Booklists

Starting at the sun take a journey through space. As you travel you will learn all about the planets, moons and asteroids in our Galaxy until you reach your final destination amongst the dwarf planets.

These women revolutionised the arts, one brush stroke, photograph, and quilt stitch at a time! From household names like Frida Kahlo and Georgia O'Keeffe, to French-born Australian artist Mirka Mora, to underrepresented creators such as Jaune Quick-to-See Smith and Xenobia Bailey, this empowering alphabet picture book features a variety of genres-painting, drawing, sculpture, and more. Whether your're an art aficionado or finger-painting virtuoso, this vibrant collection or diverse women artists is perfect for you.

Open the flaps and dive under the waves to se shimmering fish, turtles, and rays among the coral. But this magical world is in danger, and we need to save our coral reefs.

From fields and woodlands, rivers and ponds, to city parks and gardens, wherever you are, you can go outdoors and discover wildlife. The beautiful pictures in this book are full of all kinds of birds, butterflies and wild flowers to look out for.

Eli's famous for dreaming big. Sometimes too big. But this time, the mouse has a plan-to build a real race car. If he can get his friends Phoebe and Hank to help, it might just work. And together, they can really go places. Through hard work and perseverance, the three friends learn all about car mechanics and teamwork as they work together to build a miniature racer.

It's Dani's first summer vacation and the best ever. She is staying on an island with her best friend, Ella. Dad is still in hospital but he calls every day, and Ella and Dani stay busy building huts, fishing, exploring and swimming. But, when Dad turns up with his nurse, the visit is not what anyone had imagined.

Dani is the happiest person she knows, especially when she makes a best friend when she starts school. They share friendship bracelets, sit together in class and have sleepovers. But how will Dani return to her happiness when Ella moves away.

Bailey Finch has been through a lot. When her beloved dog Sheba gets sick from swimming in the local creek, Bailey knows she has to step up. It's not easy to be brave or strong when your Mum has died and your Dad is not there for you, but Bailey has a new friend who will help her make everything better.

Ned's athletic family are worried that he is too quiet. When they send him on a bushwalk and a storm breaks, it is Ned's quiet observation skills that save the day.

Boris is so scary and so ugly he scares himself when he catches a glimpse of himself in a mirror. To be forced to stay in a room full of mirrors would be the worst fate he could imagine. When Boris takes up ballet, he must face his worst fears.

Rainbow the koala learns all he can from his mum and must go into the bush to learn his own lessons. The bush is full of dangers and challenges for a young koala, but as a huge fire approaches, all the animals must do what they can to survive.

Star the elephant and her herd are having a hard time finding food to eat on their small island. When Star is separated from her aunt and mum, she must remember the good advice given to her and hope she can stay safe and find her herd.

This collection of poems, rhymes and raps is full of fun. It features eye catching art work from Australia's best illustrators. The raps and rhymes are designed to be performed, try reading some of them without turning into a rapper.

Factual information about dinosaurs with plenty of descriptions and images.

All it takes is the will to make dreams come true. JUST ONE BEE is a story of hope, determination and never giving up: the story of One-bee and her dream to revert desolate wastes back to fields of flowers. But to change a desert to meadowland she needs to go it alone because when she comes across another bee, she discovers not only is he hoarding a single precious flower and a queen bee, but he refuses to believe positive change is possible. Other-bee does all he can to quash One-bee's dream. But One-bee's persistence, patience and optimism eventually prove Other-bee wrong, and she shows him how dreams can come true.

Fox and Bear were true friends. They were close-as-can-be friends, through and through friends... except for one thing. Fox was quick and slick and sly, and Bear was dumber than a pile of rocks. But that's how it was. And it didn't matter. Then Fox stretched the string of friendship until it snapped and they weren't friends any more.

The illustrations breathe new life into this classic Australian folksong. The eccentric shearers have their work cut out for them but still find time for fun.

This girl is kinda neat and tidy and likes to do things like this. She likes things to be organised. Right next door lives that girl who likes to do things like that. She's not so tidy. and likes things to be a little unexpected. Although they are neighbours, the girls are miles apart. But, one day, with a little help from their dads, the girls make a surprising discovery.

