AustLit

'In a big, big city, in a tiny, tiny apartment, lived a tall, tall man and twelve babies.

'All the boys were called Alistair. All the girls were called Charlene.

'One day the door slams shut ... with the Charlenes on one side and the Alistairs on the other.

'What will the tall man do?' (From the publisher's website.)

'Gruffy Ted and Tilly Ted loved Mollie-Sue. And Mollie-Sue loved her teddies. They did everything together. One day, a present arrived from Grandma. It was Bendy Bill. Mollie-Sue showed Gruffy and Tilly.

'"Isn't he handsome? Look at his long stretchy arms," she said. "And listen ..." She pressed Bendy Bill in the middle. "Oo-oo," he squeaked.

'"I don't like his silly smile," said Gruffy.

'"I don't like his silly arms," said Tilly. "Mollie-Sue still loves us best," said Gruffy.' (From the publisher's website.)

"'Twas the day before Christmas And in his beach shack, Santa was snoozing, Flat out on his back. 'Shake a leg, love,' Sheila Claus said. 'Time to get ready For the big night ahead.' Discover how the Aussie Santa gets ready to deliver his pressies!" (Publisher's website)

'On the first day of Christmas a swagman at the gate said, Have a ripper Aussie Christmas, mate!' (Publication summary)

''Colour my beak blue, that's a risky business if you're not a cockatoo,' squawked Rocky Cocky. 'You'll need a bodyguard.' They trotted and strutted off down the track, round the back of beyong, up the hill and past the black stump, until they bumped into . . . Joanna Goanna.

'Early one morning, Blossom Possum gets such a fright she thinks the sky is falling down! She has to tell someone, so she sets off with her news. On the way she meets her bush mates. But she also runs into trouble.

'This retelling of a favourite folktale has a delightful Aussie twist and a refreshingly positive ending. ' (Publication summary)

'Christmas in the middle of an Australian summer means Santa has to find new ways to deliver his presents. The obvious solutions are to don a sunhat, shorts and a pair of thongs, not to mention ditching the sleigh and reindeer in favour of some roos and a ute. Every line of this traditional verse has been remodelled, replete with Aussie references. The gentle illustrations are packed with familiar icons cleverly woven into the visual narrative to recreate the warm, comforting, family atmosphere that Christmas is all about.' (Publication summary)

'Henry wishes he was the owner of all sorts of dogs - maybe a little rough and tumble dog, a happy-go-lucky dog that splashes in puddles, a trim sausage dog that gives itself airs. Henry′s mum shows him how to plant things and make wishes so that they just might come true. An endearing and enchanting story, with a touch of magic.'

Source: Publisher's blurb (2007 ed.)

'Showcasing well-loved nursery rhymes such as Baa Baa Black Sheep, Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star and This Little Pig Went to Market, this collection is a fantastic addition for every library. It features work from some of Australia's favourite children's book illustrators including Kerry Argent, Jonathan Bentley, Kim Gamble, Wayne Harris, Ann James, Stephen Michael King, David Legge, Alison Lester, Andrew McLean, Patricia Mullens, Kilmeny Niland, Donna Rawlins and Julie Vivas.' (Publication summary)