Rakali of the Riverbank is an engaging look at a night in the life of an Australian native water rat, and the challenges that these unique and charming creatures face.
Reading level varies from child to child, but we recommend this book for ages 5 to 9.
]]>Rachel Gregg works as an illustrator, photographer, performer and educator on Gundungurra Country. She was awarded the Ian Wilson Memorial Fellowship (May Gibbs Children's Literature Trust, 2019). Rachel is also a wildlife rescuer, has six animal companions and her nickname is Rat!
]]>Welcome to the charmingly funny and perfectly peculiar world of Aussie animal mums and dads and their awesome kids.
Peculiar Parents explores 60 Australian native animals, focusing in particular on all things family, including their courting practices, gestation periods, births and the raising of their young.
Discover the weird and wonderful, the cute and cuddly even the slimy and ugly! You will find parrots that play the drums and cuttlefish that can change the colour of their skin to attract a mate, as well as dancing spiders, kissing lizards, parading pelicans, plonking pobblebonks and many more.
Presented through fascinating, funny and amazing facts with an impactful family photo wall design, this book is perfect for young readers aged 6 to 12.
]]>Based in Meanjin/Brisbane, Ingrid Bartkowiak is an artist and illustrator who works primarily in watercolour. Her hand-painted work features native flora, fauna and fungi. Ingrid has a fascination with all things small and intricate, from tufts of moss on a footpath to the fungi sprouting from a wombat dropping. Ingrid has worked across a diverse array of projects, including picture book illustration, murals, packaging designs and even pet portraits.
]]>From the author of the CBCA award-winning book Where the Lyrebird Lives comes this delightful family adventure celebrating the magic, surprise and precious moments of a walk along the river.
]]>In 2023, Where The Lyrebird Lives won the CBCA Book of the Year, and Amira's Suitcase and Little Puggle's Song have earned Honour and Notable awards. On The Way To School was shortlisted for the 2023 Speech Pathology Australia Book of the Year.
An intrepid traveller and nature lover, Vikki has explored the world's big adventures and tiny treasures as a writer and photographer, working with diverse communities in Africa, Asia and Australia for over 20 years.
Her stories connect budding minds to the experiences of people and creatures around the globe, inviting them to discover the magic in both the extraordinary and the ordinary. When she's not writing, Vikki loves cartwheeling through the wilderness, searching for platypus or splashing in rivers near her home in Eltham, Australia.
Jedda Robaard is an Australian author, illustrator and designer, based in Southern Tasmania, Australia. She is known internationally for her sweet and whimsical style of illustration.
Jedda studied as a commercial artist in 1992 and after an initial career in graphic design moved her focus to illustration.
She has been illustrating and writing children's books since 2011 and has over 50 books published, many of them award-winning.
Her books are sold internationally and have been published in many languages.
]]>Where Shall We Travel Today? is a delightful story about the power of the imagination, of stories and of exploring the world together.
]]>Nicky Johnston is an educator, speaker, and author/illustrator of children's books. She enjoys every aspect of creating books for kids, especially illustration. Nicky's illustration style is often described as whimsical, emotive, soft, and expressive. Her love of teaching sees her busy with school visits and presenting at workshops and conferences
]]>George and Lenny are always together. And it's terrific. They are never alone! So what happens when one of them decides it's time to try some alone time? Is there a way for them to be alone together? Award-winning picture book creator Jon Agee is at his very best in this endearing, silly story of friendship of asserting yourself, taking a risk, and still being there for your best buddy.
]]>'A jumps-off-the-page thrill ride.' - Publishers Weekly, STARRED Review
'Robin's debut shines with its excellent color choices, robust onomatopoeia, and perfect balance of creepy and touching.' - Booklist, STARRED Review
'This harrowing story of survival and justice is a feast for horror enthusiasts.' - School Library Journal, STARRED Review
Turtle Lives is a poignant story about the life of a sea turtle, from playful beginnings to nesting on sandy shores. Through captivating illustrations and lyrical text, this story gently introduces the life cycle of the sea turtle and how global warming will affect its future. With fascinating facts and tips on how we can help protect our planet and its fragile sea life, and gorgeously vivid illustrations, this book encourages readers to take small steps to make a big impact.