The kraken, a giant squid from Norse mythology, is extremely tired and has swum from the warm waters of Bermuda to the colder waters of Britain for a long sleep. But, if it falls asleep beneath the British Isles, the bubbles from its snoring will thin the water and Britain and Europe will sink. Zeus needs William's help to wake the kraken before Europe disappears below the waves.

Danny Blue lives in a world where everything is blue. And while there are many different shades and hues, everything is essentially the same. Until the night Danny sees something in a dream that is unlike anything else...

The perfect antidote for the pressures of being a kid in this day and age. This book will inspire kids be themselves and stand up tall.

Adam and Justin from LankyBox have been kidnapped. The evil villain wants to destroy the internet. Can Foxxy, Boxy and Rocky conquer their fears and successfully come to their rescue?

Ugly fish doesn't like to share, so much so, he makes certain he doesn't have anyone to share with. However, this comes at a cost including loneliness and more.

Eight year old Rebecca eats, sleeps and loves horses and one day turns into one. A simple, humorous story of Rebecca at school as a horse.

Harry Highpants hates corned beef with white sauce but he is not allowed to leave the table until he finishes his meal. Harry is very thin so his parents serve it to him every night so that he will become big and strong. Harry needs to find a way to cope.

To most people, Harry Highfield is just an ordinary boy who wears his pants a little higher than you'd expect. During school holidays, however, Harry gets out his cape and becomes a superhero. When his brother loses his best cricket ball over the fence, Harry has a chance to use his superhero powers to retrieve it.

Zac is off on Spy Camp to do space training. Hopefully he can dodge the space lasers.

Zac is off on Spy Camp to do circus training. What will happen when his tightrope breaks.

Zac is off on Spy Camp to crack codes. When Bladesville needs saving Zac puts his code-cracking skills to good use.

Zac is off to Spy Camp to survive in the outdoors. Can he get across the desert in time.

Zac is off to Spy Camp to train in secret tunnels. Will he find a way out before they flood.

Zac is off to Spy Camp to train animals where he meets one very angry lion.

Zac is off on Spy Camp to work on his karate. Things become interesting when his opponent is a crazy karate robot.

Zac is off to Spy Camp to rescue people. Hopefully he can save his training buddy from red-hot lava.

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.

Zac has two new gadgets to test drive. He hopes they will be enough to stop a bank robbery.

Zac has two new gadgets to test drive. Will they help him get the secret GIB plans back.

Zac has to test drive two new gadgets to see if they will get him to the poisoned frogs in time.

Zac has two new gadgets to test drive to stop BIG polluting the sea.

Zac has two new gadgets to test drive. Zac wonders if they can stop the ice caps from melting.

Zac has two new gadgets to test drive. He's off to the moon to see if they work.

Zac has two new gadgets to test drive. He hopes they will help him to turn the power back on.

Zac has two new gadgets to test drive. Can they help him find the mission drivers.

Zac has two new gadgets to test drive. He's trying to stop the blimp from crashing.

Zac has two new gadgets which he hopes will chase sharks away from swimmers.

Zac has two new gadgets to test drive. He has to rescue someone at the skate park.

Zac has two new gadgets to test drive. He wants to use them to save a man lost in the snow.

Zac urgently needs to escape from the space lasers.

Zac has two new gadgets to test drive. He wonders if they will work, even deep under the water.

Zac has two new gadgets to find out who is sending fake missions.

Zac has two new gadgets to test drive. They are tested by Zac's wild rescue at the zoo.

The story of Cathy Freeman winning gold at the Olympic games. Great photos and a full biography are included.

The story of Mum Shirl, an Australian Indigenous woman, who unselfishly helped Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal people. Includes great photographs, newspaper clippings and a biography.

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.

Tara, new to the sport of acrobatic gymnastics, has just been asked to enter a regional competition. She is extremely excited but knows she has to work long and hard to be able to achieve success with her partner. Sadly her other friends see this as a rejection, and Tara has to decide how to combine hours of training and friendship.

Tara continues to follow her dream in her attempt to reach national championships in acrobatic gymnastics. She begins to understand there is more to sport than practise. She must learn how to manage the demands of school with the demands of her selected sport. Can she do it?

