Thirteen-year-old Starling 'Star' Cooney lives with her grandfather, Roy, in Rocky Point. She has not made any friends that is, until new student Bronte arrives. Then Roy disappears, and Star must decide who to trust as she searches for her mum.
'Don't Forget to Remember Me is a raw and authentic tale of broken family, dark secrets, and unlikely friendships in a small coastal town. The stories of Star, Roy and Bronte will make you smile and break your heart. I inhaled this book in one sitting.' Troy Hunter, author of Gus and the Missing Boy and Gus and the Burning Stones.
'Everyone should have a friend like Star. In amongst the humour and heartbreak, Drum creates a world you won't want to leave.' R. W. R. McDonald, author of The Nancys
'This tender, empathetic novel is beautifully written, and Star captured my heart.' Toni Jordan, author or Addition and Tenderfoot
]]>Fearless Finn is a heroic tale about being brave despite feeling scared, and helping others.
]]>Lauren Mullinder is an illustrator, graphic designer, artist and educator. Based in her home studio in Adelaide, South Australia, Lauren spends her time drawing, exploring the natural world and developing workshops in art, drawing fundamentals and environment design. She has a passion for children's literature and has illustrated seven children's books. She loves visiting schools and running illustration workshops, where children have a hands-on experience creating their own designs and characters. When not working in her studio, Lauren loves spending time out in nature working with education groups, scuba diving off the coast or hiking up trails with her dog Charlie.
]]>Further surprises lie in store when she returns for her second year at Miss Coleridge's Academy for Gifted Youths. Elsie is desperate to prove herself as a Guardian but a few terrible mistakes causes Elsewhere's trust in her to falter. To make matters worse, Gifted kids around the world have gone missing, taken somewhere the Gateways can't reach, leaving Elsie powerless.
Then a mysterious figure appears, offering Elsie a tempting solution a way to use Gifts without Elsewhere's permission. But is the power worth the price?
]]>Her debut novel, Elsewhere, was inspired by the sense of wonder and awe of classic children's novels such as the Chronicles of Narnia, Alice's Adventures in Wonderland, The Secret Garden and more. Its sequel, Somewhere, continues to pay tribute to these classics through Easter eggs and similar tropes. The series stays true to the timeline and facts of World War I, exploring the horrors of that time through the eyes of a child, creating a symbolic parallel between the pains of adolescence and the extreme changes that the world went through during the war.
]]>Only she can open the Gateway to The Place Where Lost Children Go a sentient forest called Elsewhere with the power to enhance the talents, desires, and fears of unique souls. And then there's Elsie, the newest Guardian, with the power to open the Gateways into Elsewhere, borrow Gifts in emergencies, and enhance other Gifts with her touch so that her Gifted friends can grow stronger. But Elsie's powers are unpredictable and her new role as mentor comes with a lot of responsibility.
Meanwhile, the war rages on, and the headmistress believes the students are the solution. She intends to push them to their academic limit, training them in the art of war, stripping them of their childhood. The Gifted must use their newfound talents to bring down her awful regime and win a battle of their own. But with the war growing ever closer to home, Elsie can't help but feel like Elsewhere has been recruiting them too, training them for something bigger than just school.
]]>The stories hush the rumbles that echo across the sand. The stories spark and shimmer, filling Lalee with possibility. And one story hers begins to unfold. A lyrical, heart-filled tribute to imagination, hope and the magic of books by multi-award-winning creators Vikki Conley and Jennifer Falkner.
]]>Jennifer Falkner is a critically acclaimed illustrator and graphic designer based in Perth, Western Australia. Since graduating from Curtin university with a major in illustration she has spent the last sixteen years of her career in art direction, textile design, brand development and illustration. Before returning to Perth in 2018, Jennifer lived and worked in Canberra, Bangkok, Jakarta and Singapore. Picture books she has illustrated include Fairy Beach, The Cheeky Toddler Alphabet, Tardigrades: Nature's Toughest Survivor, and The Lucky Shack which was a CBCA Notable Picture Book of the Year in 2023. Jennifer finds inspiration in the daily antics of her two boys, independent bookshops, her local museum, the cinema and the rich biodiversity of Australia's south west. Her favourite mediums are gouache, watercolour, ink, pencils and photoshop. She is represented by the Bright Agency. You can contact Jennifer on her website: www.jenniferfalkner.com, Instagram: @jennifer_falkner_illustration and through the Bright Agency.