Turtle Lives aims at encouraging awareness of the fragility of our planet and Earth's changing climate, and it empowers children to make meaningful change.
]]>Rachel Hudson creates artwork that brings people closer to nature. She is the author and illustrator of 100 Endangered Species (Button Books, 2021) and illustrator of How to Know a Crow (Greystone Kids, 2024). Rachel lives in Hampshire, England. Her research for Turtle Lives included visiting Friday the green turtle in the National Marine Aquarium.
]]>Sebastian, a noble squirrel from the Redfoot clan, is on his way to a huge family feast when he encounters Olive, a girl in desperate need. Her farm is parched, her bucket leaks, and her future looks bleak. Torn between his plans and his kind heart, Seb thinks of ways to help Olive and enlists the help of a clever friend to solve Olive's problem. The Problem Shared is a heartwarming tale of friendship and teamwork. With beautiful and engaging traditional artwork, this story is sure to delight and engage all readers.
]]>Christopher Michaels is a British artist, born and raised in Cambridge, UK. He graduated from Cambridge School of Art with a BA in Illustration and an MA in Children's Book Illustration. His work often reflects his fondness for all things gentle, quaint, and old-fashioned. He can often be found sketching away on any number of unfinished projects, pondering the nature of the world over a nice cup of tea and a good biscuit.
]]>Dreaming of seeing her friends at Sydney's Taronga Zoo once more, Wattle the rhino plans a daring escape from the quiet, lonely nights at Western Plains Zoo. With help from her faithful friend, Bruce the magpie, she discovers an ingenious way to break out - and avoid the posse of zookeepers searching for her. Will the pair make it to the bright lights of Sydney? And will it feel like "home"? A humorous and fun adventure that highlights Australia's role in helping save these wonderful animals from extinction. With delightful, engaging artwork that captures the excitement of this story.
]]>Felipe Lancha is from So Paulo, Brazil. He has always been passionate about the arts and found that his path in life flowed naturally into children's illustration. Using exclusively traditional methods, Felipe's work is inspired by music, cinema, literature, family, video games, coffee, and much more.
]]>Hugo Bear is a teddy on a heartfelt journey to rekindle a connection with his owner, Ruby. Hugo always loves seeing Ruby, but when she returns home one day, she starts to ignore him. Feeling lost and wondering if Ruby has outgrown him, Hugo starts to think it might be time to leave home forever - until he realises there is still a very important role for him, especially with a new baby on the way. Join Hugo Bear in this touching story about love, acceptance, and family bonds.
]]>Chiara Franceschetti has always loved drawing. Originally a graduate of architecture, she began her creative career after having two children. Inspired by the mountainous surroundings of her childhood, fairy tales, and travel, Chiara works digitally, often combining watercolours to form detailed and joyfully coloured artwork. Chiara lives in South Tyrol, Italy, with her husband and two children.
]]>Ned loves building incredible depictions of cities with his wooden blocks, but his little brother Sam often knocks them down. When Sam rebuilds, Ned ponders what Sam's constructions might be. When visiting the local park, Ned notices strange objects and finds that they are called sculptures. Ned realises how he and his brother can team up to build the perfect city together. Ned Needs to Build is a joyous story about creativity, teamwork, and sibling bonds, and it features whimsical illustrations that reveal the joy of sharing ideas and playing with others.
]]>Maria Kristjansdottir is an illustrator born and raised in Reykjavik, Iceland. She has a BA in architecture from Iceland University of the Arts, but her passion for creating children's stories led her to change directions. In 2018, she graduated from Cambridge School of Art with an MA in Children's Book Illustration. She currently resides in Iceland with her partner and their daughter.
Disappointed that she can't go to the fair with her friends, Chooky decides to look on the bright side and enjoy time with her sister. Inspired by playing 'hairdressers' together, the two set up a modelling show with an entrance fee for other chickens to attend. The show is a great success, and Chooky and Summer make lots of money! With the money they have, the pair decide to set up a salon to make everyone's feathers beautiful.
A humorous story about teamwork, creativity, and responsibility, with delightfully engaging illustrations.