Eleven-year-old Tara is a keen backyard gymnast who dearly wants to be allowed to join the highly successful local Silverdale Gymnastic Club. Luckily her father, who just wants a bit of peace and quiet, enrols her for a week-long holiday camp. Tara's hard work begins to pay off when she is selected to join the acrobatic group and train with them for upcoming competitions. Hopefully she be able to master the necessary skills to participate as an acrobat in the town summer fete.

The making of guide dogs in Australia, from the breeding of puppies. Beautiful photos show puppy raising, harness training, matching with a blind partner and their eventual careers.

Dottie Devine has only one friend, Paraphernalia the hen, who visits regularly. They share breakfast and trips into town. When Dottie doesn't collect the eggs for a dew days, Paraphanalia has a wonderful surprise for her and more friends come into their lives.

Annie loves reading more than anything else. One day, when she is reading her favourite fairy book, something really amazing happens.

Charlie's gran is different - she doesn't go to the football, make cakes or work in the garden. The story of Charlie and his gran is one of love and complete acceptance told through soft, watercolour illustrations.

This is the story of Raymond. An ordinary dog who, for a while, led an extraordinary life.

Ferdinand is mistaken for a fierce bull when he is stung by a bee. In this classic tale, it turns out that Ferdinand would much rather smell the flowers than take on the bullfighter.

This book brings new life to five of Edward Lear's best-loved nonsense verses. Zany characters leap across the pages in a colourful, fantasy world, where nothing is quite what it seems and anything is possible.

The Quangle Wangle Quee is a tree-dwelling creature obscured by an enormous hat. He is lonely, but not for long. One animal after another sees the hat as a possible home in this classic poem.

Sticky Burr is a special burr who lives in Burrwood Forest with all the other burrs. He has lots of adventures, wins through in the end and becomes something of a hero. Through the book, he enlists the aid of a friendly dragonfly and is pursued by a pack of wild dogs whom he outwits.

Edie Amelia Sparks is a neat girl with very messy parents. While checking that her party outfit for her ninth birthday is in order, she discovers that one of her most treasured possessions is missing. As Edie Amelia sets out to solve the mystery, there is lots of fun as she chases a trail that involves her father, a piece of purple paper, a shadowy tall man, exotic settings and lots of food.

A mysterious illness, with very strange symptoms, is spreading through Runcible, throwing the townsfolk into a panic. Edie Amelia Sparks, nine year old detective extraordinaire, sets out to investigate. With her new best friend, Cheesy Chompster, and Mr Pants, her French bulldog, Edie begins the hunt for a cure and encounters some rather unusual things along the way.

Lad is the hero of a hundred tales from many countries rolled into one. He is determined, quick-witted and brave, as well as lucky. His adventures are exciting and magical, and sometimes very funny.

This is the story of a young boy living alone on an island. When a mysterious girl finds him and starts eating his food and using his things without asking, he feels annoyed and angry. However, he soon learns the importance of friendship and forgiveness when feelings are unintentionally hurt by our friends.

Kids all over the world play cricket. Follow their game around the globe.

A girl visits her Grandfather's house. Grandpa pours tea from a watering can and a kangaroos washes the dishes. Lots more funny jokes and odd events happen.

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.

The Eco Rangers, Ebony and Jay, are having so much fun at the local adventure park. But when they find two abandoned baby bats, they rescue them right away. Then they discover more microbats inside an old rollercoaster ride. Can the Eco Rangers save the animals in time before the ride is destroyed?

When Ebony and Jay rescue a frightened pelican covered in sludge, they know terrible events are afoot. Why is the previously pristine sea now coated in oil? The Eco Rangers start investigating, uncovering a mystery that involves the evil actions of a greedy cruise company!

There's been a devastating wildfire and the bush creatures have been injured and lost their homes. The Eco Rangers, Ebony and Jay, are rescuing a possum with burned paws when they stumble across some mysterious strangers in the bush.

Sadly, the Able Ants are not the best soccer team in the district and Hubert is not the best player. He loves soccer but his skills are getting worse, not better. Maybe, magic glasses could be the answer.

Silver is a struggling sorcerer and after failing his test, he is sent to be a magician in a circus, where he wants to prove himself.

Describes a way of life in the Tasmanian bush in the early 1900s including the pioneering spirit of the people as well as the basic conditions in which they live. Told through letter extracts and illustrations.

