Booklists

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.

This unique A-Z book truly captures the range and diversity of our unique and wondrous Australian wildlife. Exploring common names, aboriginal names, Latin names and from every corner of Australia, the book includes over 400 native animals, from sea creatures and insects, to amphibians, reptiles, birds and mammals. The book highlights the endangered, sometimes the extinct and the rare beauty of Australia and its islands and territories. Fully indexed, this book invites and engages kids (and kid-adults) of all ages to find, discover and learn all the animal names and compare their different types. Originally assisted by leading biologists, author Myke has ensured the illustrations are anatomically correct as well as vibrant and enchanting. As a bonus, you can find one human in the book doing what Myke loves best as a recreational pursuit.

An enchanting collection of lullabies, chosen and illustrated by well-known Australian artists. They use collage, pen and ink, gouache, chalk, charcoal, pencil and watercolour to present a varied, visual experience of the lullabies.

Ada Rios grew up in Cateura, a small town in Paraguay built on a landfill. Her family were recyclers of trash. With little money, Ada's dream to play the violin was never possible. When music teacher, Favio Chavez, arrived, he wanted to give the children something special. He made instruments out of materials found in the trash, a crazy idea that would leave Ada and her town forever changed. Now, The Recycled Orchestra plays around the world, spreading their message of hope and innovation. Based on a true story.

In the midst of the city, Adelaide leads a quiet life. At night, she listens to the song of the stars. During the day, she watches over the others that are like her - the still ones, the quiet ones, and those who dance and dream alone. Little does Adelaide know that her secret world will soon be transformed into something unexpected and full of joy.

Australian's all, let us rejoice... Our national anthem, beautifully illustrated.

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.

'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.

On Macquarie Island, in the Southern Ocean far below Tasmania, the sea-birds throng; petrels, penguins, shearwaters, skuas. But rarest of all, the Wandering Albatross, wondrous master of the sky and sea. Yet there is blood and death in the water, and for one priceless breeding pair, the dangers gather.

With all the nostalgia of a country fair, Alfie comes up with a winning painting and helps the losers to cope with their disappointment.

Confused about his destiny, Alfie sets off across the country to ask the animals for their advice, before returning home to discover the answer.

Ten year old Ali is a refugee. Accompanied by his grandmother, Ali had to flee his home country of Afghanistan to avoid the conflicts caused by war. In his own words, Ali documents his feelings of alienation, separation and suffering, and the thread of hope that helped him overcome his ordeal.

A country child, Alice ran barefoot. On smooth waxed floorboards, over dusty clay in the yard, through icy water in the creek... she refused to wear shoes. After losing her sight and hearing through illness, Alice slowly made her way back to life and became the first deafblind person in Australia to be educated. Her hated shoe was Alice's first connection with the world of language as she learnt to sign.

They come from planets near and far, some big, some small, some quite bizarre. Moving at the speed of light and looking for a fight, the aliens are coming to Earth to conquer the human race.

Dig deep into the world of dragons and discover all there is to know about these formidable fire-breathing beasts. Why are dragons so hard to find? What do they eat? When do they sleep? How far can they fly? And is it safe to get close to them? In this follow-up to the bestselling All About Mermaids and All About Fairies, you'll learn everything you ever wanted to know about these captivating creatures.

Flit through the fascinating world of fairies and discover everything there is to know about these fabulous creatures.

Dive into the world of mermaids and discover everything there is to know about the ocean's most mysterious creatures. From where they are found to how they sleep, from what they eat to how they raise their young, All About Mermaids is overflowing with fascinating facts that are sure to enchant and enlighten readers.

Harvey owned a heap of stuff, but could always use more. The Orange 430 was the latest and the greatest. Harvey wasn't sure what it did, but he had to have it!

Uncle Kev is lost. He's looking for the rare Bearded Night Parrot and we're trying to find him. Join us on a trip across the Nullabor and all over Western Australia.

Join the Alpha quest, a journey in search of treasure. Everyone is desperate to find the riches - Eagle and Emu, the Goldfish in Gliders, the Knight, the Pirate Pig, even the Violent Viking. But, only you can find the hidden pieces of the key to unlock the treasure.

In a land far away, you'll find A boy called Tashi, brave and bold, Baba Yaga the witch, cunning and cold, Chintu the giant, bigger than most, Dragon of fire, who'll turn you to toast! Learn the alphabet and journey through Tashi's world filled with mythical creatures, wild adventures and magic in a story especially created by Anna and Barbara Fienberg with original artwork by the late illustrator Kim Gamble, beautiful restored and rendered by his artist daughters, Arielle and Greer Gamble.

Come on an amazing Aussie road trip with our family as we go on a quest to find a scenic spot to have a picnic and wish aunty a happy 60th birthday. We will discover many amazing sites as we travel around Australia. Will Aunty choose your favourite spot and have the best birthday ever?

When you peel a banana, or bite into a pear, when you smell a rose, pop a fuchsia bud or scrape your knee climbing an old pine tree, do you ever wonder how those plants came to this country? Read the amazing case of Dr Ward to be awed by the science and troubles of the past.

Martha Maloney loves food, especially interesting food. Come with Martha as she wanders through the museum on a school excursion and dines with many different historical characters - King Henry VIII, Marie Antoinette, Empereor Claudias, the last Chinese Emperor...

Aditya and Anjali love listening to their grandmother's stories, especially the scary one about a ghost in the tree. The night their grandmother dies her stories lose their meaning until something happens that is more mysterious and magical than any story. Could their grandmother still be with them?

At New York City's Central Park Zoo, two male penguins fall in love and start a family by taking turns to sit on an abandoned egg until it hatches.

Andy Web studied Art at the National Gallery. It was his dream to exhibit there one day. How will he ever achieve his dream? Join Andy, the original artist-in-residence, as he gets up close and personal with the great masters to learn all he can about art.

Anemone lives alone in the rock pool. The tide comes in and the tide goes out. All Anemone wants is a friend, but friends are hard to make when you accidentally sting everyone who comes near you. Perhaps Clownfish has a solution to the problem ...

High above the rooftops of Rome, Angelo begins his work restoring the facade of a once glorious church. When he finds an injured pigeon, Angelo nurses it back to health and they become good friends. Angelo is worried about what will happen to the pigeon when he dies and comes up with a plan to make sure the pigeon is safe.

This stunning book of illustrations from A to Z has hidden puzzles and ideas that fascinate all ages.

Tom is very scared of animals. He imagines being eaten by a dog, squeezed to death by a snake, spiders crawling up his nose and birds pecking off his ears. But, Tom has the scariest secret weapon of all.

Anton has a magic hat. A real one. He wants to do some magic and make things disappear. Anton tries to make a tree vanish but it's too big. But, when he is successful in making someone disappear, Anton desperately wants him to come back.

An author and some very curious children, with lots of questions, collaborate to write and illustrate a story. The kids become part of the story and let their imaginations run wild, becoming inspired to create tales of their own. Find out how brilliant ideas creep up on you when you least expect it and how words sometimes float out of nowhere, asking to be written.

Freda was the loyal, good-luck mascot of a brave young soldier, battling explosions on the Western Front.

In 1916, two brothers planted two trees on their farm. They then headed far away to France to fight in the Great War. The Anzac tree tells the story of a century of Australian generations who went to war, and the story of those who were left behind.

