Booklists

Friday is always the best day in Adam's house. It's doughnut day! But this week, his family is fasting for Ramadan. They aren't going to eat or drink until sunsets. Adam wants to fast too, but it's so hard. Can he wait that long for his very special doughnut?

Noor can't sleep. An annoying fly will not leave hime alone. Noor even thinks he can hear it talking. If only he knew how to get rid of flies.

A great book for dinosaur enthusiasts. The descriptions and drawings of twenty six dinosaurs provide interesting facts and details. Each letter of the alphabet, clearly written in lower and upper case, corresponds with a dinosaur name, which is shown phonetically to assist pronunciation.

Trevor is hard at work on his newest trick shot video, Fantastic Flying Frisbees. His family are always too busy to help him and it is almost impossible to practise frisbee by himself. Until Trevor discovers disc golf and can finally work on his fabulous forehands and backhands on his own. Will disc golf be the answer to all Trevor's problems? Or will Trevor discover that family frisbee time is still super fun?

Voices from all over the world including English, Scottish, Caribbean, Hungarian and American, are represented in this lively poetry collection, all linked by the word 'new'.

A picture book about the bravest bear, the persistent penguin, opportunistic wolf, boastful bear and sly dragon. The problem is everyone wants to tell the story their own way.

A funny collection of poems all about one school. The verses cover such things as playtime, the school outing, French lessons, the three Rs, nicknames, best friends and a host of other familiar topics.

Gus and Gloria have a lot of running to do, Mrs Gaskitt hardly ever gets out of bed and something dreadful happens to Horace. A fast-paced family comedy.

One day, Mr Gaskitt puts on all his clothes, Mrs Gaskitt picks up a robber in her taxi, Gus and Gloria have trouble with a teacher, Horace, the cat, goes to a friend's house to watch TV and the car radio gets things wrong.

When Burglar Bill is burgled by Burglar Betty and finds a baby in a box, he changes his wicked ways.

An adventure in the dark woods leads Jeremiah to meet many familiar characters from popular fairy tales.

Jules is seven and has a problem. She needs a new best friend to replace Charlotte. Just as things look exciting, Jules is asked to film a mouth wash add, but it is for a flavour that makes her vomit. Will she be able to stomach the mouth wash and will she be able to fix her friendship with Charlotte or make a new best friend.

Jules's insides are all mixed up, with an ex-friend changing schools and a new friend who is just a bit too quiet. She has landed a role on a new TV show and needs to find a way to take part in her class play too.

Any three titles read from this series can be included as official Challenge books; up to five more titles can be included as your personal choice books. To see the individual book titles and their PRC ID numbers, go to the Series lists on the Booklists page, on the website. Or, you can search for a series name or the individual titles by using the Search function on the top left hand corner of the screen.

Jules is off to Montreal where she'll film her first movie. But that means no friends around on her birthday and no birthday party. With only a hockey player and diva starlet as cast mates in a town where no one speaks her language, Jules is feeling awfully lonely. Good thing her best friend Elinor is sending super-secret spy missions to keep Jules busy. With a little stealth she might be able to turn her bummer summer into a blockbuster.

Jules is a third grader at last, but so far, the reviews aren't good. Her new teacher makes her feel tongue-tied, Charlotte shows up on the first day wearing the one thing Jules really wants and she has homework - researching a famous person to become for the class wax museum. Even worse, her sitcom rehearsals are harder than ever, with the TV show about to air for all the world to see.

Grandpa John has all the answers to Lachlan's questions but, when the issue of wearing a hat arises, Grandpa has all the reasons why he does not wear a hat. This book tells you about the dangers of skin cancer.

Racism is such a hard topic to talk about, but impossible to ignore. Discover the answers to some difficult questions by lifting the flaps. Then you can be part of the solution.

Evangeline, the toy elephant, lies under the bed all day, waiting and waiting for something to happen. If only she could be useful somewhere. One morning, a broom sweeps her out onto the bedroom floor.

A lion has come to Paris to find a job, love and a future, having become bored with his African grasslands home. As he roams the rainy, grey streets, he becomes a little despondent at being ignored, no longer the king of all he sees. As the sun comes out, his spirits lift as the city shows him its sparkling best.

Unhappy with his short hair, Ben wishes for fast-growing hair. His hair grows so quickly with such unexpected results that everyone in the neighbourhood ends up wishing for it to return to normal.

In his dreams, Guy becomes Captain Gallant, a hero with a devoted crew who have unusual powers. Answering a distress call, Gallant rushes to rescue stranded Martian children whose parents have been kidnapped.