]]>Sian Moore is a freelance illustrator from Wales. She graduated in 2014 after four years of studying illustration and now works from home with "help" from her two young daughters. She works digitally to create her illustrations and over the years has worked with a variety of children's magazines, recently stepping into the world of publishing and realising her dream of illustrating picture books.
]]>When Jack discovers that Australia's bees are not just yellow and black, but sometimes blue, he becomes determined to find them. With help from his Nanna, Jack creates the perfect garden for blue-banded bees by planting native flowers and building a bee home. Learning all he can about these fascinating insects, Jack also discovers that seeing them is going to take some patience, too! Bees are Blue is a fun, educational story about the importance of bees, the ways in which we can provide for them, and features delightfully rich illustrations.
]]>Sara Fandrey is an Italian/German children's book illustrator living in Portugal. Influenced by her love for all things vintage, she prefers soft, desaturated colour palettes. Sara combines traditional and digital techniques, and you can find warm lightning, cute (often magical) characters, and a dash of humour in her work. Away from drawing, you will find her running after (or reading to) her two children.
]]>After a trip to the zoo, a young boy discovers the animals have followed him home-and are hiding around the house! There's a lion by the couch, a bat on the ceiling, and even an elephant in the garage!
With all these animals around, there isn't much room, but with a baby sibling due soon, this little boy will soon learn that there can be space for everyone. When the Zoo Followed Me Home is a delightfully illustrated and whimsical story that explores imagination, discovery, and growing as a family.
]]>Chiara Franceschetti has always loved drawing. Originally a graduate of architecture, she began her creative career after having two children. Inspired by the mountainous surroundings of her childhood, fairy tales, and travel, Chiara works digitally, often combining watercolours to form detailed and joyfully coloured artwork. Chiara lives in South Tyrol, Italy, with her husband and two children.
]]>'Reminiscent of role-playing and adventure games, this tale takes readers on a journey full of knights, spellcasters, and quirky evildoers...Funny, adventurous, and emotionally intelligent.' - Kirkus Reviews
'Sure to appeal to middle-grade fans of quest adventures...Lively fun for sword and sorcery fans.' -Booklist
]]>The story delves into how we can embrace our fears and uncertainties through a deeper understanding of the creatures around us. It highlights the delicate yet profound bond we share with even the smallest beings, like a bumblebee. Through engaging narrative and stunning visuals, the book teaches children to appreciate the natural world and find peace in moments of fear.
A charming and insightful read written by Cynthia Mackey and illustrated by the award-winning illustrator Vikki Zhang, perfect for young minds learning to navigate their emotions and the environment they inhabit.
]]>Vikki Zhang is an illustrator, artist and founder of kids brand NIANYI, currently living between Shanghai and New York. She was born in China, Jiangsu. She studied traditional Chinese painting which has had a fundamental influence on her artwork. She has produced artwork for Gucci, Burberry, Fila, The New York Times, China Post among many others. She is the winner of The 63rd Society of illustrators NYC (book category), and The 16th CACC Best Illustration. She has held solo exhibitions in Shanghai, Beijing, and Guangzhou.
]]>The Classic Munsch Box Set includes:
Munsch's zany spins on everyday situations are the perfect gift for any kid who loves to laugh.
Robert Munsch is one of North America's bestselling children's book authors. Two of his books appeared on The New York Times list of the top 100 children's books. Since his first book was published in 1979, over 80 million Munsch books have been sold in over a dozen languages.
]]>Vanessa Brantley-Newton is a self-taught illustrator, doll maker, and crafter who studied fashion illustration at FIT and children's book illustration at the School of Visual Arts in New York. She is the author and illustrator of Grandma's Purse, Just Like Me, and Becoming Vanessa, and she has illustrated numerous children's books. Brantley-Newton lives in Charlotte, North Carolina, with her husband, daughter, and a very rambunctious cat named Stripes. Learn more about Brantley-Newton at VanessaBrantleyNewton.com and on Facebook and Instagram.