April and Esme Underhill have never collected a tooth before. Mum and Dad have always done it but, tonight, it's their turn. So, equipped with a bag, a coin and a mobile phone, the sisters head for Daniel Dangerfield's house, and a very unusual first tooth visit.

Matthew and his grandfather sail to his grandfather's island. They discover the love that can exist between a child and his grandfather, the beauty and ferocity of the sea and the joy and exhilaration of sailing, even in a wheelchair.

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.

Have a close look at twenty-one famous paintings and discover how each artist uses colour, techniques and secrets to delight you. Be an art sleuth and find items and details in each painting that, at first glance, might not be so obvious.

Delightful story of a young kitten who becomes a witch's cat and goes through most of his nine lives being rescued by his kind witch, Bella Donna.

An off-the-wall picture book about Arno who lives in the middle of his family's junkyard making him unpopular, mostly because of the smell. But, when Arno brings an exciting invention to school made from recycled garbage, the situation changes.

Starting in Brisbane, Wombat travels Australia, telling readers what makes the location special. Wombat slops on some sunscreen to visit the beaches of the Gold Coast. He spots a roo at Taronga Zoo and gets out his cricket bat to play at Adelaide Oval.

Max and Arthur are friends who share an interest in painting. Arthur is an accomplished painter while Max is a beginner. Max's first attempt at using a paintbrush sends the two friends on a whirlwind trip through various artistic media, which turn out to have unexpected pitfalls. Although Max is inexperienced, his energy and enthusiasm bring the adventure to its triumphant conclusion.

Arthur has an amazing dream about a pink and green boat with a striped mast. He can't wait to tell his family about it. But when he tries, no one (not even the dog) is interested in listening. In fact, they don't even notice when the very same boat gradually appears on his head, growing larger and larger by the minute.

Arty Farty Marty loves to surf and paint! Join Marty as he tries his tentacles at painting in the styles of seven of the world's most famous artists.

The box of magic tricks in the shop window was expensive and Hercules Quick did not have enough money in his piggy bank to buy it. What he needed was a job. Hercules certainly had plenty of neighbours who needed his help from babysitting to singing and even finding lost ping pong balls. He even got a bonus in the form of a tadpole named Sylvie. Despite all of his hard work, Hercules still did not have enough money but he realised that real magic doesn't need to come out of a box of magic tricks!

The astronaut's cat is an indoor cat, and that is very good news, because outside is no place for any living thing. The cat can still be curious about the rocky, dusty, hot and cold, and very unusual land outside the window, including the big blue ball which appears each day.

It's summer and time to head to Crabby Spit. I've been crabspotting, riding my bike, surfing and swimming, and looking at stars. With a bit of luck, I'll be having fish and chips for dinner. The only problem is my things keep disappearing.

Life at the end of Holyrood Lane is filled with sunshine and butterflies. Except when it storms. Storms make Flick's world dark, and make her feel smaller than she really is. To escape their fury, Flick runs and hides. But the storms keep coming back. It's time for Flick to try something she has never done before, so she can banish fear and welcome back sunshine.

A peaceful journey through the alphabet, looking at some common and not so common native Australian plants. With beautiful illustrations and information about First Nations people, this is an engaging and educational read.

A funny, rhyming story about a family and their friends celebrating Australia Day at the beach.

This is a small slice of Australia as you've never seen it before. Spend time looking and find out what makes Australia so great.

This is a common pigeon. Common because it's almost identical to every other pigeon. You'll sometimes see a white one. That's because it's just had a bath. I made that last bit up. If you would like to learn more VERY REAL facts like this about some of Australia's most common backyard birds, this is the book for you. I mean, who doesn't want to know what bok, bok, bok means in chicken? Or how often a budgerigar poops? A handy first field guide packed full of fascinating facts (some of them are even true) about Australia's most common backyard birds.

Climate change. What is it and how does it affect us here in Australia? The world is part of a balancing act to ensure its ecosystems can work together to survive. But the climate is changing too quickly. What can we do to help? There are many ways that we can help, even small steps can make a difference. Read what it is all about in this interesting book that explains all the hard stuff and tells us how we can help.

Many thousands of years ago, the first people arrived in Australia and made this land their home. When Europeans arrived in the late 1700s, things changed forever. Now, Australia is home to children of many cultures and backgrounds, whose lives have changed over time.Enjoy spotting what has stayed the same and what is different in clothing, housing, activities, food and games.

Baabwaa is a sheep who loves to knit. Wooliam is a sheep who loves to read. It sounds boring but they like it. But one day, they decide they could do with a bit of an adventure, so they set off for a walk around the field. Just then, quite unexpectedly, a third sheep shows up. A funny-looking sheep who might just be that wolf in sheep's clothing Wooliam has read about.

When three little trolls, Oink, Boink and Moink, go out hunting for a baby for their baby pie, they are in for a big surprise.

Halloween is the Bad Seed's favorite holiday of the year. But what's a seed to do when he can't find a show-stopping costume for the big night? Postpone trick-or-treating for everyone, of course! Can he get a costume together in time? Or will this seed return to his baaaaaaaaad ways?

He has a bad temper, bad manners, and a bad attitude. He's been bad since he can remember! This seed cuts in line every time, stares at everybody and never listens. But what happens when one mischievous little seed changes his mind about himself, and decides that he wants to be - happy?

Badly drawn dog believes he's too scribbly and smudgy, and seeks out an artist to redraw him. But, each new drawing of him is not quite right. A delightful book about appearances and beauty being in the eye of the beholder.

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.

Foolish Bajirriga, an Aboriginal boy, fails to cooperate with his community, preferring to go to the beach and swim while they gather food. Ignoring his parents' advice to come out of the water, he begins to transform into a turtle.

Tilly, a young ballerina, is preparing and practising for a big ballet concert. Gorgeous illustrations.

The most amazing dance contest you will ever see including affluent alpacas, groovy goats and impetuous impalas. The donkeys demonstrate the disco, flamingos do the flamenco and hippos perform the hip-hop. When the band's instruments are hidden, you will have to help find them so that the competition can continue. Beautifully crafted rhyme with exquisite illustrations with mystery and monkey business.

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.

Barnabus lives in a secret lab beneath a toy store which is trying to create perfect pets through genetic engineering. What happens to the creations which are not considered perfect? Barnabus and his friends may not be perfect but their loyalty is second to none.

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.

A delightful mix of story and facts about bats in a simply but beautifully worded tale of a mother bat who hunts at night to feed her batling at dawn and then sleeps through the day.

A day at the seashore can be full of surprise, wonder and excitement. You can leap through the waves like a dolphin. Glide through the water like a fish. Soar along the sand with seagulls.

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.

Join Ted on a humorous trip exploring the slumps of bears and the wisdom of owls.

Bear has a powerful sword, which he uses to cut down a whole forest. His home is flooded soon afterwards and he is so angry he wants to find who is responsible, with an unexpected result.

Deep in a forest cave, a mother bear gives birth to two tiny cubs. As they grow, she teaches them how to climb and fish, and all the things they need to know to survive in the wild. For one day, during the second summer, they will leave her to find homes of their own.

A timeless story celebrating the triumph of love and the message that true beauty comes from within.

