AustLit

'At bedtime, a small boy checks his bedroom for monsters like Heeby Jeeby, Creepy Critter and the Toe Taster. He looks under his bed, in his cupboard, behind the curtains. Satisfied they are not there he jumps into bed with his teddy bear. Before saying goodnight to his babysitter, she reads him a story about a boy just like him who tames monsters. "I want to be a Big Boss, just like Max in the story," the boy whispers. During sleep the monsters appear. They jiggle and jive with the boy, just like Max in the story his babysitter read. They wiggle their big bottoms and jiggle their jelly bellies, and beat their hairy chests. They howl and yodel and make lots of noise. But who is the big boss? The boy? Or the monsters? And next morning, before school, who is the boss?' (Publication summary)

'It’s there every day if you look for it. The glint of gold. It¹s in the white blossom of our plum tree against a blue sky. Or the sparkles Jack Frost leaves on the drive to school…..A heartwarming story to inspire awareness, gratitude and positive thinking.'

Source: Publisher's blurb.

'One morning, Alexander woke to find a duck waiting for him. As more ducks arrived, Alexander’s life overflowed with fun and affection. However, as his new feathered friends filled the house, it became clear there were simply TOO MANY DUCKS for one small boy to handle.

'Too Many Ducks is a whimsical story about appreciating what you have before it’s gone, and working out how to make things right when friendship seems lost.'

Source: Publisher's blurb.

'An enchanting family story about a shopkeeper and his preparations for the mid-autumn festival. Colourful lanterns are an important part of the celebrations, as are the mooncakes which Mr Ming sells in his shop. Everyone agrees that Mr Ming’s mooncakes are the most delicious they have ever tasted. They all want to know what the secret recipe is, but Mr Ming won’t tell them or even let them peep inside his kitchen. This was because he had another secret, a secret even bigger than his marvellous mooncake recipe. What can it be?'

Source: Publisher's blurb.

'Our dreams shine brightest when we truly believe. At times, when others do not see our dreams as important or ‘real’, we can lose sight of them, and faith in ourselves. Through symbolism, imagery and emotive language, Elsie’s Dreams sends a gentle message that self-belief and acceptance is more important than the accolades and opinions of others. It also conveys the strength of treasured friendship.'

Source: Publisher's blurb.

'‘Night Lights’ recounts the childhood memories of cousins exploring their grandparents’ home deep in the Malaysian countryside. In a time without the glare and distraction of modern technology, they discover the brilliance of nature by moon and candlelight.'

Source: Publisher's blurb.

'Set in a traditional snow-filled landscape, Santa Claus and his reindeer are on their magical Christmas Eve flight to visit all the children around the world.

'‘Ho Ho Ho!’ chuckles Santa, as he delivers presents to the first house and then returns to his sleigh. However, the sleeping child suddenly wakes up, and looking through her bedroom window she sees Santa and his reindeer about to leave. Running out of the house and into the snow to say hello, she discovers that things are not quite as they should be.

'A graphic Christmas tale with a rather surprising twist.'

Source: Publisher's blurb.

'Olive would love to own a pet cat but her plan to steal one doesn’t seem to be working. Olive has another idea. Will she finally find the cat of her dreams? A humorous picture book for young children up to eight years. The book includes some intertextuality which will amuse adults reading the book out loud. Cheeky, fun illustrations encapsulate Olive’s unfortunate efforts as a cat thief.'

Source: Publisher's blurb.

'Tells the story of an ‘ugly duckling’ who turns out to be quite the Star. This new perspective on the Christmas story shares the importance of our own unique place and role in the world. Star helps a very special family, and many others, to find their way not once but many times throughout this heartfelt retelling.'

Source: Publisher's blurb.

'An Australian chicken breeder, a prized, yet failed show chicken. But the discovery of the chickens ability to dance leads to success in a very different arena to show judging.'

(Source: publisher's blurb)

'Yes! Cheeky racoon smells delicious pie. No! The pie is out
of reach . . . Follow the amusing adventure of an enterprising racoon as he engages in a rollercoaster struggle against all kinds of hilariously ridiculous odds. Does he win the pie?
'This interactive and multi-layered tale will have you guessing, giggling and ultimately clamouring for re-reads. An entertaining introduction to concepts such as manners, persistence, inventiveness and friendship.' (Publication summary)

'Evie loves school. She loves seeing her friends, using her long snout to sniff out food, and digging with sharp claws through fresh dirt. But unlike her classmates, Evie can’t hear the teacher’s instructions… no matter how hard she tries. When a way for Evie to be “all ears” arrives, is this little bilby willing to accept the help?
'A gentle, stunning exploration of a relevant issue with a look at the life of one of Australia’s most endangered mammals… prompting discussion and
understanding.' (Publication summary)

'Piper wants to try lots of new things, but something always stops her – her monkey! Some monkeys are playful. Some monkeys are fun. Some monkeys are even helpful.

'Not Piper’s monkey. It’s very, VERY naughty! Everyone else can tame their monkeys. So why can’t Piper?

'Monkey Mind is a gentle story for children and adults about the worrying thoughts that cause anxiety.' (Publication summary)

'Building a mudbrick house is an adventure for everyone—Mum, Dad, kids and even Tess, the family dog! Heading out to the block to help make bricks, seeing their house take shape week by week, the children decide that Tess needs her own house too…

'With warmth, sensitivity and liveliness in words and pictures, this book recreates the fun–and work!–of a special family experience, building your own unique house.'

Source: Publisher's blurb.

'Every Sunday Lola visits her Grandpa. They spend the day exploring the universe and teaching each other about the world. But then one day everything changes. Grandpa isn’t there anymore. Lola struggles to deal with the loss. But as time goes by Lola realises that her Grandpa will always be with her — in her heart and in the memories they made. Lola and Grandpa is a beautiful and reassuring story of love, loss and the value of memories.'

Source: Publisher's blurb.

'From the flames of the burning rainforest an extraordinary bond of friendship ignites between a savage tiger and gentle orangutan, struggling to survive in their diminishing habitat. A gentle story that surveys our ecological footprint.'

Source: Publisher's blurb.

'It’s Festival time in Armidale, and everyone’s getting floats and costumes ready for the big street parade. For the new family in town, it’s even more exciting: for this is their first time to join in the colour and magic and fun!'

Source: Publisher's blurb.

'After stuffing themselves with treats in the pantry, six furry trespassers search for a place to sleep off their excesses. Can they avoid discovery and keep the gang together? Six Sleepy Mice is a fast-paced, fun rhyming tale of adventure and comradery, best read aloud.'

Source: Publisher's blurb.

'Max spends her days staring out the window. She lives in a world of silence, hurt and alone with her thoughts. But with the help of a little bird, Max learns that she can bravely rebuild her world and give life a second chance. A poignant story about how a disability does not mean the end of possibilities. This story will help teach children about resilience and the wonderful relationship with animals, even with disabilities.'

Source: Publisher's blurb.

 'A Christmas story told with lyrical rhyme and whimsical illustration, 'The Christmas Garden' is reminiscent of the classic 'The Night Before Christmas'. It takes children on a garden adventure filled with Christmas trees, reindeer, elves and of course, Santa Claus. It's a celebration of Christmas, the beauty in nature and the power of imagination.' (Synopsis)