]]>When a seagull mistakes a small rock for food, it angrily spits it out. 'What do you think you are?' the seagull demands. 'I am a rock', the rock responds. But the seagull refuses to accept this, insisting that the rock is more like a pebble, or a stone. It predicts that the rock will be thrown into the water and sink, and even if it manages to be washed ashore, the same thing will happen again and again, until the rock is worn down to a mere speck. After all, the rock has no shine, colour, crystals or speckles...In short, it is nothing special.
But a child enjoying a day at the beach sees the rock differently, and their creation in the sand affirms what the rock has known about itself all along.
A quirky, vibrant and very memorable picture book about staying true to yourself.
]]>Matt James is a Toronto-based author/illustrator whose books include Yellow Moon, Apple Moon by Pamela Porter (New Mexico Book Award), I Know Here by Laurel Croza (Boston GlobeHorn Book Award, Marilyn Baillie Picture Book Award) and The Stone Thrower by Jael Ealey Richardson. Matt's art for Northwest Passage won the Governor General's Award. He also wrote and illustrated Tadpoles, Nice Try, Charlie! and The Funeral, a New York Times/New York Public Library Best Illustrated Children's Book.
]]>Jules McShultz was promised a dog. Supposedly, she'd get one once her family moved from the city to the suburbs. But then her parents decided it still wasn't the right time.
So Jules does what any intelligent girl would do. Instead of sulking, she enters an essay contest and wins first prize: A purebred Collie. And no one not even Jules' parents can resist Penny, who is clearly Jules's perfect new canine pal.
Jules and Penny are ready to spend the summer exploring the woods by the house. But the woods are not at all what they seem to be. Magic and adventure await them just on the other side of an old stone wall.
'Daniel Pinkwater is so obviously the funniest writer of children's books that he should be made a Living National Treasure.' Washington Post Book World
]]>Includes 6 easy to colour magic colour changing scenes and one reusable water pen with a spiral bound hard book.
]]>Includes 6 easy to colour magic colour changing scenes and one reusable water pen with a spiral bound hard book.
]]>Includes 6 easy to colour magic colour changing scenes and one reusable water pen with a spiral bound hard book.
]]>Includes 6 easy to colour magic colour changing scenes and one reusable water pen with a spiral bound hard book.
]]>**Shortlisted, ABIAs 2025, Small Publisher's Children's Book of the Year**
**Shortlisted, 2025 CBCA Book of the Year, Eve Pownall Award**
**Longlisted, ABDA Best Designed Children's Non-fiction Book 2025**
When it comes to flora, Australia is a land of diversity. From rainforests to deserts, mountains to the seashore, 90 per cent of our plant life is unique to this ancient land. Treasures like our wattles, eucalypts, grass trees and banksias are part of our heritage and identity and they still flourish here today, on the oldest landmass on Earth.
Flora celebrates and highlights these diverse and curious plants, looking into the history, quirks and uses of our native plants, and how vital they are for our unique ecosystems. Tania McCartney brings her trademark skill and style in both writing and illustration, using her substantial experience in children's literature to examine Australia's botanical riches to pick out engaging, informative and surprising facts to share with young readers.
The book includes spreads on the Gondwana Garden, Deadly Flora, Bush Food, Flora Ancestry and more. Meet the Tasmanian Mountain Ash, which is both the world's tallest flowering plant and the tallest hardwood tree, growing more than a metre each year...for up to 400 years! Share in a park ranger's discovery of a living Jurassic fossil deep in a secret sandstone canyon. Learn how to avoid the most painful plant on earth, the gympie gympie, whose fine little hairs inject a fiery venom that feels like acid and electrocution all at once!
The author introduces readers to hard science too, including information on plant classification, countless cool scientific facts and binomial names and scientific terms, with a handy glossary aimed at children at the back of the book.
]]>Look who's at the dog beach!
Strong dogs, long dogs,
Playing dogs, staying dogs,
Black dogs, brown dogs, go-to-town dogs,
Bit-of-a-clown dogs, upside-down dogs,
Mopey dogs, dopey dogs,
Shaggy dogs, waggy dogs ...
Going to the beach is a big part of Australian culture and, for many people, so are dogs! This book doubles the fun, celebrating all of the different types of dogs that Australians love, from working dogs to lap dogs. Follow them as they run amuck along the sunny shores of Australia.