When Olivia and Hamish see a smoky haze coming from their local park, they're ready to spring into action But it's not a fire - it's a nest of Australian stingless bees that needs their help. Join Olivia and Hamish as they learn about the bees in our backyards. From Blue-banded and Teddy Bear to Carpenter and Leaf-cutter bees, our two budding Bee Detectives discover how our native bees live, what they like to eat and the important work they do to pollinate plants. Explore the wonders of Australia's native bees - and be inspired to become a Bee Detective, too. It's a real buzz

Willow loves bees and can't wait until she has her very own hive. Native stingless bees are an important part of Australian wildlife and kids just like Willow can help to ensure they stay a happy and healthy part of our environment.

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.

Belvedere, the koala, dreams of visiting the city. He gathers all the essential items for taking such a long journey. Now, all Belvedere needs is a travelling companion.

When Ben and Gracie visit the art gallery, a gold coin transports them into the paintings of artist Frederick McCubbin. They venture back in time, meeting and travelling with new settlers to Australia. Ben and Gracie see the difficulties faced in the harsh Australian bush environment. As they venture deeper into the forest, the pair lose their way as night falls.

Cam and Sophie feel like they've been travelling forever to get to the rainforest to see a platypus. But with the rain pouring down and the river turning wild they can't see a thing. Until suddenly a platypus appears right below them, and it needs help. But when their rescue goes horribly wrong, it's not just the platypus that needs saving.

Bessie is cross. Everyone else seems to have a role to play in the war effort and she wants to help too. But what can a young girl in Australia do to help the soldiers all the way over in Europe?

In 2008, the author, Colin Thompson, visited Cambodia with Save the Children. Struck by the way the humble bicycle is central to so many people lives, he was inspired to create this picture book. It features the illustrations of fourteen internationally acclaimed artists, and conveys the worth and promise of something as simple as a bicycle.

A clever wombat is the perfect bushranger. He knows the best hiding spots in New South Wales.

Everyone may have been scared of Big Black Dog but Big Black Dog was scared of everything. Until, one day he has to be very brave. Find out if Big Black Dog will save his friend or if his fears win out.

An introduction to these magnificent whales, the largest animals that have ever lived on earth. Davies is a zoologist who expresses, in beautiful language, factual information about blue whales.

Find out how one hunk of cheddar learns that some things are better than always being the best. The Big Cheese will show you what really matters when you realise that winning isn't everything and being pleased for others victories can be as good as having them yourself.

Way up north, lightning flashes, thunder rolls and frogs sing a chorus. Big fella rain is coming.

This book invokes both a feeling of listlessness and of expectation. The children in an Aboriginal camp in northern Australia are waiting. Uncle Stephen predicts the big wet is coming but, day after day, the hot, dry weather continues.

Far inland, where ocean is a dim memory, the sun floats on the waves of another bake-earth day. In the long shadows, a big red kangaroo licks his forearms and lets the early evening breeze wash over him.

Matron runs the Bilbies' retirement home with an iron fist. New resident, Nina, challenges the unfair and unkind rules and the elderly bilbies get rid of the bullying matron.

Through a combination of story and fact, find out about the relatively unknown life of the endangered bilby, from birth to adulthood, and the natural world which it inhabits.

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.

Billie's party is going to be the best ever. She has lots of fun games planned. But what if Billie's friends don't like her party, or what if they don't come.

The ibis is known in cities for its ability to pull snacks out of deep bins and to snatch up dropped chips. Some people might find them dirty. Other birds think them shameful, but find out why the ibis holds its head high.

Bah humbug! The city is buzzing, shoppers run this way and that, there's carols and lights and a Santa Claus hat! But if a bird is clever... if a bird is a smartie... a bird can still have a fabulous Christmas party! Ibis is in a flap and can't find any trash, but Bush Turkey knows exactly where to find a feast to gobble!

'Where's all the garbage and delightful bin juice? This trash can is empty, I feel like a goose! That dirty truck is stealing my food! It's simply not on. How terribly rude!' Ibis has a grand plan to take back her trash! But look out, she's got some very hungry competition...

Following her beak, on long gangly legs, Ibis spies something shiny - glittering eggs! But there's kids on a hunt! And a bunny on the loose! 'Shoo, Bin Chicken! Scram, Garbage Goose!' It's Easter morning, and there are eggs everywhere. Ibis had better hop to it and get hunting!

This is the story of one bird, one seed and one tree. When a bird drops a seed to the floor of an English forest, who could imagine that it would be the start of a journey that continued across thousands of kilometres to Australia and into future generations.

Where, how and why birds build nests written in charming verses filled with highly descriptive language and beautiful illustrations.

The sun gives the moon as a gift to the animals, but it makes the moon come and go to remind the animals to appreciate it. Exciting pictures of the moon and the sun.

Explores the story of a family living on the coast of south-east Australia who travel to the Australian Alps in the summer to meet with other tribes and feast on Bogong moths. At the end of the season they travel back to their home for lobster season. Includes references to Indigenous trading, Aboriginal lifestyle pre-colonisation, bush tucker, traditional language and boundary divisions and Indigenous seasons.

Black fella white fella doesn't matter what your colour - the message is clear, We are all brothers and sisters no matter where we are from in this world.

A retelling of Henny Penny, substituting Australian animals and the bush environment. The sky is falling and Blossom Possum gathers the bushland creatures to journey beyond the black stump in search of the Prime Minister.

On a hill near a village, an old man lives with a strange collection of unwanted animals. Mutual fear and distrust keep the villagers and the old man apart until a boat appears.

This Aboriginal Dreaming story is a beautiful book which teaches the importance of loving the skin you are in. Bobtail is looking for friends to play with, but gets bullied by the most beautiful creatures. After some more complications, Bobtail finds herself meeting a brand new friend in a land she doesn't belong. Who is bobtail's new friend? Will the bullies learn their lesson? Will bobtail find her way home?

Did you know that there are roughly 400,000 different species of beetles? These incredible creatures make up about 25% of all animals on our planet. Beetles are superbly adapted to life in various climates across the world, wherever trees and flowers are found. From the mighty Goliath beetle to the beautiful iridescent scarab beetle, this captivating and stunningly illustrated guide will teach you everything you need to know about these fascinating insects.

In a world dazzled by the latest gadgets and mesmerized by Internet videos, the humble book seems like the most ordinary thing that could be. And, perhaps it is, until you learn to look closer and closer and closer. Suddenly, you're in a world that only you can imagine.

Boots was waiting... Waiting for his farmer. When he came, he served him well. With themes of love, loss, old age, hardship and resilience, and references to drought, flood, bushfire and war. A moving and relatable, lyrical, but simple story told by the shoes we wear, of the love and the paths one Australian cattle farmer trod.

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.

How did the last Eastern Barred Bandicoot on the Australian mainland end up living in a rubbish tip?

The boy lives in a city, where everything is fast and loud. But amidst the bustle and the noise, the boy has a secret ... In the overgrown lot next to his apartment building, deep within the green, he has a friend. But one day progress arrives, bringing with it plans for something new, and the boy must find a way to save his friend before it's too late ...

A father invents the best toy in the world to keep his son company while he goes away. In the beginning, the boy also thinks that the toy is wonderful, it can do anything. But, over time, the boy starts to wonder about the toy and begins to change his mind.

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.

Whenever Harry is made to do something he doesn't like, he shouts 'Wolf' and everyone runs away. This means that Harry is left to do exactly what he wants. A retelling of a famous fable, with an unexpected ending.

