AustLit

'Today is
a story about the beauty we find in everything. A child ventures out with his
best friend - a bear, and the two enjoy a day of realization and acceptance.
A joyous celebration of love and friendship.

'Today sends a message that little things are special and fun which makes
this is great read-aloud book. The child in the story shows that every day is
full of possibilities - especially TODAY!

'Today inspires
imagination and fun. It's an empowering story for making choices and
celebrating life to the fullest and to find a piece of ourselves. It clearly shows that
a bear is the little child's best friend, as they play and share together.

'This story is perfect
in starting a conversation with young children about the ever-changing world we
live in and our relationships. It will appeal to parents who would much prefer
their child spending time outdoors versus time spent indoors, watching TV or on
the computer.'(Publication summary)

'Patience is key to a happy life.
'Patience can make the difference between worry and tranquillity.
'Patience is love, joy, good and surprising.
'But is Patience more than just an emotion and a skill?
'A fun and reassuring story about exploring Patience as a person’s best friend.' (Publication summary)

'The story begins with a little boy called Henry who loves words and how his journey to publication, as an adult, starts a chain reaction by touching the lives of so many.

'The storytellers come from all walks of life. They are all storytellers, bringing something different to the same story.'  (Publication summary)

''Red' rages through the bush and across the land, tearing through the country like a ferocious beast. Fire-fighters fight this dragon, but it is hard to conquer. From out of the flames and smoke an injured koala emerges. It is rescued and cared for and bought back to good health, and then returned to the wild. This moving story came about in part as a response to the horrific bushfires that raged in the Australian summer of 2020, and inspired by the heroic fire fighters and animal carers, and is also in honour of the increasingly endangered Australian native animal, the koala.'

Source: Publisher's blurb.

'When a boy and a dog meet, an unbreakable and life-changing bond is created. A touching and timely story about welcoming newcomers and those in need.'  (Publication summary)

'A Squiggly Line is a story about the pursuit of one's dream, similar to the rules of taming the life we live. A funny and exciting journey into the power of positive thinking and discovering your creative abilities and self confidence. A brave little mouse begins an adventure armed with just a pencil and a blank page...he doesn't know where he's going or what he will encounter along the way. During the process, even though his drawing may seem squiggly and messy at first, he soon develops the confidence to overcome the stumbling blocks and surprises along the way-surprises that he never thought existed. And from that moment, his creation comes to play.

'Told in a unique way full of play and creativity, the story will send a powerful message about the endless possibilities of having fun with one's imagination. It will help children to explore how they can turn a simple squiggly line into a playful idea.

'A Squiggly Line is a fun and entertaining story about how life is very much the same as a squiggly line. Our squiggly line, our life, is shaped by the directions we take in our lives and how we can develop the confidence and ingenuity to overcome the problems that try to trip us up.

'A Squiggly Line is a story about embracing life's journey and creating the life you want. It shares lessons for life. It offers great advice for anyone. It's a simple message about life and what it entails to sail on a pursuit of one's dreams.

'This story will appeal to children graduating, celebrating a milestone or mastering the first day of school. It's a great inspirational story to motivate children.

'Like the brave little mouse in the story, we all have a life that yearns to be created!' (Publication summary)

'Wombat and Joey Roo is an adorable tale of caring and nurture, growth and independence. Children will fall in love with the whimsical illustrations in this affectionate, heartfelt story.'

Source: Publisher's blurb.

'While a child searches for a place to call home, she is befriended by a seal. This lyrical tale is one of hope and friendship. Illustrator Anna Pignataro has captured the drama of the sea and sky, creating the perfect backdrop to Robert Vescio’s enchanting story.'

Source : publication summary

'Words are everywhere! Come on this lively adventure to learn more about how they can be shortened, extended, and even switched around. Meet ugly words, colourful words, and words that just need a friend.'

Source: Publisher's blurb.

'Roman is a lone wanderer and the wild is his to explore.

'Yet despite his amazing adventures and fascinating discoveries, Roman is still searching for something.

'Is being alone really the only choice for a wanderer?' (Publication summary)

'Harry and his father and their dog, Jasper, spend a day together at the beach observing the ever-changing shapes of the cloud. Harry sees different shapes and gives each cloud an emotion. "That cloud is angry." "That cloud is happy." "That cloud is lonely." He watches as the clouds slowly drift across the sky and transform. Harry shows us that emotions are like clouds. They change shape and roll by. He feels overwhelmed with a feeling and watches it change and drift out of view. Some days are wonderful, filled with sunlight, inviting us to play outside. Other days are cloudy and stormy ... but the sun will always return to brighten our day!'

Source: Publisher's blurb.

Told in only a few words, this is the powerful story of a family fleeing their war-torn country and making a dangerous trip across the ocean to a new life in a new land.

‘Chaos’ begins the story, as the family escapes.

‘Wild’ is the midway point, as their boat battles through a storm.

‘Beauty’ is the sight of a green, beautiful land ahead of them.

‘Safe’ is the beginning of their new life in their new home.'

Source: Publisher's blurb.

'Two children on opposite sides of the world crave friendship. Is it possible to be friends across the miles?'

Source: Publisher's blurb.

'Max spends her days staring out the window. She lives in a world of silence, hurt and alone with her thoughts. But with the help of a little bird, Max learns that she can bravely rebuild her world and give life a second chance. A poignant story about how a disability does not mean the end of possibilities. This story will help teach children about resilience and the wonderful relationship with animals, even with disabilities.'

Source: Publisher's blurb.

'Liam and Kai are the best of friends. They do everything together. Each day in the park they race around in their box cars, pretending to be everything from policemen chasing down bad guys to chauffeurs driving around movie stars! One day they notice a little girl watching them -- she's keen to join in and they're happy to be her friends too, but with only two box cars to play with it seems someone's going to be left out. The Box Cars is a fun-filled story of friendship, sharing and creative problem-solving that will appeal to boys and girls everywhere!'

Source: Publisher's blurb.

'Hannah and Dad are going camping. Hannah is not afraid to go on an adventure. But things change when night approaches … An enchanting tale about independence and security.' (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.

'Finn, a young boy, is lonely. Puss, a cat, is lost. Then Finn and Puss meet. Suddenly Finn isn’t lonely anymore, and Puss seems happy to be with Finn too. So when Finn sees a ‘Lost’ poster, he’s faced with a tough decision. This simple story explores how sometimes we need to make hard choices but that ‘doing the right thing’ has its own rewards.'

Source: Publisher's blurb.

Ella saw the Tree is an entertaining story about living in the moment. This beautiful and reflective picture book teaches a simple but important lesson. By taking a moment to slow down and really appreciate your surroundings even the simple things can be surprising and fun. One windy day, as Ella plays in her backyard, she is showered by leaves. When she looks up, Ella sees a tree in her backyard ... has it always been there? And why is it crying? It’s not until Ella carefully and attentively takes the time to - smell, listen, feel and look - that she discovers the tree in her backyard, as if for the very first time. By slowing down and experiencing new sensations, Ella learns to appreciate the simple things in life.' (Synopsis)