AustLit

'Miro sees the world differently from everyone else, thanks to the Curiosities - strange little creatures that nestle on his shoulder, whisper in his ear, and show him a different way of seeing the world. Most of the time, no one else notices. But sometimes, the Curiosities make him stand out, in ways that can be good but are occasionally confusing and scary. Miro learns to live with and control his Curiosities, and gradually starts to see that they are a kind of gift.

'A lyrical and moving story inspired by the people who see the world differently - and make it more wondrous. With themes of creativity, curiosity and neurodivergence, this is an essential book for every home, school and library.' (Publication summary)

'The cloudless sky suddenly roared like thunder. Shadows, swift and frightening, descended. The boys brother grabbed him by the arm. Run, quickly, But my ball. Leave it. From the Prime Ministers Literary Award-shortlisted creators of Feathers, comes this compassionate tale of a familys search for a safe place to call home.' (Publication summary)

'The sandpiper stretched its wings in the chilling breeze. It knew it was time to leave... so it took flight.

'Follow the feathers as they fall along this exquisite journey of heartache, hope and home.' (Publication summary)

''From award-winning Australian author Libby Hathorn and acclaimed illustrator Phil Lesnie, an exquisitely illustrated and deeply moving story of the Somme.

'A moving story, told completely in dialogue, about a young Australian soldier in the battle of the Somme. Walking through the fields away from the front, he finds what he thinks is a stray dog, and decides to adopt it as a mascot for his company. Then he meets Jacques, the homeless orphan boy who owns the dog. The soldier realises that Jacques needs the dog more - and perhaps needs his help as well.

'With stunning illustrations from Phil Lesnie, this is a deeply moving celebration of friendship in times of war.

'A Soldier, A Dog And A Boy was inspired by Libby Hathorn's months of research on her uncle, who survived Gallipoli but went on to fight at the Battle of the Somme and was killed there in 1917 at just twenty years old.'

'In poignant verse, the story of one young shepherd makes the experience of soldiers in World War I accessible to children.

'Once there sang a carefree shepherd in a field of emerald green. ... Once Tom's world was all at peace.

'Here is the tale of Tom Shepherd, tending his lambs and shearing their fleece and wooing his sweetheart, who weaves the sheep's wool to make him a coat. But then the Great War comes, and Tom must leave his beloved wife and his unborn child and go off to fight. In a moving, sobering story that resolves in a heartbreaking but beautiful ending, Once a Shepherd evokes the reality of war in a way young children can understand, while fostering a deep-felt hope for peace.'

Source: Publisher's blurb.

'"I’m not the only kid who grew up this way surrounded by people who used to say that rhyme about sticks and stones as if broken bones hurt more than the names we got called." Now a dazzling illustrated book featuring the work of thirty artists from around the world, To This Day is a powerful expression of the lasting effects of bullying, and the inner strength that allows people to move beyond it. With a heartfelt personal preface by Shane, this extraordinary poem will resonate with anyone who has experienced bullying, whether as a victim, observer or participant.'  (Publication summary)