Find out about the incredible hard bits under your skin, your bones, and what you'd look like if you didn't have any. This book tells you where you can find your smallest and biggest bones, why your fingers bend more than your toes, how your bones are held together and how they heal if you break them.

Find out all about that incredible machine inside your head, your brain. This book tells you what your brain would feel like if you could touch it, which bit of your brain does what, how it remembers things and what it gets up to while you're fast asleep.

Find out what happens to your food when you swallow it, what your stomach looks like inside and why it sometimes makes strange noises.

Find out all about your eyes and the way they work. This book will also tell you why some creatures have eyes on the sides of their head and what to do if your eyes don't work.

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.

Genie has been cast out of Genie World to land on Earth with a bump. He is searching for a home and as he settles into his teapot, he meets a dog called Teeny. They are kidnapped and a purple adventure begins but all they want is to find a home.

Mystery abounds and friendship blooms as 12 year old Hal travels with his Uncle Nat on the final journey of the historic royal coal-fired steam locomotive, the Highland Falcon. What Hal didn't expect was discovering there was a stowaway. The twists and turns of adventure aboard a train full of notable aristocrats and society highlights such as actress Sierra Knight, Prince and Princess of Scotland,, Lady Elizabeth Lansbury, Countess of Arundel, Baron Wolfgang Essenbach and son Milo, take a dramatic turn when Lady Lansbury's pearl earings and Lydia Pickle's diamond brooch go missing and the realisation that there is a thief on board! Can Hal, his new friend and Uncle Nat put the clues together before Inspector Clyde and Sergeant Prattle or will the thief get away under the very nose of Hadrian the royal guard. A journey of a lifetime from London to Scotland return is the only time to solve this mystery.

Australia is full of the most amazing animals on the planet! What animal has 6 thumbs? What animal produces square poo? What animal is made of 95 per cent water and is highly venomous? Discover the answers to these questions and more in this factastic tour of Australian animals.

Go on a tour of some of the most beautiful, fun, quiet and raucous places in North America to see what people are doing. Learn a little about how people live on the other side of the world under the Milky Way.

Night-time in Australia, animals are waking, people are exploring, discoveries are being made - under the Southern Cross.

Join Grace and her family on their adventurous and, sometimes, funny expedition around Australia. A warm, heartfelt story based on an actual journey undertaken by the award-winning author and illustrator, Alison Lester.

Ernie is going to live in the Australian Outback for a year. He is going to write a postcard during each season. Lots of lovely pictures and fun.

Set during the second World War in Vienna at the Spanish Riding School famous for their Lipizzaners - the dancing white horses. Nina and her father must help the last of the horses flee the city. Nina's faith in an extraordinary old horse makes this an unforgettable story of courage, adventure and friendship.

Sophie Scott is only nine years old but she's going to Antarctica on an icebreaker with her dad, the ship's captain. During the voyage to Mawson Station and back, Sophie keeps a diary. She makes new friends, wonders at the southern lights and even becomes stranded in a blizzard.

When Bonnie and Sam find a fabulous picture of a girl balancing on a horse, they decide to enter the local Talent Night with some trick riding of their own. They decide that Tricky and Bonnie will make the perfect team. When they find out that animals are not allowed in the talent night. it seems like the end of their dream.

Bonnie and Sam have a great summer adventure with the horses, mustering sheep for Bon's Aunty and Uncle along the coast. They unexpectedly find themselves caught up with some poachers who are illegally fishing abalone in Whale Bay.

It's time for the Royal Show and Bonnie and Sam are going to help their riding teacher get ready for a big competition. There's so much to do and remember but everything changes when the girls stumble across a sad, starving pony in a backyard near the showgrounds.

Best friends, Bonnie and Sam, love horses. They ride nearly every day and have the best adventures. Sometimes, in the mountains, Bonnnie and Sam catch a glimpse of the wild bush horses, the brumbies.

Our island lies beneath a big blue sky, surrounded by the turquoise sea. Turtles glide through the clear salt water and dugongs graze on banks of seagrass.

Nelson's nemesis - vegetables - is actually the key to his superpowers. But when he's called on to track down the worst thief in town, trialing the effects of eating eggplant has disastrous consequences.....Will Nelson be able to control his inner beast and use it to get out of danger?