A breathtaking collection of colour photographs and images in large format, depicting weather from the 1930s to the present.

Digby's street is soon going to look different - old houses are going to be demolished and new apartments will be built. Digby loves Main Street but he isn't sure he wants it to change. With plans of his own and a new friend, Claude, Digby explores what it really means to belong.

One day, a long time ago when I lived in Kirribilli, Sydney, I packed a lunch and set out to walk to the Botanic Gardens. I crossed the Harbour Bridge then climbed down to Circular Quay. I walked beside the sea wall, past the Botanic gardens. And this is what I saw.

Black dog and Christina live together in a little house near a forest. They have been best friends for a very long time. Then, suddenly, on a cold day in winter, everything begins to change.

In a little house in a dark forest, a toymaker lives all alone. One day, a small brown bird is drawn to the magic sounds of the toymaker's violin. Together they make music so enchanting that even the trees shiver and murmur in wonder. But as the seasons change, the little bird dreams of the wide open sky.

Jesse, the elephant, must move from her temporary home in Moore Park to her permanent residence, an Indian palace, at the new Taronga Park Zoo. It is not easy moving an elephant, particularly with beautiful Sydney harbour in the way and especially before the Sydney Harbour Bridge was built. Perhaps, Ernest, the little tugboat, and his friend, Lindsay the punt ferry, can help.

Mina is travelling in Japan with her mother, exploring the culture and experiencing a new sense of self as she journeys. On a crowded bus, Mina is gifted a paper bird and paper boat. These gifts carry her into a wondrous world that is both ancient and brand new.

Lizzie is a very special little girl with an extraordinary dad, and both are trying to cope with the loss of Lizzie's mum. Lizzie is growing up very fast while dad is acting very strangely. Mr Poop parades the streets encouraging dad to go in The Great Human Bird Competition; Auntie Doreen and Mr Mint try to help Lizzie in their own ways; meanwhile, Lizzie and dad make themselves beautiful.

Kate wakes in the night to the sound of miaowing. Rising from her bed, she finds herself gradually and magically transformed into a cat. She joins other cats to go out into the night.

Bert and Betty Brown have got themselves a little angel. Bert found him in his top pocket when he was driving his bus. Bert and Betty's friends think he's lovely. So do Nancy and Jack and Alice from Class 5K. What a wonder! But Acting Head Teacher Mrs Mole is not so sure. Nor is Professor Smellie. Or the mysterious bloke in black who claims to be a School Inspector. Then there's Basher Malone - big, lumbering Basher Malone. He REALLY doesn't like Angelino. And it looks like he's out to get him...

Gina is a giraffe who desperately wants to dance but she always gets tangled up when she tries. With plenty of determination, Gina joins the Rhythms Dance School.

Felix is a 10 year old boy and finds his everyday life boring. He is fed up with his annoying younger brother, and his Dad is always yelling at him. He wishes he could get away from it all... When Felix jumps into the shower one morning when getting ready for school, something very amazing, astonishing and mind blowing happens. Imagine opening your eyes and finding yourself in a strange land, between two armies yelling, chickens flapping and you're wearing NO clothes. Will Felix escape the farmers pitchforks? Will he find some pants to wear? Will he ever find a way to get back home? A humourous younger reader novel filled with curses, dragons and smelly town fairs. Kids who like a not-so-serious read are going to adore this new series: Shower Land. Big text and brilliant pictures make it easy to navigate, and it is one I think reluctant readers will gravitate towards."

Intergalactic hero, Zack Proton, and Omega Chimp risk life and limb to save the universe from the evil Big Large. Find out how banana skins come in handy.

Born in a flower, tiny Thumbelina braves the enormous, dangerous world until, through her kindness and courage, she is delivered to a kingdom of people just her size.

This simple text lists common animals and birds of the Australian bush, followed by the same text presented as a play.

Ten-year-old Ray Grey lives in the magical Weatherlands, high in the sky. Ray is surrounded by Weatherlings with astounding weather power at their fingertips . . . but she doesn't have ANY magic! Then, after a trip to Earth, Ray's life changes forever. She is transformed from Ray Grey into RAINBOW GREY! With the help of her best friends (and exploding cloud cat, Nim) now all Ray has to do is master her powers AND save the world from a mysterious, powerful enemy . . .

A peaceful natural existence is transformed by the encroaching modern society, changing the landscape and the sole occupant.

Sylvette is a shy little girl whose neighbor happens to be the artist Pablo Picasso. Attracted by Sylvette's classical facial profile and her lovely ponytail hair style, Picasso convinces her to overcome her shyness and pose for a series of artworks. These drawings, paintings and sculptures soon became world famous and encouraged Sylvette to abandon her shyness. Eventually, she began a career as a fine artist.