Not everyone has a name which is quick and easy to say, but a name is important and a name has a story. Zimdalamashkermishkada knows this more than many. Shortening his name would be easy for others, but something about that does not feel right. With a little confidence and a little patience, his name does not seem so

Everyone likes David, the boy with flowers in his hair. He's sweet and gentle, just like his colorful petals. David and his best friend have a great time together, finding the good puddles, making up songs, and running away from the bees. But one day David comes to school wearing a hat, and he is quiet. When he takes off the hat, his bright petals flutter down like butterflies. Now, where his flowers were looks twiggy and prickly, causing the other children to stay away. But David's best friend has an idea- a way to help David get his color back, wielding paintbrushes and plenty of love. Sensitively told and simply illustrated, Jarvis's story invites even the youngest children to talk about difficult subjects in an age-appropriate way- and feel inspired to support others when they face trying times.

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.

Once upon a time, there was a little girl called Helena. Her life was almost perfect. Only one thing spoiled it. Helena's father couldn't speak normally. Everything he said came out in a roar and was way too loud.

The brown dog often visits Henry on rainy, grey afternoons. Usually he doesn't hang around for long. But this time the brown dog decides to stay, and Henry needs to find a way to make him leave.

Brucie, the joey kangaroo, loves reading books and doing science reports. When a catastrophe occurs that will prevent Santa from delivering the presents, Brucie must use all his smarts to help Santa fly the ute on Christmas Eve.

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.

Sometimes Science can be hard work when learning about tricky facts and concepts. Read along with these colourful characters as they explain all about the physical science of electricity. You will be surprised at how easy it is to understand the very same knowledge used by engineers!

There are many forms of energy. Read along with these colourful characters as they explain how energy is stored, how it changes and how people use it. Learn about fossil fuels and renewable resources. Discover how to reduce and use energy responsibly.

Sometimes Science can be hard work when learning about tricky facts and concepts. Read along with these colourful characters as they explain all about the physical science of force and motion. You will be surprised at how easy it is to understand the very same knowledge used by engineers!

Sometimes Science can be hard work when learning about tricky facts and concepts. Read along with these colourful characters as they explain all about the physical science of gravity. You will be surprised at how easy it is to understand the very same knowledge used by engineers!

Sometimes Science can be hard work when learning about tricky facts and concepts. Read along with these colourful characters as they explain all about the physical science of heat. You will be surprised at how easy it is to understand the very same knowledge used by engineers!

What is light, and how do we see? Follow cartoon character Light through raindrops, eyeballs, and telescopes to find out! Through bright and colourful comic-book-style pages, kids will learn about light waves, colours, and lenses. They will have fun exploring such concepts as absorption, reflection, and refraction.

Sometimes Science can be hard work when learning about tricky facts and concepts. Read along with these colourful characters as they explain all about the physical science of magnetism. You will be surprised at how easy it is to understand the very same knowledge used by engineers!

Everything in the world is made up of matter. Tiny particles, called atoms, bond together to form molecules. These molecules form states of matter: solids, liquids and gases. Read along with these colourful characters and learn all about matter and how it changes.

What is matter? What is matter made up of? Everything you use in your daily life is made of matter. Too often we take matter for granted. Read along with these colourful characters and learn about matter. You will never take matter for granted again!

Sometimes Science can be hard work when learning about tricky facts and concepts. Read along with these colourful characters as they explain all about the physical science of force and motion. You will be surprised at how easy it is to understand the very same knowledge used by engineers!

A bumblebee queen's life is a busy one. She pollinates plants, builds wax honey-pots and lays eggs to produce future queens, male drones and the workers who make honey and defend the colony. Sadly, bumblebee numbers are in dramatic decline.

There has been a terrible drought and a multitude of Australian birds put on a gala concert to cheer themselves up. There is singing and dancing and magic tricks, but the final performance is the perfect end to a wonderful bush concert. Told in humorous rhyme.

'The Bush Turkey, or Scrub Turkey as he is sometimes known is always busy and this one is building a best-ever nest. Find out what happens when this bird takes charge. Lots of fun is sure to follow.

Australia is a big country with all sorts of weather and sometimes extreme weather, like bushfires. Bushfires can make a real mess of things. The air fills with smoke, the sky turns red and precious things burn. We don't need to be scared of bushfires, we just need to make sure we are ready for them. Learn about what causes bushfires, the clever people who keep an eye on them, and how to be prepared - not scared!

Jasper would rather draw graphs than play in the mud. Can this cutie pig find someone to adopt him who means business, too?

Ernestine is in over her head. From Monday through to Sunday, Ernestine's week is packed with after-school lessons. She does tuba, knitting, sculpting, water ballet, yoga, yodelling and karate. Overwhelmed and exhausted, Ernestine decides to take matters into her own hands.

On his first day of school, a little boy struggles with missing his dog and the oddities of the English language. Perhaps he really will be in a big pickle on the bus. He doesn't want to open a can of worms but it is all a bit confusing.

Butterfly is no ordinary girl. On the day she is born, jealous Romola casts a wicked spell that causes little Butterfly to grow wings. She is different from all the other children, but when the future of the circus is put in danger, Butterfly finds a way to save it from closing.

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.

From the practical to the philosophical, the interesting and big questions in this book are guaranteed to fire your imagination.

Berra doesn't have a grandfather and Ulf suggests there are plenty of old men at the retirement home who would do as a grandfather. They go there to find a grandfather, ideally one who eats pig's trotters, invites you to tea and who can teach you to whistle.

Carla, a very bossy cassowary, leaves her partner, Calvin, to look after their egg for twenty-one days. But, the egg gets stolen and Calvin must find a way to get it back before Carla returns.

Sometimes this adventurous cat is the victim and sometimes it is the victor. The story is told through the illustrations more than the words with lots of humour. A great book for reading the pictures.

Cat starts reading to Dog, explaining that it's a story about a little girl who always wears a red cape with a hood. Dog loves stories about superheroes and wants to know her special power. When Cat advises that the little girl doesn't have any special powers and it's not that kind of a story, the fun begins.

A child and her grandfather watch as a family of tiny caterpillar eggs turn into beautiful butterflies. At each stage, the story reveals their awe at the magic of what is happening. The illustrations come with notes on the scientific details.

A joyful celebration of family and culture, the Welcome to Our Country series introduces First Nations history to children. From Australian of the Year Adam Goodes, co-writer Ellie Laing, and Barkindji illustrator David Hardy. Welcome, children! Nangga! Nangga! Yakarti! Tonight will be our Ceremony. Our family gathers as the fire burns. The smoke rises up as we take it in turns . . . Then clapsticks tap - one, two, three - but a stick is missing! Where could it be? Joyful and full of fun, Ceremony invites you to celebrate the rich traditions of dance, family, community and caring for Country from the world's oldest continuous culture.

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.

Barnaby is a pavement artist. This morning he started drawing me, Chalk Boy. I have a head that can think, eyes that can see, ears that can hear and legs that can run. Best of all, I have a heart that can feel. Thank you, Barnaby.

Joseph Kaye is beset by bizarre and threatening changes occurring around him, including the arrival of a new baby.

A fun, entertaining stroll through eleven books woven into one. Charlie reads his favourite book, in which a character reads a favourite book, in which another character reads another favourite book.

One night, Chick hops into the farmer's house and has a little browse on his computer. Soon, she's bought a funny teapot, a frilly blouse, scooters for the sheep and a car for the cows. She just can't stop clicking. But, when she arranges to meet up with a friend she makes online, Chick discovers that all is not as it seems.