With bright and dreamy illustrations by Annie White, this short, rhythmic story will capture the attention of all beach and dog loving children, and even their parents!
Educational backmatter closes the book, with sections on huskies in Antarctica, guide dogs, farm dogs, and more. Accompanying this text are images of both fun and wacky, and serious and strong dogs found in the National Library of Australia's pictures collections.
]]>Annie White works from her studio in Melbourne, Australia, where she has illustrated over 90 books for children. Her picture books have appeared on the CBCA Notables list, the Speech Pathology short list and the Prime Minister's Literary Awards short list. Her latest picture book is Clementine's Treasure was listed in the CBCA Early Childhood Book of the Year Notables 2023.
]]>Felix has a problem. It's a big, red, round problem. A worry balloon that follows him everywhere he goes...As his heart thumps, stomach twists and toes wiggle, it grows and grows and stops him from doing what he wants to do. But when Felix learns a special trick, things start to change...
]]>Katherine Alice is a debut author and seeks to create captivating books that empower children to understand and regulate their big emotions. She is passionate about providing parents with strategies to support their child's emotional development. As an occupational therapist, she has worked primarily with children within an early intervention setting. Katherine was born and raised in Fremantle, Western Australia. Don't Worry, Felix is her first joint picture book.
Zoe Bennett is a children's illustrator from Sydney, New South Wales. She creates digital illustrations which aim to capture the playful candidness of childhood and human-animal companionship. Designing unique characters and worlds with tailored colour palettes and style is her favourite thing to do. Zoe has illustrated several published and soon-to-be published picture books for clients both in Australia and internationally. Outside illustration, Zoe is passionate about animal welfare, conservation, reading, music and travel. Zoe is represented by The Bright Agency. You can find more of her work on her Instagram @zoebennettillustration. Zoe's first book with New Frontier Publishing, Ruby's Repair Cafe, was selected as a Notable by the CBCA this year.
]]>Australia is home to more nocturnal animals than most other countries, come on a journey across our landscapes and discover the vibrancy and diversity of the nightlife!
]]>*Longlisted, 2020 World Illustration Awards*
*Longlisted, 2020 Australian Book Design Awards*
*Shortlisted, 2020 Wilderness Society Environment Award for Children's Literature*
*Shortlisted, 2020 Educational Publishing Awards*
Age range 5+
Did you know that platypus have retractable webbing on their hind feet to enable an easy transition from swimming to digging? That kangaroos can't sweat and that the cassowary has no tongue?
In Fauna - Australia's Most Curious Creatures, readers are constantly introduced to facts that delight, amaze and induce sheer wonder at the clever design and adaptability of our much-loved native fauna.
The information on each individual species is presented in small 'bites' to hold the interest of younger readers, while the information taken in total gives a comprehensive summary of each species, including breeding and feeding habits, physical characteristics, habitat and other unique and quirky features.
Fauna also has a strong conservation message with an 'extinction roll call' and a rating for the vulnerability of endangered species.
The stylised illustrations in Fauna are lively, colourful and informative, highlighting facts that lend themselves more to pictures than words e.g. the actual size of crocodile teeth, or the mechanics of the echidna's beak. There is also humour in the illustrations is that kangaroo with dark glasses actually from a different kind of mob?
Readers young and old will be delighted and informed by Fauna.
Teachers' notes available here
]]>An excellent resource for parents, teachers, and curriculums ranging from outdoor education to homeschool and forest school.
Whether you are in the forest, in your own backyard, or in the city, there are so many exciting ways to engage with nature - and forester Peter Wohlleben has the best ideas for doing so. With Be A Nature Explorer!, kids will learn how to press flowers, harvest algae, skip stones, observe spiders, and even how to build their own tiny sailboat.
This ultimate kids' nature book features:
Packed with activities that will fill kids with wonder and confidence in the outdoors, readers will be dipping in and out of Be A Nature Explorer! all year round.
]]>Belle Wuthrich is an illustrator and designer, specializing in books for young readers. Based in Vancouver, Canada, Belle has contributed to more than a dozen books for kids, a number of which have won awards or been republished internationally.