One day, a stranger arrives in Camille's town. He has a straw hat and a yellow beard. The man turns out to be the artist Vincent van Gogh. This is an introduction to the great painter, seen through the eyes of a young boy entranced by his painting.

Young Paul joins his father, artist Paul Cezanne, on a painting expedition in the mountains of southern France. The artist enjoys painting portraits of his apple-cheeked son but most of his paintings are landscapes of the mountain country where they are camping. The local people think the paintings are poor and laugh at his efforts. But, a picture dealer from Paris, who happens to be in the region, believes Cezanne's paintings are wonderful. Soon, Cezanne becomes famous and wealthy.

Marie dreams of becoming the most famous ballerina in the world. When she joins the ballet school in Paris, she notices a fierce man sitting at the side, sketching the dancers. The man is the painter, Edgar Degas, and his clay model of Marie does, indeed, make her the most famous dancer of all.

When Marianna goes to Frida Kahlo's house to be painted by the famous Mexican artist, she is scared. The beautiful lady keeps exotic pets and she's heard that Frida keeps a skeleton in her bedroom. But, as Frida paints Marianna, their friendship grows. Frida talks about her life while Marianna discovers how love, determination and courage can give you wings to fly.

Zoro is a little boy in seventeenth century Italy, long before airplanes flew in the sky. But, Zoro is also an apprentice to the artist and inventor, Leonardo da Vinci, who is experimenting with a revolutionary flying machine.

Julie wishes she had a garden so her mother takes her to visit Monet's garden at Givenchy. A wonderful introduction to the artist, Claude Monet.

Young Camille befriends a strange visitor to his small town and, one day, he brings this man a gift of bright, beautiful sunflowers. The man is the artist Vincent van Gogh and the sunflowers quickly become the subject of a magnificent painting.

When Monique, a young nurse, steps into the home of an elderly patient, she sees rooms filled with the most vivid colour she's ever seen. Her patient is the artist Henri Matisse and they become good friends. When Monique enters a convent as a nursing nun, she discovers that her religious order is very poor and doesn't have it's own chapel. Matisse helps by developing a sketch by Monique into a brilliant set of stained-glass chapel windows, and uses his influence to raise enough money to build the chapel.

The twins, Meret and Bella, love their grandfather, Papa Chagall, and he loves telling them stories. One day, when they visit him in his studio, he tells them about his life. Through four different stories, Papa relates his extraordinary rags to riches journey, from a topsy-turvy cottage in Russia, through the dark years of the war until emerging in the sparkling sunlight of Southern France.

Each day Leroy, who's in grade one, and his older sister, Ruby, catch the bus to school. On every trip, DJ, an angry high school student, makes Leroy's life a misery through bullying, along with threats of what might happen if he tells anyone. Ruby encourages Leon to tell either his teacher or their parents, but Leroy resists. DJ's power is too strong.

At school I have lots of friends. I have so many friends that sometimes I don't know who to play with. Tahnee wants everyone in her Year 2 class to get along and be happy. But what happens when all of Tahnee's friends want her attention at the same time? And how can Tahnee be friends with Lucy, when Lucy doesn't seem to want any friends?

Ivan is a mighty silver back even if he does look a bit sad and dull in his cage at the nearly forgotten shopping mall circus. He has spent most of his life around humans and in a cage, but he knows he is something special and something to be proud of, he just can't find the inspiration to act the part anymore. That is until he meets little Ruby, a baby elephant. The sad circus owner hopes that adding a baby elephant to the show will bring people back, but Ivan can not stand by and see more animals brought into a life of captivity.

Ruby is a young elephant who loves spending time with her best friends, Ivan the silverback gorilla and Bob the mutt. But zoo life has not always been the way for Ruby and in the lead up to her Tusk Day, Ruby finds the courage to embrace and share her story - and herself.

Any three titles read from this series can be included as official Challenge books; up to five more titles can be included as your personal choice books. To see the individual book titles and their PRC ID numbers, go to the Series lists on the Booklists page, on the website. Or, you can search for a series name or the individual titles by using the Search function on the top left hand corner of the screen.

A wolf has something stuck in its throat, a little girl in a red coat can't find her grandma and Nurse Percy is run off his feet in this hilarious medical drama.

Miss Muffet finds a badly injured spider lying in a puddle of water, just beneath a waterspout. Nurse Percy and Doctor Glenda come to the rescue as they hold the spider's hands, all eight of them, and gently look after the cut. But, someone needs to look after Incy Wincy for the night because Miss Muffet is scared of spiders.