Marge and Lola are two chickens on a mission. They must win the barnyard talent contest to win tickets to see the famous singer, Elvis Poultry. But, first, they have to summon up enough talent to score higher than those heckling ducks.

Chico the Schnauzer goes on the biggest playdate of his life, spending time with all his dog friends. There's Susie the Sausage Dog, Penelope the Poodle and Digby the Dalmatian, just to name a few. Chico is amazed to learn about all the things their bodies are good at. He may not be able to do all that they can, but Chico discovers all the incredible things his own body can do!

In a ruined village, torn apart by war, a barbed wire fence cuts off a little boy from the hills he loved to walk in. One day, after rain, he sees a tiny, green shoot breaking through the rubble.

The fields near Bethlehem are filled with joy when angels appear telling of the birth of a very special baby. Men are travelling to give the baby gifts, but Madelon has nothing, what could she possibly give him when she meets him.

Aussie Cinderella who is hard-working, has a fairy godnanna and a lost thong is after Steve, the best sheep shearer in town.

In a hot, hot country, ringed with mountains on one side and jungle on the other, lives a princess called Cinnamon. Her eyes are made of pearls, which means that she is blind. And, for reasons her parents the Rajah and Rani cannot fathom, she will not talk. So they offer a reward to anyone who can teach Cinnamon to speak. People travel from far and wide to attempt it, but nothing works. Until a mighty tiger, huge and fierce, prowls into their palace and announces that he is here to teach the girl-cub to talk .

Spunky 12-year-old Clarice Bean Tuesday and her adventures at home and at school! 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.

Who can Mom and Dad get to babysit the feisty Clarice, her pesky brother Minal Cricket, and the school's guinea pig, Albert, who's visiting for spring break? (Not to mention teenage brother Kurt, who abhors daylight; big sis Marcie, who chats on the phone all day; and Grandad, who tends to wander off.) Only Uncle Ted, firefighter and movie addict, can be persuaded. Will he survive the week?

Clarice Bean's mother retreats to the bathtub with candles and language tapes, her father scoots off to his big fancy office and Grandad spends all his time asleep with a cat on his head, leaving Clarice with two painful brothers and a boy-mad sister.

Clever Crow is an endearing and witty tale that follows the exploits of a hungry and very clever crow. Crow searches in the bush for food but he can find none. It is only when he comes across people preparing for a ceremony that his luck changes. Crow spots a big turtle egg waiting to be cooked, and he cries out, 'Yummy, food for me!' But it is not an easy task stealing a turtle egg - even for a clever crow. Crow has to be more clever than he has ever been before! Children will love Bronwyn Bancrofts's distinctive illustrations, and how the Djambarrpuynu language translation - Yolnu language from North East Arnhem Land - is woven into the design.

The Australian song is probably the most wide spread and enduring of the old-time shearers' songs. The tune came from an American Civil War song, Ring the Bell, Watchman, and was written by Henry Lawson. The song was first published in written format in 1946 and versions don't seem to differ much. The version in this book is as sung by A L Lloyd in the 1950s.

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.

Farmer Brown's cows are dissatisfied with conditions on the farm and use their typewriter to agitate for change. Much to Farmer Brown's annoyance, this spirit of rebellion is contagious, and other animals too begin to make demands. How will he respond?

Clinton Gregory has a secret. Actually, Clinton has at least seven secrets just from last week. Every night, when no-one else is looking, Clinton does extraordinary things. He befriends a dragon, teaches a stegosaurus a new trick and flies around the world on a plate of spaghetti. Look in the pictures for a clue to Clinton's next secret.

Tashi lives in a tiny village below the tea plantations where her mother earns a living. One day, her mother falls ill and Tashi must pick tea to earn the money for a doctor. But, she is too small to reach the tender shoots and the cruel Overseer sends her away empty-handed. Tashi needs a miracle.

Cocky is a cheeky trickster who loves nothing more than pulling pranks on the other birds. But, when Cocky's tricks get him into real trouble, he finally learns his lesson. An hilarious rhyming adaptation of The Boy Who Cried Wolf.

Far away in the land of snow and ice lives Cold Paws, a lonely polar bear. Cold Paws shivers and wonders why he always feels cold inside. But, when little Hannah from the village becomes his friend, the cold feeling inside begins to melt away.

Rose and her friend, Olive, love going bush in Arnhem Land to collect 'colour' and pandanus leaves for weaving baskets, bags and mats.

Bertha found an abandoned home in the middle of nowhere and fixed it up. She called her home, Come by chance, and that is what happened. All sorts of animals, sheep, kangaroos and a cat, came to her door during the cold winter. She took them all in and cared for them until summer.

Run to the creek, perch on a rock, slip into clear crystal water. An visual and lyrical depiction of coming home to country from acclaimed author and illustrator Bronwyn Bancroft.

There once was a very hungry king who needed a cook like anything...but the king is very fussy, and none of the cooks he tries can make a dish that tastes just right. Then the most unlikely of chefs comes along: the shuffling, shaking Wobbly Bob. He's scared of everything, from catching fish to digging for potatoes. But can he convince the hungry king to give him the job?

Cookie loves lots of things like smelly smells, chewy things and Girl. Cookie and Girl play together and learn to make each other happy.

Craig Shanahan always dreamed of being a chef, but he was almost completely blind. Craig didn't let that stop him from following his dreams, cooking up a storm and opening his own cafe.

When the Cool Bean picks the name of the coolest of the cool beans, Beanadette, out of a hat for the annual gift exchange, he's not feeling very merry or festive -- he's feeling pressure! Beanadette is definitely expecting the coolest present of all. Will the Cool Bean find the perfect gift in time for the party?

Everyone knows the cool beans. They're sooooo cool. And then there's the uncool has-bean . . . Always on the sidelines, one bean unsuccessfully tries everything he can to fit in with the crowd - until one day the cool beans show him how it's done.

Corduroy is a teddy bear who searches for his missing button because he believes that, if he is perfect, he will be loved and bought.

The Couch Potato has everything within reach and doesn't have to move from the sunken couch cushion. But when the electricity goes out, Couch Potato is forced to peel away from the comforts of the living room and venture outside. Could fresh air and sunshine possibly be better than the views on screen Readers of all ages will laugh along as their new best spuddy learns that balancing screen time and playtime is the root to true happiness.

Frank counts on everything. He is always calculating things like how many whales will fit in his house. His dad says, 'If you've got a brain, then use it', and Frank does.

'Tis the season for all of us to write our Christmas wish lists. But everyone knows - even the Crayons - that the best presents are the ones that you give.

Bonnie tries to tame Mister's hair but to no avail. Birds and beasts of every type jostle for space among the curls and tresses of this hairy book.

Crow is so lacking in self-esteem that she doesn't realise what a special crow she is. She wishes she could be more like the 'other' crows she sees. She flies off to seek her destiny and to discover that she is all these things and more.

Meet Curiosity, a Mars rover that has rolled across the deserts of the red planet searching for clues to one of science's greatest mysteries: has there ever been life on Mars? Discover the story behind the most ambitious Mars mission yet with Curiosity herself as your guide. Through stunning art and fascinating diagrams, the rover takes us on a journey from the laboratory to Mars, showing just how far human curiosity has led us, and how much further it might take us still...

