AustLit

'When an incredibly tall man interrupts Nicola Berry's incredibly boring geography lesson, she's sure that something fantastic and unexpected and unusual is about to happen... and she's right.

'The king and queen of the planet Globagaskar have gone on holiday leaving their spoilt daughter, Princess Petronella, in charge. The bored princess decides to turn Earth, the holiday destination of choice for the discerning Globagaskarian, into a rubbish dump.

'Armed with ten important questions devised by the Save the Little Earthlings Committee, Georgio Gorgioskio is dispatched to find the Earthling Ambassador, the only person in the galaxy who can change Princess Petronella's mind. At Honeyville Primary School, he discovers Nicola Berry, an ordinary girl about to embark on an extraordinary mission.

'Will Nicola and the Space Brigade be able to change Princess Petronella's mind in time to save the world? Or will Nicola Berry be left with egg on her face – literally?' (Publication summary)

'The Space Brigade are relaxing after their spectacular triumph over Princess Petronella and her evil plans to destroy Earth, when they receive an intriguing letter. The planet of Shobble wants to employ their services. Should they accept this new mission? After all, the letter mentions grave danger. On the other hand, the people of Shobble are apparently the nicest in the galaxy. As leader of the Brigade, Nicola Berry puts it to the vote and the decision is made. It's time to unpack the spaceship for another intergalactic adventure!

'When the Space Brigade land on the planet of Shobble they soon discover this beautiful planet has a dark secret. Most of the population are virtually slaves, forced to mine for marshmallow and drill for chocolate (the ingredients of Shobble-Choc, the most divine chocolate in the galaxy). Led by a teenage girl called Topaz, the workers are beginning to rebel. The commander-in-chief wants the Space Brigade to squash the rebellion.

'At first Nicola refuses to be involved but then something shocking happens that leaves her with no choice. Now the Space Brigade are on an incredible journey that will take them across infested rivers, snowy swamplands and frozen seas. Along the way they'll learn new skills, make new friends - and they might just change this planet's history forever.' (Publication summary)

'It was past midnight when Nicola Berry - Earthling Ambassador and leader of the Space Brigade - received an urgent phone call.

'Shimlara from the planet Globagaskar was ringing with terrible news: her mother, father and little brother Squid had been kidnapped!

'They were being held captive on the Planet of Whimsy - the most beautiful planet in the universe - by the scaly inhabitants of Volcanomania and their new President, Mrs Mania.

'Now the members of the Space Brigade have to daringly rescue Shimlara's family, and help the dreamy people of the Planet of Whimsy overcome the evil Volcanomanians.

'Another thrilling adventure in outer space with the intrepid members of the Space Brigade.' (From the publisher's website.)