AustLit

'D’Lila LaRue lives in the smallest house with the neatest fence and the rosiest garden in the street with her trusty sidekick, Nanny-Anny (who is probably very old but it doesn’t matter). This trilogy of stories features D’Lila and Nanny-Anny sharing many fun-filled adventures, whether it’s by building an award-winning rose garden, becoming an artist, or attending a favourite play. Even if things don’t go exactly to plan . . .' (Publication summary)

'The second book in Nette Hilton's irresistible emerging readers series for self-described princesses who dislike waiting around for things (especially princes) and can't resist a challenge from a troll (big brother).

Princess Peony has zero interest in waiting for a unicorn, a fairy princess or a silly prince until the Troll (her brother) tells her she'll never get one because she's not even a real princess. Then, The lovely Princess decides a Prince on a horse, with a big JUMPING LEAPING HOUND AND A SAVAGE LION OR TWO would be VERY handy. Trolls are to be ignored but sometimes they’re ASKING for it, if you really want to know. As only she can, Princess Peony manages to prove that she's a Princess and make her brother think he's a Prince, which he absolutely doesn't want to be. Of course, only she can turn him back into a Troll and restore order to the kingdom. This will involve some kissing, some frogs and a lot of surprises.'

Source: Publisher's blurb.

'Once upon a time there was a dear little girl called Peony. That’s P.E.O.N.Y. And it’s me. I live in a Castle with my Dragon whose name is Totts. That’s T.O.T.T.S And that makes me a Princess if you really want to know. Princess Peony is not really a princess, but she does have a pet dragon, which means she's kind of like a princess. In her first adventure, she must keep an evil troll (her brother) from trying to steal her dragon (dog)--and avoid being eaten by a bear, which is really hard work.'

Source: Publisher's blurb.

'Missie Missinger is busy growing up in a small town. When tragedy hits the community, they call it an accident. But as more accidents unfold, the frightened locals look for an answer - and find an easy target.

'Missie holds the clues to what happened. If she puts the puzzle together and confronts the truth she will be in danger. If she doesn't, an innocent youth could be blamed for another's death.' (From the publisher's website.)

'Pyro Watson loves pirates, treasure and all things to do with maps and tales of long ago. When his mother goes away to nurse Nan, Pyro is left stranded in a caravan at the beach with his Aunt Mor. So Pyro calls in his alter ego, Simeon the Pirate Fighter, to pass the long evenings and longer days.

'Then Pyro meets local boy Min and his four-legged mate, Becks. Life becomes interesting - even downright dangerous - when the town bullies claim the beach as their own. Can Pyro and Min draw on Simeon’s daring to defend themselves?'

Source: Publisher's blurb.

'Speedy Simpson is the absolute best at everything. He might even have stayed the best if it wasn't for Bebe LaMouche. She had a special talent with words that was going to take some beating.

'Speedy searches high and low until he stumbles upon a secret word that he is sure will impress Bebe and his classmates. But he soon discovers that there is more than one way to be the best ...

'With a make-your-own-word section and lots of extra secret word bits, The Adventures of a Late-Night Swearer is a funny tale with a difference!' (Publisher's blurb)

'Right now, Sprite Downberry's life is pretty tough. Her dad's busy and away a lot, and her mum, Sunny, is very moody and unpredictable, so Sprite feels she can't tell her about the nasty girls at school. And Sprite is also worried about her little brother, Mozz. He can't talk properly and he's supposed to be starting school soon.

'Now Dad's taken off, and Sunny's so unhappy she won't even get out of bed. Determined to fix things, Sprite grabs Mozz and sets out to find their father.

'In a night that never seems to end, Sprite faces decision after decision. Can she trust Luther, the runaway boy who rescues her and Mozz? And what should she tell the friendly policeman who knows so much about her?

By the time Sprite is reunited with her dad, things look like they're getting out of control. Will she figure out how to get her family back together - and handle the friendship problems at school?' (From the publisher's website.)

'When the rabbits decide to stop delivering Easter eggs, all the bush animals want to be the new Easter Bunny. After all, Easter wouldn’t be the same without eggs! But how can the rabbits choose the best animal for the job? The lop-eared rabbit has an idea – and that’s when the Easter games begin.' (Publisher's blurb)

Serena sweetmay is beautiful and clever; she's good at school, is always chosen for the best parts in any activity, and so when Aimee's class is selected to perform the school's Christmas play, everyone knows exactly who's going to be the star of the show. But for once, just once, Aimee wants to shine, and to do that she has to out-angel the perfect Serena Sweetmay. Luckily, though, she has a plan, so nothing can go wrong. Can it? - Back cover.

'Every night the smallest bilby in the bilby patch looks up at the midnight sky and searches for his favourite star. Every night she shines down on him. But one night, fearful that she may go away and never come back, he decides to give her something that will make her remember him - forever and always.' (Publisher's blurb)

'Here is a playground of dazzling lights, sounds and noises, shapes and patterns, buildings that reach to the sky and the bellies of aeroplanes, almost close enough to touch. Here is a chance to stop, look and really see and hear the city that is In My Backyard.' (Good Reads)