]]>When a new student named Clint arrives, things become much more interesting. Soon, Liam is taking risks and bending the rules and even has a haircut just like Clint. Liam's mates are acting weird, though. And Mum keeps asking if he's OK. His teacher even has 'a word' with him. Liam wishes they would leave him alone and let him grow up. He's going to high school next year!
But when Liam finds himself in serious trouble, he realises how far he's drifted from the things and the people he loves. But just like a game of basketball that's heading south, can he bring it back?
]]>The Thing about Oliver (Wombat Books) was shortlisted in the younger readers category of the Children's Book Council of Australia awards, shortlisted for Speech Pathology Australia's Book of the Year and won the Australian Association of Family Therapists book of the year award in the younger readers category. Her picture book Me and You (Penguin Viking) won Speech Pathology Australia's Book of the Year award (3-5 year olds) in 2017.
Deb visits schools, libraries and festival events (including Newcastle Writers' Festival and Sydney Writers' Festival) to share her books with children. Many of her books are included in Premier's Reading Challenge lists around Australia. She is a Role Model for Books in Homes and reviews children's books for Reading Time magazine.
]]>Twelve-year-old Tilly dreams of becoming a marine scientist, but she doesn't even own a swimsuit. She lives in a drought- stricken town with her mum and younger brother Oliver, who is autistic.
Oliver's meltdowns are making life unbearable.
He needs so many different kinds of therapy that there's never any time or money left over for swimming lessons. Tilly knows Oliver's needs have to come first, but it's hard feeling invisible all the time.
When Mum announces they are moving to the Queensland coast, Tilly is excited at the thought of finally learning to swim even snorkel! But she is also worried. The thing about Oliver is, he can't cope with even the tiniest of changes to his routine.
It isn't long before the cracks begin to show. Could so many changes all at once threaten to shatter the whole family?
]]>She longs to be like Ashleigh Monahan, who has the perfect looks for the lead part in the school musical. And Ashleigh has talent.
But while Kate can sing and act really well, she thinks she doesn't measure up to Ashleigh's physical perfection. Will she still score a role?
]]>But the city is being stalked by crime boss Kore Luddan, who is using Izrod, the strongest in his crew of freaks, to kidnap people off the street. Most of them are never seen again, killed or driven mad by Kore's experiments.
Eden manages to get a job in the government's Archives, taking the place of one of Kore's victims, but Izrod keeps snatching more government employees. Is Eden safe? And what is Kore planning? Will it mean the end to peace in Sendirian City?
]]>Sarah hates the prestigious high school she attends. Most of the other students ignore her. The only good thing about school is the presence of Dan Bradfield, the boy she adores. Dan is the heir to his father's multinational computer company, but he is dating Sarah's best friend, Jillian.
When tragedy strikes, Dan is the one who is there for Sarah, but she can't shake the feeling there is something strange about him. Is he protecting her from something? Is there something going on that she doesn't know about? And did she really see a monster in the bushes?
Sarah is desperate to uncover the truth, but it could take her to another galaxy and change everything she believes about who she is. Will it bring Dan and Sarah closer together or tear them apart?
]]>Ten-year-old Korob knows everyone in Makoko, the Nigerian fishing village where she lives. Between doing chores for her mother, she roams free with her best friends, Saidat and Joba, and her adorable dog, Popi. The last thing Korob would expect in Makoko is a thief. Yet Saidat's wooden piggy bank has been stolen! Buckle up, budding mystery fans...
It's time to join Korob and friends on their thrilling chase for the culprit.
]]>Fred the deer loves living in the forest. Or does he? No, he says he does not! He is bored, and wants to visit the town! Once there, he sees everyone else has shoes so why can't he have shoes? Everyone else seems to be eating chips, but he needs hands to eat chips...really, Fred? Read on to see if Pepe will give in and give him hands, and how the story will end up!