An elephant has been playing with his toys and putting all of them away in the wrong place. Soon, his mother notices that something is not quite right with her little one's trunk.

It was a quiet morning at City Hospital. Doctor Glenda and Nurse Percy were drinking a cup of tea when they heard that a snowman was in need of urgent help. He was just standing in the garden when his buttons started to fall off.

Mrs Rabbit is due to have her bunnies, lots of them, and she needs help. On her way to the hospital, Mrs Rabbit is knocked over by a little bear on a bike. The Pengamedics summon Doctor Glenda and Nurse Percy to assist.

When Doctor Glenda realises that the elephant is not the only one hearing things, she sets out to save a trapped beetle from a terrible fate.

Judd's on a rescue mission, and he's brought Andy along as his weapon of choice. Can Andy help Judd and bring down the forces of evil and still stay true to what he believes in. The pressure's on and the stakes have never been higher.

When you're half boy, half machine, it's hard not to be a hero. Andy is starting to enjoy his new life but he might not be the only one who's hiding a secret. Andy's parents think the safest place for him is school camp. They couldn't be more wrong.

Andy's trying to live an ordinary life, despite his extraordinary powers. But, when a field trip goes terribly wrong, Andy has to decide whether to save the day and risk blowing his cover. With the evil Dr Baffi on his trail, it could be the last decision he'll ever make.

Andy and Judd are on a mission but it's possible that Andy's awesome powers won't be enough. Someone who Andy cares may lose their life to protect him. It's the toughest night of Andy's life and he'll have to summon all his courage to outwit a merciless enemy.

Andy and Judd have blown their cover - so when Judd goes missing, can Andy risk going after him. With the police, the Agency and the evil Blaireau Corporation looking for him, this time it's Andy versus the world.

Andy must take the fight to the enemy and win to save the people who mean the most to him. This time, there's nowhere left to turn and everything is on the line.

When you're half boy, half machine, it's hard not to be a hero. Andy's just a regular kid with a normal, everyday life. Or is he? Why is? And who are his parents really? He's about to find out who his parents are and why a sinister scientist is out to kidnap him. These superhuman secrets will change everything.

Andy and Judd are undercover in Switzerland. Their mission is to find the headquarters of the evil Blaireau Corporation, but why is Judd so freaked out. One thing's for sure, Andy's upgraded powers and hardware are certainly going to get a workout.

For the first time Andy is on his own and having the time of his life. But, Andy may be putting other lives in jeopardy because, when you're a superhero, a simple mistake can have terrible consequences.

It's official. Andy is joining the secret service. But, when he is sent on a job halfway through his training, Andy wonders whether he is up to the challenge. With no back-up and no experience, this life or death mission will be the ultimate test.

Any three titles read from this series can be included as official Challenge books; up to five more titles can be included as your personal choice books. To see the individual book titles and their PRC ID numbers, go to the Series lists on the Booklists page, on the website. Or, you can search for a series name or the individual titles by using the Search function on the top left hand corner of the screen.

Mouse is sure that cat supports his daring and creative lifestyle. But all is not what it seems. A rollicking cat-and-mouse story with a twist or two in the tale.

Any three titles read from this series can be included as official Challenge books; up to five more titles can be included as your personal choice books. To see the individual book titles and their PRC ID numbers, go to the Series lists on the Booklists page, on the website. Or, you can search for a series name or the individual titles by using the Search function on the top left hand corner of the screen.

Soccer World Cup fever is affecting everyone at school, including the Stick Dudes. They dream of meeting a soccer hero but their schoolyard enemy, Meeval the Evil, and his friends might ruin their hopes.

More adventures of the Stick Dudes at school. This time there is a thief amongst them so Ben and his friends form a spy team in order to discover the culprit and experience a few adventures along the way.

Ben and his mates have been frustrated by the un-summer weather in the holidays. When the first hot day arrives, they are determined to make the most of it and have many adventures. Hurdles include scary girls, pirates, disappearing shorts and mysterious brown logs.

Any three titles read from this series can be included as official Challenge books; up to five more titles can be included as your personal choice books. To see the individual book titles and their PRC ID numbers, go to the Series lists on the Booklists page, on the website. Or, you can search for a series name or the individual titles by using the Search function on the top left hand corner of the screen.

Time was running out. Jessica looked up at the ring. With an almighty toss, she took a shot at the basket. Everyone held their breath. Find out why Jessica, a basketball all-star, needs lucky shoes.

