly Busy Mind of Bowen Bartholomew Crisp follows the life of Bowen through school and beyond. At every stage, he finds that he doesn't fit in with his peers, but this eventually becomes his greatest strength. Through thinking differently, he is able to solve problems that no one else could. After all, just because something can't be mended the same as it was, why can't it be mended differently?

'A very personal story, Bowen's tale is sensitively written and full of colourful, lively illustrations. It aims to offer hope to children who haven't yet found their place in life by showing them that being normal might just be overrated, and that to find success in life we should be valuing our differences.

'Children, carers, teachers and psychologists alike will find inspiration in this tale of embracing diversity and engaging our full potential. It is a vital reminder that the strength and uniqueness of every child should be encouraged to help them find their place in the world and flourish!' (Publication summary)

'A warm hug, a loud cheer, a tickly hand, a steady hand. 

'Following a boy and his dad through the day we see all the ways a dad, through his actions, shows his love.

'The Most Magnificent Thing is a tribute to the everyday magnificence of dads.'

Source : publisher's blurb

(Publication summary)

'It begins with a tiny seed growing inside a suitcase. With Amira's care, the tiny seed starts to sprout. Find out what happens when kindness flourishes . . .

'Amira's Suitcase is a gentle, thought-provoking tale about friendship and hope.'

Source : publisher's blurb

'Hugo the monkey doesn’t like Upside-Down Fridays. The day is the wrong way round; lunchtime is at morning teatime, and all his classmates’ smiles look like frowns. How will Hugo learn to tame the butterflies in his tummy and find the fun to be had in change?'

Source: Publisher's blurb.

'Coco and her family have moved to a new home in the country. Coco is missing the big busy city. Tabby Valley has no buzz at all—if you don’t count the bugs (Number 1 on her Least Favourite Things List). But Coco is about to find out that change can be full of beautiful surprises.'

Source : publisher's blurb

'My dad says I can choose a pet, but I’m not sure which pet to get.

'A dog, a cat, a fish, a rat?

'How can Piper pick the perfect pet when there are so many appealing possibilities?'

Source: Publisher's blurb.