School's out for Daisy Dawson, and things couldn't be any better. Imagine a whole summer at the beach, full of sand, sun, and surfing! And now that she's making new animal friends - a crab named Pinchy who likes to dance and two fun-loving rabbits named Rabsy and Raberta - her vacation promises to be all the more exciting. But when Daisy hears a call for help from the bottom of the sea, she finds a dolphin in deep trouble, caught in old fishing nets. Will Daisy and her friends be able to save the dolphin before it's too late?

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.

When Isabelle arrives at Miss Sylvie's dance studio to become a ballerina, she is told to be prepared to work hard. As the other young dancers switch to hip hop or drop out, Isabelle continues to practice, aiming to become a prima ballerina.

Meet Lucy.Lucy lives with dementia. She wishes she didn't, but she does. Her brain has changed, but she is still Lucy. Thank goodness she has a brain AND a heart. A moving and heartfelt picture book for young children and their families, to help them navigate the changes that come with living with Alzheimer's disease.

A is for Always, that's where we embark. Two children, treasure map in hand, and their pet gazelle sneak past their father, out of their house, and into a world beneath the city, where monsters and pirates roam. A captivating, chilling riot of an alphabet book with eye-popping illustrations.

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...

Lazlo is afraid of the dark, when tucked up in his bedroom at night. He wants to find out what this thing called 'the dark' is.

Chris love rockets and planets and pretending he's an astronaut in Space. Only one problem- at night, Chris is afraid of the dark. But when he watches the ground breaking Apollo 11 Moon Landing on TV it inspires him to follow his dreams and explore the darkest dark. Inspired by the childhood of real-life astronaut, Commander Chris Hadfield.

This is a day that Chintu will always remember. He's going to be Markundi, the boy who keeps the bridegroom, his uncle, company through the wedding preparations. Come and join in the celebrations, with dancing, fireworks and music.

Imagine if war came to your town and destroyed everything you had known. Imagine you made a long journey to safety but were not welcomed and turned away. Imagine then how the gift of something small from one child could change your life.

Tim waits with excitement for a train to bring his father, who lives in another town, to spend the entire day with him. They do all of their favourite things, until it is time for Dad to catch the train home.

Gemma and her father, Duca Gennaro, live in a house with a bird-filled courtyard. All the birds sing but the duke's favourite is La Colomba. When the duke falls ill, La Colomba refuses to fly south, even though snow and fierce winds swirl.

Have you ever wondered what lies at the bottom of the sea? Join Brownbeard the pirate and Alan the parrot as they explore the depths of the ocean, and tell you all about their discoveries.

She is small. She is scared. She is lost. She is a baby wombat who needs a home. She is Mothball, a wombat destined to become famous. This is the (almost) true story of one small wombat who learnt how to train her humans - and inspired the internationally bestselling picture book Diary of a Wombat by Jackie French and Bruce Whatley.

This wombat leads a very busy and demanding life. She wrestles unknown creatures, runs her own digging business and most difficult of all - trains her humans.

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.

It's Chinese New Year, a time for feasting. But children beware, a hungry beast is looking for you! Join Dinner Detectives Clementine and Aksel in their first adventure, travelling back in time and around the world to uncover magical stories behind the food we eat every day.

Sophia, the new girl next door, likes football. Shes also a super sleuth of pasta! Join our intrepid trio as they travel from Rome to a fabled renaissance meeting with the feared Mongol emperor, Kublai Khan, and uncover the ancient origins of pasta. Celebrate with Sophia's Dad's delicious Tagliatelle al Ragu - yum! Find his easy-to-follow recipe inside.

A simple, flip book that has lots of interesting dinosaur facts for you to test yourself. Perhaps you know which dinosaur was smaller than a Dalmatian dog or most like the modern day ostrich but, if you don't, you can find out by reading this book. Panoramic pictures of collage artwork add to the joy of learning more about the shape and size of dinosaurs.

Min is microbe. She is small. Very small. In fact so small that you'd need to look through a microscope to see her. Or you can simply open this book and take Min on an adventure to amazing places she's never seen before- like the icy glaciers of your tooth or the twisted, tangled jungle that is your shirt. The perfect book for anyone who wants to take a closer look at the world.

Eva has always wanted to be a journalist, so when she comes across Wafer, a stray dog near her home she might have just discovered her first story. Will she find Wafer's owner? Does she really want to solve the mystery, because won't that mean she has to give Wafer back?

Dougal's job is boring but he loves deep-sea diving. When Dougal goes to spend a week underwater, his diary tells of the many wonderful creatures he sees and his adventures. Dougal needs a change from his boring old job.

Unseen, ignored and overlooked, the dragons went unnoticed, just like George, until he was gone.

LuLu wants to see the legendary bunyips and her quest takes her to the creek at the end of her garden. But she doesn't know what bunyips look like.

Through free-verse and rhyming poems, celebrate the joy and freedom of being a child in the Australian landscape.

In the tropical wetlands and escarpments of Kakadu National Park, the seasons move from dry to wet to dry again. Those seasons have shaped the astonishing variety of plants, animals, birds, insects ... migratory birds by the thousands, grasshoppers and owls, lizards and turtles, fruit bats and spear grass. And, gliding past them all in the rivers and waterholes, the long, sinuous shapes of crocodiles ...

My name is Duck and I would like a job. My friends work in the city and never stop talking about it. So, any job please. Yours sincerely, Duck.

Greedy duck sticks his head where he shouldn't and it gets stuck. Now his only hope is that rat can get him out. A cautionary tale.

The tranquil seagrass meadow seems a safe place for gentle Dugong and his aquatic undersea friends to play until one day a trawler with its scoop net appears.

On her way to the waterhole, Dumazi finds a big yellow lion caught in a trap. Please save my life and set me free, he begs. But Dumazi knows that lions roaming free eat little Zulu girls like her...

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.

Eccentric and lovable characters search for the best ice cream, with funny tongue twisting rhymes.

If each orange has 8 slices and each slice has 2 seeds, how many seeds are there in all? You'll have fun whether you multiply, add or count your way through the math puzzles hiding in the world all around you.

In 1928 girls don't drive cars, let along race them. Until two fearless and intrepid best friends make history, racing across Australia and beating the land speed record... with Barney the dog in tow. The amazing true story of Jean Robertson and Kathleen Howell who helped map Australia.

Ebi has a passion for boats and builds a fantasy world around them. When he meets an old, ex-sailor who lives next door, the two share Ebi's fantasy world in a host of imaginary ways.

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?

Nestled in the wings of a mystical, white elephant, two children embark on a great journey of discovery. They fly across the universe, seeing its beauty then conflict, to discover there is a pathway to the humanity in all of us. The parable of the blind men and the elephant is told in Buddhism, Sufism, Hinduism, Jainism and studied in philosophy universally.

Emerald the Green Turtle hatches from her egg and, with her many sisters, makes her perilous journey to the beckoning sea. An Endangered Species Wildlife Book.

It's Christmas day in Shaggy Gully. The kangaroos are bouncy, the echidnas are prickly and the bats and possums are just hanging about. Only the bunyip is gloomy and Emily Emu is determined to make him smile for Christmas.

The Emperor penguin is the only large animal to remain on the Antarctic mainland throughout its bitterly, inhospitable winter. Once the female has laid her egg, she heads back to the sea, leaving the male to incubate it. He then spends two months standing on the freezing cold ice with the egg on his feet.

In the open forest, Emu gathers granite-green eggs under soft feathers. Emu will care for the eggs and protect the stripy chicks once they hatch. There are many hazards in the forest for this unusual family.