Pete's family is crazy for cricket and he is hoping that his team can take home the Jacaranda Cup. But, Pete dropped to his knees, knowing he wouldn't reach the ball in time. He was devastated. It was all over.

Joe marked the footy. He ran with it as fast as he could and handballed it to Angus. But, the umpire shouted that he'd dropped the ball. Joe is awesome at footy but he finds handballing really hard.

Luca never loses at handball. But, when he is challenged by Vinnie Ping, the Handball King from Grade Six, Luca wonders if he really can win.

Lucy desperately wants to win and wills herself to run faster. But, the girl is sprinting ahead of her. Lucy can't believe this is happening.

Lizzie knows everything there is to know about netball. Her dream is to become a famous netball coach. Lizzie loves talking about netball but she doesn't know why her teammates don't want to listen to her.

It was a killer kick, straight through the goals. Abby did a victory dance and skipped around Joe and Lizzie. Abby always wins at soccer but Pete won't join her team.

Ben dived. Jessica dived. Oliver dived. But, when Emma dived, it was the belly-whacker of all belly-whackers. Emma is a swimming superstar but she just can't dive.

Stefan threw his arms in the air. He'd won. But, there was no one else to cheer him on. Stefan has winning racquet skills but he wonders if he'll ever get to play a real game of tennis.

India is the star of the circus until Oswaldo the Magnificent comes in to change the style of the show. She falls from grace and becomes very naughty but learns the value of friends.

Meet every kind of penguin up close. Watch them walk, talk and make friends, share meals, and raise fluffy chicks. Journey to Antarctica and find out how penguins there survive natural and man-made dangers in their icy home.

For Bixby Alexander Tam (nicknamed Bat), life tends to be full of surprises -- some of them good, some not so good. Today, though, is a good-surprise day. Bat's mum, a veterinarian, has brought home a baby skunk, which she needs to take care of until she can hand him over to a wild-animal shelter. But from the first meeting, he knows they belong together. And he's got one month to show his mum that a baby skunk might just make a pretty terrific pet.

Explores the role of police officers in our community. Bright, photographic illustrations show one officer completing a range of work tasks that are typical of the officer's responsibilities.

A beautifully illustrated, sophisticated and fascinating look at all sorts of eggs. American spelling and imperial measurement do not detract from the attractiveness of language, ideas and pictures.

One night, a young boy encounters a nasty looking creature which is determined to consume grandad's vegie patch. Our hero tricks the creature into eating a habanera chilli with hilariously effective results.

'Discover the amazing diversity of the African continent in this celebration of all 55 countries on the African continent! The beautifully-written text captures Africa's unique mix of the modern and the traditional, as she explores its geography, its peoples, its animals, its history, its resources and its cultural diversity.

When something strange washes up on the eggs' island, they are scared. It looks like them but its not. Most of them want the egg to go back to where it came from, but one is not afraid. Can their friendship overcome the fear and prejudice?

With the help of photographs and diagrams, a fresh look at water's journey around our planet is presented, from rain to rivers to the kitchen sink.

Rude Ramsey lives in a ramshackle house and longs for something better. Ramsay and Ralph, the red-nosed rat, decide to leave. Students will enjoy their rumpus with food, using the letter R, and want to make up some verses of their own.

For many thousands of years, Kirrae Whurron men prided themselves on being able to hunt and provide game food for their families and communities. When the land was taken from them, their food source was replaced by European farming animals.

Fun, dastardly plans, at least one villain and a pet goat entertain amid the danger. Can Nelly rescue her father from the clutches of Captain Sunbeam. Will the children escape each of several close shaves with their lives. And who will get the gold.

Following the mysterious disappearance of his parents years before, Young Piccolo Grande lives alone in his fine, old family home. But, one fateful afternoon, his neat and ordered life is turned upside down and inside out.

Nigel lives in Hyde Park, London and is about to become king. That's what Her Divine Highness Queen Bethunia of Hyde has decided, despite Nigel's youth and out-of-control imagination.

Do you know what it takes to be a friend, someone on whom someone else depends? Just a few ingredients, tips and tricks, make the perfect friendship mix! A lyrical story with heartfelt ideas about what it means to be a good friend from the team that brought us The love That Grew.

A mum warmly tells her children how her heart expands with each new child to her growing family and how her loves swells and overflows for each of them, always.

In Taliban-ruled Afghanistan, Sonam's world is dark and silent. Then one day, she follows a magical melodious sound to a walled garden, and her world is silent no more. The sound is music, and it lifts her up amongst the stars and takes her deeper than the tree roots in the earth. How can she hold on to this feeling in a world where music is forbidden?