]]>'STOP!'
But Wendy has a wonderful idea. Maybe a cat, a soft cushion and some bubbles could make a first haircut fun after all?
This debut picture book explores the universal experience of a first haircut with sensitivity and beautiful, glowing pictures.
]]>Word games, jokes and stories, magic and mayhem, quiet and thoughtful moments. This is an exceptional, imaginative collection by an exciting poet, illustrated with wit and zest by a popular illustrator.
]]>Tom McLaughlin studied illustration at Falmouth College of Arts, before working as the political cartoonist at the Western Morning News. His debut picture book was The Diabolical Mr Tiddles andThe Story Machine was longlisted for the Carnegie Medal for illustration. His best-known 'Accidental' series, includingThe Accidental Prime Minister, Secret AgentandBillionaire, have been nominated for multiple awards. Tom has recently published his first graphic novel, Alan, King of the Universe. Tom has five children and lives in Exeter in Devon.
]]>Aldo and his two best friends from Comic Book Club have been training to save the world. They've mastered fighting battles (with wooden swords), Morse code, and superhero skills, despite the annoying antics of Aldo's little sister, Petra. The day Odin suddenly appears, they are swept up in truly epic adventure...Yggdrasil, Tree of Life and Death, has mistakenly opened its portal and unleashed Fenrir, the gigantic, evil Wolf from Norse mythology, into the world. Can Aldo, his friends and Odin's cat army defeat the Beast before the next full moon, and save the World?
]]>Stefano Tambellini is an illustrator and award-winning creator of stop-motion animation movies. With a degree in animation from the School of Experimental Cinematography of Turin (CSC), he moved to London in 2009 and worked as an illustrator for children's books for publishers Barrington Stoke (UK), Bloomsbury (UK) and Little Bee Books (US). His short film 'Impossibles Maladies' has received over 20 awards internationally. In addition to being an illustrator, he teaches puppetry and animation at schools and festivals. My Cat is Called Odin (originally published in Italian by Castoro Libri) is his first book for Five Quills.
]]>This highly visual exploration is a fascinating look at the still-mysterious human microbiome the viruses, bacteria, fungi, and other microbes that work together to play an essential role in keeping humans healthy. The accessible text allows full-bleed images to shine throughout, including full-spread, photo-realistic illustrations that bring the world of microorganisms to life.
Written by Helene Priestley, who holds a PhD in molecular biology, the author created the book in cooperation with Dr. Purna Kashyap, director of the Microbiome Program, a Mayo Clinic research initiative that studies the microbiome's role in health. Dr. Kashyap also gives readers tips and tricks for keeping their microbiome healthy.
Mayo Clinic Press Kids creates empowering health and wellness content in partnership with pediatric experts. Proceeds from the sale of every book go to benefit important medical research and education at Mayo Clinic.
]]>IllustratorDavid Mrquez has a PhD in immunology and a Master's degree in scientific illustration. His work is fueled by a passion for nature in all its forms and for visually communicating scientific knowledge.
Martin Bustamante, an Argentinian illustrator and painter, discovered his passion for drawing and painting at a young age. He has worked professionally for publishers and magazines in Argentina, the U.S., and Europe.
Purna Kashyap, M.B.B.S., is the director of the Microbiome Program at Mayo Clinic, a research initiative that studies the role of the human microbiome in health. His research aims to better understand gastrointestinal disorders to provide better treatment options for patients, especiallymicrobiota-targeted therapies.
]]>Having already heard much of her Great-Grandmother's incredible adventures dispatch riding in WWI, Amy simply has to find out how her time in France ends.
But, as she finds out to her cost, some stories are best left in the past.
The much-anticipated sequel to WRENS: answering the call.
]]>To Amy, her Granny is now a hero. So why then is Amy's mother determined that her daughter must stay well away from 'Granny Wren' ?
Amy just has to find out...
]]>Welcome to the world of school debating andpublic speaking, the best training ground forspeaking, reasoning, arguing and lookingcritically at the big issues of today.