]]>Did you know that Australia is home to the most 'venomous' plant in the world? That there are plants in Australia that strangle other plants to death, and some with seeds pods that explode, shooting seeds far and wide? Or that some Australian plants can dry out and shrivel up so much, they look dead, but then come back to life when they get wet?
Plantabulous! presents 26 iconic and unique native plants for you to discover in your local park, bushland or even your own backyard! Filled with fabulous facts, activities and illustrations, Plantabulous! will prove just how fabulous Australia's native plants really are!
Reading level varies from child to child, but we recommend this book for ages 6 to 12.
]]>Rachel Gyan is an illustrator passionate about artful storytelling. Her heart-warming characters are empowered by whimsy, texture and vibrant colour palettes. Rachel enjoys studying Australian flora and wildlife, drawing inspiration from her surroundings to capture the beautiful and sometimes quirky nature of Australia in her work.
]]>You will find me where land meets sea...
Saltmarshes are full of energy and life. They protect our coastlines, and provide food and shelter for migratory birds and microscopic plants and animals. Most of all, saltmarshes are places of discovery and wonder.
With lyrical text and captivating illustrations Secrets of the Saltmarsh offers a close-up look at the fascinating world of saltmarsh wetlands.
Reading level varies from child to child, but we recommend this book for ages 59.
]]>Alicia Rogerson is an artist and illustrator who spends her days painting and dreaming. She is the illustrator of One Potoroo: A Story of Survival (CSIRO Publishing, 2021), a Notable Book in The CBCA Eve Pownall Award for Information Books 2022, and Shortlisted for The Wilderness Society Environment Award for Children's Literature 2022.
]]>Deep in the forest, an ancient wonder is about to be found. Descended from a family of trees going back 200 million years, the Wollemi pine has survived ice, fire and the passing of many generations.
Will a bushfire be the final threat to this living fossil? And how will we protect it, now that everyone wants a dinosaur tree? How can we make sure the Wollemi's secret location is not discovered and damaged?
Wollemi: Saving a Dinosaur Tree explains the unique and critically endangered status of the Wollemi pine and explores what actions can be taken today to contribute to the conservation of this rare and beautiful tree.
Reading level varies from child to child, but we recommend this book for ages 6 to 9.
]]>Rachel Gyan is an illustrator passionate about artful storytelling. She is the illustrator of Plantastic! Rachel enjoys studying Australian flora and wildlife, drawing inspiration from her surroundings to capture the beautiful and sometimes quirky nature of Australia in her work.
]]>Tree hollows are very special places that provide animals, both big and small, with a space to nest and feel safe.
Explore life in a tree hollow in the Australian bush and meet the native creatures who come to call a hollow a home. You'll be surprised just how many choose to move in!
You'll also discover the important role tree hollows play in the environment and how we can help protect them. Reading level varies from child to child, but we recommend this book for ages 5 to 9.
'In Australia almost 350 species of animal need a tree hollow for resting, nesting or hiding. This book is sure to pique curiosity, stimulate imagination, spark conversation and foster conservation, by illuminating the parade of diverse animals homed over the evolution of a single tree hollow. With dreamy illustrations and lyrical prose Life in a Hollow is sure to become a treasured go-to.' - Abbie Mitchell, author of A Hollow Is a Home (CSIRO Publishing, 2019)
]]>Suzanne Houghton is an award-winning illustrator who loves nothing more than to splash colour on a page. When it comes to her books there is one thing Suzanne wants more than anything: to bring joy. She is also the illustrator of Wonderful Wasps (CSIRO Publishing, 2022). Suzanne is currently located in Wagga Wagga NSW.
]]>Are you ready to see how science works?
Lift the flaps to discover fascinating facts about the world around you, including answers to questions like...
How do we know what's out there in space?
What do we do with all this poo?
If we can't see it, how do we know it's real?
This stunningly illustrated book draws on the scientific knowledge of Scienceworks experts, and will inspire readers to see the many ways that science is always all around us.
]]>Chris Nixon is the illustrator of CBCA Honour Book Wild Australian Life and brings to life the world of science in his signature style
]]>