Young Bertie Badger loves to visit his grandpa and friends at the retirement home for elderly magicians. One day, he arrives to find all the magic props have vanished. Bertie will have to solve the mystery before the magic show can start. Maybe you can help him.

Enoch the emu thinks it will be very easy being a house husband. He is not so sure once his partner, Wilhemina, leaves him to look after the eggs. By the time the story finishes only the joy of fatherhood can make up for his ordeal.

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.

Have you ever wondered what happens in the earth underneath us? James has, and he wants to learn more about soil. In Exploring Soils: A Hidden World Underground, James discovers that soil is not just dirt for digging in. He explores how plants and animals live in soil, how soils are formed, how they differ, and the many ways that soil is essential in our lives.

Imagine you could soar high in the sky with an eagle or dive into the deep with a majestic blue whale. Come eye to eye with some of nature's most impressive creatures.

Poetry, printed in large white font on glossy black pages, describes a variety of Australia's nocturnal birds and animals, all of whom have eyes that stare out of the dark pages.

In a suburban backyard that borders the bush, the night is dark and a storm is coming. Peter leaves the comfort of his house to check his pets and is just in time to save a young owl from the clutches of a feral cat.

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

A young Asian girl notices that her eyes look different from her peers'. They have big, round eyes and long lashes. She realizes that her eyes are like her mother's, her grandmother's, and her little sister's. They have eyes that kiss in the corners and glow like warm tea, crinkle into crescent moons, and are filled with stories of the past and hope for the future. Drawing from the strength of these powerful women in her life, she recognizes her own beauty and discovers a path to self-love and empowerment.

A young boy comes to recognize his own power and ability to change the future. When a friend at school creates a hurtful drawing, the boy turns to his family for comfort. He realizes that his eyes rise to the skies and speak to the stars, shine like sunlit rays, and glimpse trails of light from those who came before- in fact, his eyes are like his father's, his agong's, and his little brother's, and they are visionary. Inspired by the men in his family, he recognizes his own power and strength from within. This extraordinary picture book redefines what it means to be truly you.

Fabish was a handsome, grey racehorse who always tried his hardest. When he retired, Fabish took care of the flighty yearlings, showing them what was expected of a racehorse. One hot summer day, a wild wind blew up and Fabish smelled smoke. Fire was coming, fast. When the trainer opened the gate, Fabish and the yearlings galloped away. The fire raged through the night as the trainer battled to save the racehorses. The next morning, there were no signs of Fabish or the young horses. Based on a true story during the Black Saturday fires.

A look at life in Australia through the eyes of a primary school boy during World War II. The excitement of seeing the American soldiers and tanks, the concept of black-outs, bomb shelters and ration coupons are explained.

A lively retelling of an Irish folk tale in the Cinderella tradition. The book is peppered with curious names and whimsical illustrations featuring the costumes of fifteenth century Ireland.

Modern retelling of the fairytales. Read all about it in The fairytale news that Jack delivers. Find out how Jack's paper run gets a very interesting customer.

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.

Meet Nancy who believes that more is always better when it comes to being fancy. From the top of her tiara down to her sparkly studded shoes, Nancy is determined to teach her parents and little sister, Jo Jo, a thing or two about being fancy.

Nancy thinks butterflies are simply exquisite. That's why she can't wait to go to her friend Bree's butterfly birthday party. It's going to be the fanciest party ever. But, when Nancy finds out she can't go because of her grandparent's fiftieth anniversary party on the same day, she is furious. Nancy feels she will never get over her disappointment.

Welcome to Fancy Nancy's Fabulous Fashion Boutique. Here, you can find the fanciest, almost-new outfits, accessories, jewellery, and lots more. The fashion boutique is a huge success but it's also Nancy's little sister's birthday. And, when it starts to rain, the birthday party might be ruined. Nancy knows she has to come up with an idea, a brilliant one, and fast.

Fancy Nancy loves fall -- the fashion, the weather, and especially the colours of the leaves! As Fancy Nancy helps Mum and Dad rake the leaves outside in Fancy Nancy and the Fall Foliage, she gets a stupendous idea to do something unique with the most beautiful leaves she finds. Join Nancy as she celebrates the changing of the seasons in this storybook adventure!

Fancy Nancy is ready for the spotlight. Fancy Nancy and her best friend, Bree, could not be more excited about their upcoming dance show. After all, it's all about mermaids and Fancy Nancy knows how to be a fancy, glamorous mermaid. But, when another ballerina wins the coveted role of the mermaid, Nancy is stuck playing a dreary, dull tree. When disaster strikes right before the big ballet, someone steps in to steal the spotlight.

When her family decides to get a dog, Fancy Nancy is certain she can be fancier than ever. After all, a papillon, a small, delicate, fluffy dog, is the ultimate accessory. But, Fancy Nancy's family wants a large, plain dog. How unglamorous.

Not only does Nancy help out the bride, she also gets to attend a fabulous party reception. Nancy will discover how truly special even the simplest wedding can be.

It's holiday time and Nancy is feeling glum because her best friend, Bree, is out of town. When her mum brings home a brand-new set of glitter markers, Nancy puts her trademark flair to creative use and devotes herself to becoming a serious artist (or artiste, as the French say). After all, everything about being an artist is fancy, fancy, fancy, especially when inspiration strikes.

In their exclusively glamorous Explorers' Club, Fancy Nancy and her best friend, Bree, set out to explore the fascinating world of wildflowers, trees, leaves, birds and, of course, butterflies. With recipes for pinecone bird feeders, extra-fancy lemonade, an official club bird and an exclusive map of the territory, Fancy Nancy is one Explorer Extraordinaire.

Fancy Nancy's little sister, JoJo, can be naughty and a real pest at times. When JoJo draws a tattoo on Nancy's precious doll, Marabelle Lavinia Chandelier, Nancy is livid. Even worse, it's in permanent marker so will never come out. When her mother suggests a fancy doll party, Nancy is excited to accept. But, the doll drama isn't yet over.

Fancy Nancy Clancy is so poetic, even her name rhymes. And, with limericks, couplets, free verse and more, poetry is plenty fancy. So, when her teacher gives Nancy and her classmates an assignment to come up with their very own poems, Nancy is determined to write one that is superb. But, first, Nancy needs an idea and she's having trouble.

When Nancy's parents go away overnight, she and her little sister, JoJo, get to sleep over at Mrs. DeVine's house. JoJo is a little nervous about sleeping at someone else's house. Luckily, Nancy is an expert on sleepovers and can help prepare her little sister. The big night arrives and JoJo and Nancy have a blast at Mrs. DeVine's. But, when it's time for bed, it turns out Nancy isn't as prepared as she thought. Good thing there is nothing better than a sister to make you feel better.

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.

Fancy Nancy thinks that everything in the sky is simply stellar, from the sun and the moon to the stars and their constellations (that's a fancy word for the shapes that stars make). So, nothing could make her happier than a special sleepover under the stars with her dad and her little sister, JoJo. Together, they wish on stars, moon bathe and even eat astronaut ice cream. But, Fancy Nancy faces a real challenge when rain clouds cover up the stars.

You're invited to join in the fun with hostess extraordinaire, Fancy Nancy. With a little imagination, you too can create an exquisite tea party that is perfect for your friends and family.