Claire Duffy not only demystifies theprocess of debating and public speaking,but makes it fun by drawing on her many years ofexperience working directly with students, usinglanguage to which they relate. Learn all aboutthe best way to prepare, the persuasive power ofreason, the art of argument and rebuttal, and howto lose graciously. Including tips from the pros anda wealth of examples throughout, this guide is theessential handbook for making every spoken wordcount.
Flick through these sample pages
Claire Duffy spoke to ABC News Breakfast about how to help kids conquer their public speaking fears here
]]>Has anyone ever asked you to catch a red big ball? No. Because in English we would say 'big red ball'. Why is that? After the success of her bestselling The Australian Schoolkids' Guide to Debating and Public Speaking, Claire Duffy turns her hand to helping students write well. In this easy-to-use and fun guide to writing and grammar, children (aged 12+), their parents and teachers will learn all they need to know about the elements of grammar, punctuation, spelling and sentence construction. With practical tips and helpful step-by-step examples, this book will help students master everything from apostrophes to essay writing.
'Any mention of grammar, punctuation and spelling can make students take fright. This clear and cheerful guidemakes writing easy and will soothe any fear or dread.' Sue Butler AO, former editor ofMacquarie Dictionary
]]>You don't need to be an adult to break news and change the world. You can start your career as a young reporter right now! Fun, informative and easy to use, Kid Reporter is packed with inspiring stories from young people who've already started their reporting careers and tips and tricks from leading journalism experts. Children's news specialists Saffron Howden and Dhana Quinn uncover all the secrets to becoming a journalist, including how to:
So, if you'd like to become a savvy media consumer and creator in the digital age, this book is for you!
Teachers' notes available here
'Saron Howden is a ceaseless campaigner for making news and media accessible to kids. It's such important work. Kid Reporter is the perfect gift for the curious, smart young person in your life.' - Annabel Crabb, journalist, TV presenter and political writer
'Clear, simple, direct and engaging, Kid Reporter isn't just for kids. If you want to be a journalist, if you care about the news or you're a journalist who wants to remind yourself about how the job is done, this book is for you. It is a wonderful, timely guide to what news is, how it's produced and why it matters. After more than 30 years in the game, even I learned a thing or two.' - Peter Greste, Professor of Journalism, University of Queensland
'Saron Howden and Dhana Quinn let everyone in on the secret all newshounds understand: being a reporter is so much fun! It is also challenging and fascinating a craft that can be learned and mastered. In Kid Reporter, they use their great experience as journalists and editors to explain how reporting happens and how you go about nding and telling great stories. For the student who already loves stories of all kinds, and for parents and teachers who want to encourage curiosity, creativity and skills for life-long learning: Kid Reporter is a wonderful book.' - Mark Scott AO, Secretary, NSW Department of Education
'A great guide to what journalists do, how they do it and why it matters. Worth reading for young and old.' -Margaret Simons, freelance journalist and Honorary Principal Fellow, Centre for Advancing Journalism, University of Melbourne
]]>Miles Merrill, spoken word artistand founder of Australian Poetry Slam, and award-winning teacher Narcisa Nozica will take you from novice to spoken word superstar in no time. Twenty years after Merrill introduced poetry slamsto Australia, there's a national competition with a live audience of 20 000 people, and it's taught in schools across the country. It's been nothing short of a revolution!
With tips from stars of the Australian poetry slam scene, including bestselling author Maxine Beneba Clarke,Slam Your Poetryprovides step-by-step instructions and exercises that will inspire you to:
1. Write a poem that pops
2. Rehearse like a winner
3. Wow your audience
4. Beat stage fright
5. Run a winning competition for your school or community group
Part how-to guide, part masterclass, part manifesto, this book will help teachers, students and wannabe spoken word artistsof all ages slam like a pro.
Don't panic!Simply read this essential handbook for welcoming your visiting dragon. You will be provided with step-by-step instructions to ensure your dragon has a wonderful time. Your visitor will need to meet the family, learn table manners and go sightseeing. Maybe you'll even qualify as top host!