Gus lives in a big park in the middle of an even bigger city, and he spends his days with Ida. Ida is right there. Always. Then one sad day, Gus learns that Ida is very sick, and she isn't going to get better. The friends help each other face the difficult news with whispers, sniffles, cuddles, and even laughs. Slowly Gus realises that even after Ida is gone, she will still be with him- through the sounds of their city, and the memories that live in their favourite spots.

Gloria Steinem is known as a leader of the feminist movement and a trailblazer who fights for equality for all people. This unofficial biography for young readers tells her story, from being a young girl with big dreams to her inspiring travels in India to the launch of Ms. (a magazine), which gave women a voice. Gloria's message of believing in yourself and following your dreams will inspire a whole new generation.

A bull seal loses his dominion as beachmaster over his section of beach and takes on a nearby car park, falling for a Morris Minor car. Whimsical story set in New Zealand, with lots of factual information about seals and their habits.

There is only one thing that Nelly dislikes more than jelly and that's heights. In fact, she is terrified of high places. But when she has to climb the magnificent tree to rescue her younger sister's doll, Nelly has to not only face her greatest fear but a series of soggy, squishy and sticky things.

Tom Topp has great plans for the weekend. His three older brothers are all doing really cool things, ice-skating, water skiing and hiking. The problem is choosing which one of them to go with. Actually, that's not the problem. Tom has broken a leg so he can't go with any of his brothers. Instead, Tom gets to go shopping with his mother where the most embarrassing things start to happen. Worst of all, he's stuck in an old wheelchair that smells like rotten eggs.

While their parents are abroad for work, Willow and her brother Freddie are excited to be sent to the seaside village of Summertown to live with their Auntie Suzy. Aunt Suzy is a toymaker who owns the best toy shop in the world, full of all kinds of wonders. But, her best toys by far are the Hoozles, individually made for each child who wants one. Willow is about to discover that there is something very special about the Hoozles: something magical.

Everyone's excited about the wonderful Summertown Parade. But, the town's Mayor has disappeared so the parade might not happen. Is Croc the naughty Hoozle behind the trouble? And, can Willow and friends find the mayor in time for everyone to enjoy the special day?

When Jack comes to Aunt Suzy's special toy shop looking for a friend, Willow and Freddie know just what he needs, a Hoozle. But, soon, Croc the naughty Hoozle is making trouble for everyone.

Grouchy the penguin Hoozle is feeling poorly and naughty Croc is causing trouble all over Summertown. Willow and her Hoozle pals must help Grouchy get better before Croc makes things much worse.

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.

The story tells of the travels and responsibilities of Wagarl, the big boss of all snakes, and how he keeps the waterways clean in Noongar country.

Do you know what is a computer, and what's inside? Join Ruby and Mouse for a playful adventure with craft and activities, discovering the parts, functions and names of most parts of a computer. Cute, fun and colourful.

Every night while his human, Peter, studies the stars, Pepi the parrot sings a special space song. Pepi loves singing but he's getting a little tired of space. So, one day, he decides to step out into the neighbourhood to find some new things to sing about.

An introduction to how sea and underground caves are made and the unusual rock formations and animal life that are found in them.

An introduction to volcanoes and how they work, describing their formation, the destructive forces and benefits of them.

An introduction to the formation, location, and types of coral reefs, as well as threats to them and efforts to preserve them.

One of the Minibeasts series, describing the physical characteristics, behaviour and habitat of the earthworm.

One of the Minibeasts series, describing the physical characteristics, behaviour and habitat of spiders.

An appealing investigation into simple science treating concepts that include wave action, soap, buoyancy, water temperature and mirrors.

From sowing to harvesting, you can grow all kinds of plants, fruits and vegetables, from tasty tomatoes to pet-friendly plants. You don't even need a garden.

A moving story about a little girl whose family has lost almost everything. Ziba, her mother, and other women and children from a tiny village escape the approaching war in Afghanistan to travel in an overcrowded fishing boat to a new life and freedom.

This story comes from the Aboriginal people at Warmun (Turkey Creek) in Western Australia. It was told in the Kija language. Describes why bats now live in caves because of the killing of a fellow creature.

One of a series of Aboriginal stories about animals and birds. Describes the power of the Warnayarra in unleashing a tremendous thunderstorm.

