(Publication summary)

'Mama Ocean had eyes that sparkled, like sunlight on the sea, and tresses which tumbled and trailed through the tides. But something is troubling Mama Ocean. Who will help her?

'An imaginative and lyrical story which tackles the world-wide problem of plastics in the oceans.'

Source: Publisher's blurb.

'And there in the stable this special baby was born, just as the angel Gabriel had said.

'In this beautiful picture book, Australia's most-loved children's illustrators have chosen their favourite Nativity scene to illustrate.Featuring the work of Gaye Chapman, Bettina Guthridge, Wayne Harris, Sally Heinrich, Ann James, Stephen Michael King, Caroline Magerl, Beth Norling, Cheryl Orsini, Sally Rippin, Gregory Rogers, Judith Rossell and Anna Walker.'(Production summary)

'Susie K is the life of the party (not!). But her mum is convinced that Susie can make it as a social butterfly ...  'Susie K likes science instead of netball and has the class goldfish for a best friend. But Susie's mum finds it hard to believe that she's happy that way. She's constantly trying to push Susie (with the best of intentions, of course!) to be something she's not. And the last thing Susie wants is to disappoint her mum...  'Susie's mum is thrilled to hear that Susie is going to Clementine's party ... except she hasn't been invited yet. So even though Susie would much rather stay home to read about endangered animals, she uses all her problem-solving skills to become the life of the party!  'In this fresh new series find out how Susie's unconventional problem-solving skills + Mum's optimistically high expectations = hilarious results. ' (Publication summary)

'Marcus is a maths whiz who is not good at sport. His dad is a self-help author who thinks Marcus can achieve anything he sets his mind to, with hilarious results. In illustrated diary format, Marcus's gentle, satiric humour and comic drawings will have readers laughing out loud while learning a surprising amount about sport.' (Synopsis)

'Papa Sky sits where earth meets sky, until one night the wind blows him down, down, down through the cloud forest, where he lands with a bump.

What will happen next? Who will help him?' (Synopsis)

'One Step at a Time is an exquisite picture book which tells a touching story about the relationship between a young boy, Luk, and his elephant, Mali. On the border of Thailand and Burma, Mali steps on a landmine. Luk supports her during her recovery. Mali is eventually fitted with a prosthesis and get a second chance at life. One Step at a Time is a ground-breaking story. Heinrich’s beautiful illustrations match Jolly’s light touch when it comes to writing about the sensitive subject of landmines. It is a story about love and friendship that will enthral children around the world.' (Publication summary)

'This book presents the story of a man who is dying of AIDS. The story allows teachers or family members to raise issues such as illness and death in sensitive but simple ways to children aged 6-10 as a prelude to further discussion. It is written in a sensitive and appropriate way, with a great deal of thought and planning put into the 'Discussion Notes' which accompany the book. The title character, Uncle Paul, is presented as a single man who likes rainbows. This is the only hint of his possible sexuality, which is not specifically mentioned in any way. However, the story may provide an opportunity to answer simple questions about homosexuality for children. This book treats the issue of sexuality as largely immaterial for the age group concerned, and as totally irrelevant when dealing with AIDS or death.'

Source: Vicnet website, http://home.vicnet.net.au/~shout/books/juniorbooks/UnclePaulHasAIDS.html
Sighted: 07/11/2006