AustLit

'Late one night, a thing appears in the paddock next to Fabio’s house.

'His dad calls it ‘space junk’ but inside Fabio discovers books. Books about the galaxy; big, fat books; books full of poems. He swaps a book with Leila from next door and the thing becomes a Great Book-swapping Machine.

'But will the very important woman from the Space Agency let the community keep their machine? And what will happen when Fabio pulls its shiny red lever?

'Comprising a funny, original and imaginative story, whimsical illustrations and an informative fact section, The Book-swapping Machine is a book about the joys of reading and the importance of community.'

'My baby sister couldn’t wait to see the world. That’s why she came so early. She probably didn’t know she would be stuck inside a hospital. She probably didn’t know that I wouldn’t be allowed to see her.

'Come Home Ella light-heartedly follows the emotional journey of a family after their baby’s early arrival. Told through the eyes of baby Ella’s older sibling, it aims to educate children about premature babies and help families experiencing similar situations deal with the emotions involved.'

(Source: publisher's blurb)

'After talking with her Mum, Rosie believed she was the most beautiful girl in the whole entire world - but the day she met Penelope Pennington she wasn't so sure.

'Penelope Pennington had the perfect hair, the perfect clothes, the perfect shoes and even the perfect cat!

'So, when Rosie and Penelope unexpectedly walk home together, they both make some meaningful discoveries along the way. Was Penelope really that perfect?

'How does Rosie manage to overcome her self-doubt to lead the way?' (Publication summary)

'I used to have a Daddy who was like all other Daddies. One who would go to work, and play with me when he was home. But one day, something changed. He started saying strange things, doing strange things. I was confused. 

'Sometimes people can act strangely and it can be a bit frightening and sometimes they need to get help to be better and to feel like themselves again. My Daddy is Different is a beautiful story to nurture any children who might have an adult special to them who is suffering from mental illness. Children can be empowered about mental illness, educated to know that they are still loved and that mental illness is not something to be ashamed of, but something to be talked about. It is by having meaningful discussions that we can nurture and encourage children to feel safe and supported.'

Source: Publisher's blurb.

'Yippee! Lily’s cousin Fern is coming over for a sleepover.

'Lily has everything ready for Fern’s sleepover: books, games and cheesy acorn pie for dinner. Will Lily’s first sleepover be the best night ever?'

Source: Publisher's blurb.

'Lily's dress-up crown is broken. So she wishes on a dandelion seed for a real princess crown. Will her wish come true?' (Publication summary)

'Lily loves the ring she finds in the moss garden. It makes a wonderful wading pool. But the ring belongs to a small human. Will Lily have to return it?' (Publication summary)

'Lily is frightened when the midnight owl hoots during the night. But Granny isn't afraid. She thinks the midnight owl sounds friendly. Will Lily always be afraid of him?' (Publication summary)

'Lily has received a surprise package in the mail. She now has her very own elf flute! It will be perfect to play at the elf concert. Much more fun than saying a silly old poem. But playing the elf flute might be a bit harder than it looks.' (Publication summary)

'Kate is twelve years old, and chats to God about everything - her parents and their new baby, her friends, getting used to her new glasses, even about the ants who drown in the puddles in her driveway. If God exists, why doesn't he teach ants to swim?

'Kate also talks to God about Stephanie, the new girl in her class. Stephanie isn't the sort of girl Kate is usually friends with; she's too 'nerdy' for a start. And she looks weird, too. But getting to know Steph proves to be unexpectedly interesting for Kate, making her look at friendship in a new way.

'Things get serious when Steph becomes ill. Steph's a good person, so why isn't she getting better? But just when Kate's ready to give up on God, she finds the answers to her questions in an unexpected place.' (Publisher's blurb)

'Exiled by his over-regulated society to a tiny island for daring to clear his throat after 4pm on a Wednesday, Johnny has an eye-opening adventure in a strange and wonderful land he never knew existed.'

Source : author's website

The Glitter Guards are Donna’s favourite band. She and her best friend Kelly have posters of them all over their rooms and always listen to their music. So when they hear that the band is coming to town for one concert only, Donna doesn't think her dream of seeing the Glitter Guards will ever come true.

Source: Publisher's blurb.

Claire doesn't want to stay in bed during vacation but she is very sick. She writes in her diary about her stay in the hospital and all that she'd rather be doing. Claire's future might be brighter than she thinks.

(Source: Scholastic)