Told by George Lirrmiyarri of the Kija people to children living in Warmun, Western Australia. One of a series of Aboriginal stories about animals and birds. A battle of wits, between a hills kangaroo and a plains kangaroo over some bush honey, leads to an interesting outcome.

Based on the story told by Daisy Utemorrah of the Worora people to children living in Derby, Western Australia. One of a series of Aboriginal stories about animals and birds. Dunbi the owl is discovered in a tree by some children who soon learn the consequences of mistreating him.

Gray Wolf loses his mate and finds a new one during a winter of survival.

Nick has proven himself by helping the Cannons through the early rounds of the State Cup. Now that his talented rival, Kane Kruger, is at a different school and a sports agent is checking out Nick's talent on the field, his dream of playing professional football, like his superstar dad, looks a lot closer. If only the rest of high school was as easy. The National School of Football has a strict 'no pass, no play' rule and when Nick fails History, he is in danger of being thrown out of the Cannons altogether.

At the National School of Football, Nick has made the rep squad and is play maker for the Cannons. However, living in the shadow of his famous footballer father hasn't become any easier, especially since Nick is struggling to keep a secret from everyone at school. With rival Kane Kruger stirring Nick at every opportunity, the truth looks set to be exposed, along with his cool, his cred and his footballing ability. To top it off, there's also the little problem of girls. Grace won't give Nick the time of day and Lexi won't leave him alone.

After winning the State Cup, Nick and his team are off to Western Australia to compete in the National Junior Schoolboys Championship. Nick gains a new rival in the tough-talking Jayden. But, there are other things on his mind. Nick's been offered the opportunity to trial with the Arsenal Youth Academy. It could be the chance of a lifetime but it will mean leaving his friends and moving to England to live with his football legend dad. When Nick's teammates find out, they're not impressed, especially his best mate, Bazzo.

Twelve year old Nick dreams about football and his dreams are big. When he wins a scholarship to the prestigious National School of Football, Nick's dreams look set to come true. He figures his time at the NSF will be unforgettable. But, when word gets out that his dad is a former Socceroo and Arsenal star, Nick's prediction comes true in the worst possible way. All eyes are now on him.

Junior is the youngest player for the West Hill Ravens. He is also the biggest. Everyone on the team starts to call him Cannonball because, when he makes a bust, he's virtually unstoppable. Even though Junior is helping his team score more tries than ever, no one seems to be able to see past his size. When team mentor, Billy Slater, sets the Ravens a challenge, Junior's bad feeling gets even worse. Will Billy be able to help Junior prove there is more to him than meets the eye?

Josh can play footy. He's fast and fleet-footed and a blur down the sideline. But there's one small problem. Every time he steps onto the field a stampede of elephant-sized butterflies invade his stomach and he fumbles the ball. Things get so bad Josh thinks about giving up football forever. That is, until NRL legend and Josh's hero, Billy Slater, turns up at training one day.

Contains fascinating factual information about vikings with plenty of descriptions and images.

Julian and his abuela are going to a wedding. Better yet, Julian is in the wedding. Weddings have flowers and kissing and dancing and cake. And this wedding also has a new friend named Marisol. It's not long before Julian and Marisol set off for some magic and mischief of their own, and when things take an unexpected turn, the pair learns that everything is easier with a good friend by your side.

While riding the subway home with his Nana one day, Julian notices three women spectacularly dressed up. Their hair billows in brilliant hues, their dresses end in fishtails, and their joy fills the train carriage. When Julian gets home, daydreaming of the magic he's seen, all he can think about is dressing up just like the ladies and making his own fabulous mermaid costume. But what will Nana think about the mess he makes - and even more importantly - what will she think about how Julian sees himself?

Nutmeg lives a very dull life with her old Uncle Nicodemus and Cousin Nesbitt. They eat nothing but cardboard for breakfast, string for lunch and sawdust for supper. Then, when Nutmeg meets a genie who gives her a magic wooden spoon, her life changes.

There was once a robot with a broken heart, good for nothing and expiring slowly on a scrap heap. Then, one winter's day, a migrating bluebird lands on his shoulder, too exhausted to go any further.

Crooked Mick can do anything, even ride lighning bolts bareback. There's no-one else like him in the Outback. And, he can turn up anywhere, at any time.

