AustLit

'Following up from the award-winning first volume of this trilogy, The Shaping of Destiny, Pyrrhus is now comfortable in his role of king of Epirus. It is 295 BC. He is soon to be embroiled again in his dealings with the great power, Macedonia, and his one-time friend, Demetrius. The cataclysmic event of his life then occurs: the invitation to help the Greek city of Tarentum in Italy. He invades Italy and confronts the growing power of Rome. This struggle between Greece and Rome lasted until 146 BC, the year of the sack of Corinth. It was Pyrrhus' second victory against the Romans at Asculum in 279 BC that gave rise to the expression - A Pyrrhic Victory - one that comes at such a cost that it threatens to destroy the victor.'

Source: Publisher's blurb.

In this delightful, wry portrayal of life with young children, the pitfalls and pleasures of grandparenting are explored. Accommodating those young parents who were once one's children, and their children, while maintaining a sense of self, is a skill. These interlinked stories covering three years in the life of toddlers Jack and Serena and their extended family light up the pages. Each character is deftly drawn against the backdrop of everyday situations, and taps the nuances of relationships, sometimes painful, often joyful, and everything in between. (Publication summary)

'Everyone has a story to tell. If one takes the time to listen to another's story, great insights can be discovered and meaningful relationships developed. Jeremiah questions the validity of war, having experienced the effects of war-torn countries on his travels. The young Australian searches the world for peace, finding it briefly in a hilltop village where he meets an old wise woman named Svelte, who tells him her life story. His belief in Svelte and their mutual respect for one another leads him to recover her stolen heirloom jewellery. Jeremiah is a book about relationships and the impact those relationships can have. It is also about mutual respect, which can be found most anywhere, even in an isolated hilltop village.' (Publication summary)

'Donny and Lulu from Wicky Wacky Farm in Australia return to school after their fun-packed summer holiday. Donny is looking forward to seeing his best friend, Tommy, after the long school break. At first, Donny can't understand why Tommy isn't pleased to see him. Then he finds out that Tommy's Dad has left home. Tommy is also upset that he had to spend the entire summer holidays with his elderly grandmother. Tommy is extremely sad and angry that his Dad has left him. When Donny tells his Mum, Dora, she comes up with a wise idea on how to make Tommy understand what is happening to him and to make him feel better. Her plan works and Tommy returns to the happy boy he once was. ' (Publication summary)