While this hilarious book is full of silliness, it also explores language barriers and non-verbal communication. The heartwarming ending leaves readers with a beautiful message of embracing differences, and how a hug has universal meaning.
]]>Arriving in Australia as one of the first Italian migrants, Giovanni begins a new life, and a new chapter in Australia's migration history begins. Giovanni left Italy in 1881 with his family, along with many other villagers from the region of Veneto. The families were promised 'paradise' by a corrupt people smuggler. After a perilous journey, they reached Australia with the assistance of Sir Henry Parkes, who was Premier of the Colony of NSW at the time. Combining extensive research, family anecdotes and gentle narrative prose, author Crystal Corocher shares this true story of resilience and courage as both a work of historical narrative and personal passion project Giovanni being her great-grandfather. Giovanni is a story for all Australians, and one that Crystal looks forward to sharing with students of all ages as a visiting author, it has been illustrated with stunning watercolour throughout by Margeaux Davis.
]]>little horses drift and hide...'
Beneath the waters of a calm bay, seahorses hide from predators, feed on shrimp and raise their young in gardens of sponge, coral, and grass. But when a storm destroys their habitat, they are left with nothing to eat and nowhere to hide. That is, until a Marine Biologist comes up with a clever invention to provide them with shelter and food while the natural environment recovers. The little horses have a new home where they can thrive! Soon, tiny horses are swimming and the hotel is overgrown with coral and grass.
Inspired by true events and including information about seahorses and the Seahorse Hotels Project, Little Horses is a conservation success story certain to inspire children to love and care for the natural world.
]]>Flute loves to frolic, splash and play. But when a high-speed boat separates her from her party, she is alone and in danger. Flute embarks on a wild journey, determined to find her way back home to safety.
This heartwarming and hopeful story, written by a marine biologist, is based on true events and friendships. It celebrates themes of togetherness, support, determination. Flute is a positive role model showing young readers resilience in the face of challenges. Flute raises vital awareness of boating and noise pollution as threats to dolphins world-wide. The back matter provides practical ways to help conserve dolphins.
Author Kasey Whitelaw is a qualified marine biologist and spent seven years ensuring the daily protection of Flute and other wild dolphins.
]]>Every day, children all over the world are travelling to school - by bus, by canoe, through valleys, over mountains and snow. How do you get to school?
With themes of diversity and culture, On the Way to School celebrates the joy and challenges of travelling to school.
]]>Lucia Masciullo is an award-winning illustrator who loves to create whimsical characters and colouring with traditional techniques; mixing watercolour, pencil and collage. Born and bred in Italy, she moved to Australia in 2007 and since then has illustrated more than thirty books. She currently lives on the Gold Coast. She can be contacted on Instagram: @Luciart74 Website: www.LuciaMasciullo.com
]]>Age range 3 to 6
One little girl realises that a girl in her class is struggling to make friends. With the help of their football coach they came up with a plan. Can their school football team bring them together, and expand their friendship group?
]]>An upbeat story about a confident little boy who takes pride in his first day of nursery.
Starting kindergarten is a big milestone - and the hero of this story is ready to make his mark! He's dressed himself, eaten a pile of pancakes, and can't wait to be a part of a whole new kingdom of kids. The day will be jam-packed, but he's up to the challenge, taking new experiences in stride with his infectious enthusiasm. And afterward, he can't wait to tell his proud parents all about his achievements - and then wake up to start another day.
'Necessary nourishment, infectiously joyous.' - Kirkus, starred review
'This is a king whose power comes from self respect and kindesstoward all the members of his diverse classroom.' - The New York Times
'Another brilliant title from Scallywag...This beautifully drawn, infectiously enthusiastic book will help prepare children for their first day of school...the book subtly introduces themes of self-respect, kindness and the joy of a diverse classroom.'- The Bookseller
]]>Get ready for your first day at nursery school with this exuberant little girl!
MJ is more than ready for her first day of school! With her hair freshly braided and her 'first day at school' outfit, she also knows all the good things she's going to bring to the classroom, stuff like her kindness, friendliness, and impressive soccer skills, too!
Teachers' notes available here
]]>