There's a reason families usually live together to contain the horror and not inflict it on others. A family holiday is a really, really bad idea! After a super embarrassing situation at school, Jakob decides the only way to escape the ridicule is to leave the country on a family holiday. But with a cheapskate worry-wart for a dad and an obnoxiously loud optimist for a mum, fresh humiliation is around every corner. Even worse, the weirdest girl at school is coming along for the ride and won't let Jakob out of her sight. Jakob thinks he has hit rock-bottom. Little does he know there is always further to fall in a family holiday disaster!

There's a reason families usually live together - to contain the horror and not inflict it on others. A family holiday is a really, really bad idea! After getting stranded on a deserted island and then escaping an erupting volcano, Jakob thought his holiday troubles were over. Now onboard the luxury cruise ship that rescued them, Jakob and his family are ready to relax. But they haven't factored in water slide blockages, wardrobe malfunctions, hypnotism mishaps, sea sickness and much worse. Little does Jakob know there are stormy waters ahead in this next family holiday disaster!

Barny the lamb and his two friends Shaama and Billy are sick and tired of being picked on at the petting farm where they live. They decide to form a gang - THE NERD HERD. But how will they ever show the other animals how brave they are, when they are faced with a gigantic cat, vicious dog, a raging bull and a fox that is outsmarting everyone and stealing all the chooks? Read the first instalment of this hilarious series to venture into the world of punny wisecracks, sheepishly great friends, wooly adventures and baaaarmy ideas, all in one book.

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.

Riley travels to the South Pacific island of Moorea with his Uncle Max, Aunt Martha and Cousin Alice. Their mission is to study spinner dolphins and enjoy swimming, having surfing lessons and close encounters with humpback whales. When several dolphins become trapped in a local lagoon, Riley may not realise that he holds the key to their survival.

Riley, his cousin Alice, Aunt Martha and Uncle Max visit the Australian outback to research the local koala population, suffering due to drought, bushfires and farming in its natural habitat. While staying at a working sheep station, they see lots of native animals and Riley saves the sheep from a wild dingo. Scientists appearing in small portraits provide factual information about koalas and their habitat.

Riley and family fly north to Canada, to watch polar bears. There's just one problem: no ice. For polar bears, no ice means no seals, and without food, the bears can quickly become hungry, weak, and dangerous.

Riley, who is nine, receives a call for help from his Uncle Max a globe-trotting, research scientist. This time they must find a missing panda in the Jiuzhaigou Valley, twelve hundred kilometres west of Beijing, China. Scientists appearing in small portraits provide factual information about pandas and their habitat.

Journey to Australia's Great Barrier Reef with Riley and his family as they see what's up down under. Large areas of the coral reef are dying and they need to find out why. Joined by Wyland, world-renowned marine artist and conservationist, the crew faces giant starfish, great white sharks and even poachers in their search for answers.

Riley embarks on an expedition with his aunt, his cousin and his Uncle Max to track animals in South Africa. Scientists appearing in small portraits provide factual information about animals native to South Africa and their habitat.

Riley joins Uncle Max on a voyage to the South Pole to find out if the penguins of Antarctica are getting their fill of krill, or whether climate change has reshaped the food web. Home to whales, seals, penguins and most of the world's ice, Antarctica is the coldest place on Earth. Riley learns valuable lessons about survival and cooperation.

Riley journeys to the Terai Arc region of India and Nepal in search of the elusive Bengal tiger. Riley's research leads to exciting encounters with some weird and wild animals, such as an Asian rhino and a king cobra, and a better understanding of the local culture.

A tall story full of cheerful nonsense with gaps in the text interpreted in hilarious ways by the illustrations. Going to the shop with Granny turns out to be much more exciting than you could possibly imagine.

Go behind the scenes as eight year old Edward, the hippopotamus, trains for the greatest swimming marathon of all.

Factual information about the big cat family with plenty of descriptions and images.

Ten-year-old Garry Keenan is about to discover he has a special cricketing ability, which is a dream come true, right? Well, it is, except that sometimes being first rate comes with all sorts of new challenges.

Garry Keenan is the most exciting new cricketer to play for the Youngstown Under-16s in years. But can a talented ten-year-old off-spinner help his team take on the most feared XI in the competition?