AustLit

'Charlie and Liam dream of owning a Sherrin football signed by Nathan Buckley. They do odd-jobs to save up the money they need to make their dream come true. But their plans go astray when they need to help their mate in trouble.' (Publication summary)

'Would you like to live in the 1930s? You would have no TV, no computer, no CDs. Your family probably wouldn't even have a car. Life was hard but the children who lived back then knew how to make their own fun. And they didn't let something like having no money for presents stop them celebrating Christmas.' (Publication summary)

'It’s that time of year again: magpie season. Sam has been attacked by one on the way home and she is not happy. But she’s not the only one with magpie trouble. The postie has refused to deliver the mail until something is done about the swooping magpies on his mail route. Sam vows to come up with a solution to the problem. With the help of her best friend Diana, and new girl Bianca, Sam comes up with some creative ways to stop the pesky birds. But will the solution turn out to be worse than the problem? ' (Publication summary)

'Cats have been disappearing in the town where Gemma and her brother Ned live. When their friend Matt's cat goes missing, the three children set off to find him. Their search leads them to the Crossover, a small stream in the local park. Where has all the wildlife gone? And what is lurking beneath the water? Could it have something to do with the missing cats?' (Publication summary)

'Jimmy is a Nipper in the local surf lifesaving club. He loves the water and he loves to swim. But the water can be dangerous. One day, while training for a competition, Jimmy is stung by a school of bluebottles. Even when his stings have healed, Jimmy is scared to go back in the water. Will Jimmy give up swimming forever?' (Publication summary)

'Angus and Ahmed love playing rock and roll and dream of following in the footsteps of ACDC. A local Battle of the Bands competition gives them the opportunity to show everyone just how much their band, Macca Dacca, rocks. Together with Mele as lead singer and Drew on bagpipes, they perform their own version of high voltage rock and roll. Will they rock the crowd? Or will the oily Skinner and his boy band beat them to first place?' (Publication summary)

'Ever wondered what it would be like to have an elephant seal for a pet? Sam, Ashley and Max befriend one at the local beach and name him Henry. Henry is one crazy seal and gets up to all kinds of mischief. The kids love Henry but the local carnival workers don't they blame the seal for breaking carnival property. But angry carnies are no match for a slippery seal, his friends and some fairy floss.' (Publication summary)

'The Rescue Agent Team (RATs) want to save the world. Where better to start than in their home town of Bogabilla? Someone is stealing the town's milk and the RATs are determined to catch the thief. But they are in for quite a surprise when they discover the Milk Mugger's identity.' (Publication summary)

'After a failed attempt at racing a homemade billycart, Harriet's younger sister Kat becomes obsessed with speed. Kat is determined to take part in a billycart derby, but her parents will only allow Harriet to drive in it, as Kat is still too young. Harriet - pushed willy-nilly into the scheme - is terrified of getting behind the wheel again. On racing day, however, Harriet proves she's no chicken after all. She starts enjoying herself...until her crazy little sister manages to cause a big upset.' (Publication summary)

'Every summer, Rowan and his cousin Zach camp in the Snowy Mountains with their families. The adults love the annual reunion, but Rowan dreads having to spend time with Zach. Zach is taller and stronger than Rowan, and loves to take risks. He also loves to tease Rowan. But when disaster strikes while the boys are on a hike, it is Rowan who must risk his life to save Zach.' (Publication summary)

'Jack loves wildlife. When his class has Show and Crow day, he can't wait to introduce Crook, the baby crocodile, to everyone. But is the school ready to meet Crook? How much trouble can one small crocodile cause?' (Publication summary)

'Brette and her brother are on a routine trip with their father, checking the fences on their property. All goes well until an accident leaves Dad hurt and unconscious. Brette must cross a swollen creek and travel over kilometres of rough country to get help. Will she be able to do it in time to save her father?' (Publication summary)

'Ethan loves working on his family's farm but is shy and awkward around visitors. When he spills tea all over Mrs Henkel at his mother's afternoon tea party, he saddles Thunder and rides off into the bush. It is one place where he feels happy and confident. When Ethan realises it's too late to return home he sets up camp for the night. He thinks he is totally alone - but is he?' (Publication summary)   

'During a summer holiday at their grandparents' farm, Kate Firth and her brother Sam find an unusual, blue egg near a river bed. They take it home and build it a cosy nest in their bedroom. That night, a scratching noise wakes them. A mysterious creature hatches from the egg and leads them into a new adventure and some important discoveries!' (Publication summary)

'Scott Chester won't have anything to do with his family's new Christmas traditions. No way is he going to stay at home, having a traditional Christmas dinner. He's already planned the perfect day at the beach with his best friend, Nick. He can't let Nick spend Christmas all on his own. Scott's mum has other ideas, however, and the boys are in for a Christmas surprise.' (Publication summary)