'It’s 1979 and the sky is falling. Skylab, that is. Somewhere high above Frankie Avery, one of the world’s first space stations is tumbling to Earth. And rushing back with it are old memories. Things twelve-year-old Frankie thought she’d forgotten. Things her mum won’t talk about, and which her little brother Newt never knew. Only ... did he? Does he? Because as Skylab circles closer, Newt starts acting strangely. And while the world watches the sky, Frankie keeps her own eyes on Newt. Because if anyone’s going to keep him safe, it’s her. It always has been. But maybe this is something bigger than splinters and spiders and sleepwalking. Maybe a space station isn’t the only thing heading straight for calamity.'
Source: Publisher's blurb.
'Flick is just like any other youngster. She loves to chase butterflies and jump in autumn leaves. But life at the end of Holyrood Lane is often violent and unpredictable due to the constant storms that plague her home, causing her to cringe with dread and flee whenever they strike. Visually arresting, emotionally incisive, and ultimately uplifting, this beautifully crafted picture book provides a sensitive glimpse into one aspect of domestic violence and how it can affect young lives.'
Source: Publisher's blurb.
'It's story time, but this book has bad news - as soon as it realises there are monsters in it, it's too scared to tell you the rest of the story! Can you help it feel better? It needs you to rub away its goosebumps, blow away the giant butterflies in its tummy, and fan away the yucky smell the monsters have left behind. A fun and quirky interactive story, with distinctive and stylish illustrations from an innovative young illustrator and muralist.' (Publication summary)
'A fun, flip-over picture book for children that reads from both front and back. Smile/Cry is a unique picture book for young kids, showcasing the full emotional range of their formative years. Readers follow three adorable characters - piglet, bunny and cat - as they react emotionally to a variety of events and circumstances from everyday life. From an 'ate all the pies' smile to an 'ice-cream plopping down cry'; from a 'cosy under blanket smile' to a 'need a bandaid quick cry', children will empathize with the tear-jerking calamity of a popped balloon or lost toy, or feel the smiley warmth of a being tickled.
'It's the little things that touch the hearts of children the most, and Smile/Cry typifies both the small joys and challenges that are the essence of childhood. Young children will respond to the soft whimsical illustrations, as they learn more about the range of their emotions – how it's possible to cry with happiness and also smile with trepidation. The clever 'flip book' format means that the 'Smile' story reads from front to back, while the 'Cry' story reads from back to front, with both delicious narratives meeting in the middle. A heartfelt picture book that will be treasured for years, Smile/Cry is perfect for ages 3 and upwards.' (Publication summary)
'Whale is sad - his bike doesn’t work. Penguin hears his friend singing his Blue Whale Blues and tries to help.' (Publication summary)
'What is the Fremantle Doctor? Where is Qui Qui? And why are some islands named after days of the week? You'll uncover these exciting facts when you explore the A to Z of Australia - from Bondi to Kakadu and all the way to Taronga Zoo. Discover why Australia is one of the most amazing countries in the world! ... Includes high interest facts and full colour illustrations of diverse locations throughout the country. All states represented. Indigenous content included.' (Publisher's abstract)
'A moving celebration of the Australian outback and the special connection between grandparent and grandchild.
'Eve thought that living in the middle of nowhere was better than living anywhere else in the world...
'Only one thing made Eve sad. She hadn't seen Nan since they left the city long ago.
'Eve lives in a roadhouse in the middle of the Nullabor and when her Nan visits one day, Eve shows her all the things that are special about where she lives.' (Publication summary)
'The last person Zac expects in the room next door is a girl like Mia, angry and feisty with questionable taste in music. In the real world he wouldn't--couldn't--be friends with her.
But in hospital different rules apply, and what begins as a knock on the wall leads to a note--then a friendship neither of them sees coming.
You need courage to be in hospital; different courage to be back in the real world.
In one of these worlds Zac needs Mia. And in the other Mia needs Zac.
Or maybe they both need each other, always.'
Source: Publisher's blurb.