Fancy Nancy thinks that words are simply fascinating. She wonders why people say beautiful when there are fancy words like gorgeous and glamorous. Instead of hello, try bonjour, which is French and so much fancier. An umbrella will keep you dry but a parasol will make you feel like a Hollywood movie star.

The collection includes lightly adapted versions of 12 favorite stories: Fancy Nancy and the Late, Late, LATE Night Fancy Nancy: Hair Dos and Hair Donts Fancy Nancy and the Too-Loose Tooth Fancy Nancy and the Mean Girl Fancy Nancy: Sand Castles and Sand Palaces Fancy Nancy: Budding Ballerina Fancy Nancy: The 100th Day of School Fancy Nancy: Pajama Day Fancy Nancy: My Family History Fancy Nancy: Spring Fashion Fling Fancy Nancy and the Boy from Paris Fancy Nancy: Peanut Butter and Jellyfish

Join Fancy Nancy in a fabulous Halloween storybook adventure!

It is raining cats and dogs, when all of a sudden, Nancy hears a strange sound coming from outside! Nancy and Bree decide to investigate, and what do they find? Lo and behold! It's oodles of adorable kittens! Oodles is fancy for a lot. After finding some of the kittens good homes, Nancy and Bree each get to keep one for themselves. That is until Nancys new kitten meets her posh pup, Frenchy. Will Nancys two pets ever get along? Will Nancy be able to love them both the same?

Fancy Nancy has created a super-deluxe beauty day for her mum's birthday. It's a pampering paradise, right in the backyard. With relaxing music, fragrant lotions, colourful nail polish and foamy mousse, Nancy gives her mum a total makeover. She even treats her to sumptuous refreshments and special entertainment. But, suddenly, the pampering goes too far.

It's the best day ever when Mum takes Fancy Nancy and her friends to the beach! They spend the whole day building the most magnificent sand palace imaginable, but when the tide comes in what will happen to their beautiful creation? Join Nancy as she discovers how the beach is full of spectacular surprises!

Nancy and JoJo are having a sleepover -- and it's JoJo's first one ever! JoJo's a little nervous about sleeping away from home, but luckily big sister extraordinaire Nancy is there to put her mind at ease. Nancy is an expert at sleepovers.But when bedtime rolls around, it turns out it's Nancy who might not be as prepared as she thought

Christmas presents are so fancy. Presents with elegant wrapping paper, festive decorations, Christmas cookies with sprinkles. After all, there is no such thing as too much tinsel. Ooh la la. This year, Nancy is especially excited about decorating the Christmas tree. She's bought a brand-new sparkly tree topper with her own money and has been waiting for Christmas to come. But, her plans may not be quite as splendiferous as Nancy imagines.

Shh! Fancy Nancy and her classmates are planning a surprise party -- that means it's top secret! Together Nancy and her friends prepare the treats and decorate the classroom for the party. Everything has to be kept super secret. Even the cupcakes have a surprise inside! Will you be able to guess who the party is for? Fans of Fancy Nancy will delight as they join Nancy in planning a fabulous surprise in this Fancy Nancy I Can Read Super Secret Surprise Party.

JoJo is telling all Nancy's secrets-she just can't help it! Nancy begins to think she's the worst secret keeper ever. But when Bree comes over to watch a movie that only Nancy has seen before, Nancy realises it's very hard to keep a secret. Could it be that maybe JoJo isn't the worst secret keeper, after all? Fans of Fancy Nancy will delight in this sweet story about understanding and the love between siblings.

Ooh la la -- school starts soon! Fancy Nancy can't wait to go back, but she'll miss Frenchy very much. Nancy's loved playing with her favorite puppy all summer, but sometimes Frenchy can be a bit naughty. When she gets into trouble one too many times, the Clancys decide that it's time for Frenchy to go to school, too -- puppy school! But will Frenchy change her doggy ways? Beginning readers will love joining Nancy and Frenchy as they get ready for school in this Fancy Nancy I Can Read.

Over a hill, at the end of a road, by a glittering stream that twists and turns, stands a house with twelve children who eat and sleep and work and play, who get into trouble, and argue and dream, who milk the cows and fish in the stream - a farmhouse where they are growing up, waiting to see what the future might bring.

A father has a dream of flying. He makes beautiful wings of paper and feathers, but never quite manages to fly. When he isn't preoccupied with his dream of flight and air, he scoops his son up and they play along the beach. He always returns to his dream until the day he is called up to war, never to return. His son decides to make his dream come true.

Join Father Koala as he reads some Aussie fairytales to the young koalas in Gumleaf Lodge. Jack climbs the choko vine, the princess meets the cane toad, the Kangaroos Gruff outwits the bunyip under the bridge and Little Red Riding Hood is almost eaten by the dingo.

Join Father Koala and his little mates as they romp through a selection of Aussie nursery rhymes. Little Miss Golden works on her Holden, Black Swan swims in an old billabong, Jack and Jill check boundary fences, Swaggie puts the billy on and we all have tea.

When a baby is born, it's difficult to know whether it will grow up to be big or small or brave or scared of the dark and spiders. So, sometimes, babies get the wrong name. It's the same with dogs. When a new little puppy is named Fearless, it seems a good name for him. Except that Fearless isn't.

The only thing Fearless can remember his mother telling him is that life is much nicer if you love everyone. For Fearless, the act of loving things equates to devouring them, and loving everyone is much more complicated than he had imagined.

Frearless and Primrose are now parents to five lively puppies. Fearless must work out how to be a father and teach them everything he knows. But, not everything goes to plan.

Toad, Rat, Bat, Hyena and Spider are anything but beautiful but the ugly outcasts learn that beauty comes in many guises.

Phoebe doesn't want to be ordinary. She wants to turn heads and be noticed. She wants to be fabulous. But, when Phoebe seeks the help of the outrageous and beautiful Zelda, her transformation leads to some unexpected results.

Are you ready to experience the wonderful world of festivals? Jump straight into this book and learn about the cultural and vibrant festivals celebrated all around the world.

A beautifully worded book for the horse crazy, with exquisite and accurate illustrations. A story that includes information on how a horse trots, canters, gallops and bucks, their diet and how they are groomed.

The fierce little woman lived in a house at the end of a jetty. She knitted socks, played bagpipes, fished and swam. Sometimes, she was lonely. One stormy day, a wicked pirate came to her house on the jetty and tap-tapped on her window.

Fiona's parents wonder why she can't be more like them, that is, more like a pig. Fiona loves ballet, being clean and having tea parties with her dollies. Fiona's parents are desperate to find a solution to this baffling behaviour.

As the flames of a bushfire approaches, one small wombat shelters with other animals in her burrow all throughout a fire-eaten night. This forms the beginning of their courageous journey to safety and survival.

From the dust cover, end pages and secret illustrations on the front and back covers, whatever you love about the ocean this book of poetry will have it. The gorgeous illustrations will transport you from harbours and ships, to joyful days at the seaside, and the fascinating world below the waves. These poems use beautiful imagery to explore the mood of the sea. There is a large surprise to find in the centre.

In possum hat and gumboots, Rebecca collects bait for her first fishing lesson, until a short-sighted sea-eagle spies her. Suddenly, she is carried away. Brave, resourceful Rebecca must help the sea-eagle and still get home in time for breakfast.

Flabby Cat and Slobby Dog are very lazy and spend most of their time eating and sleeping. Each day when they wake up, they are more uncomfortable because the sofa keeps growing smaller. Or, so they believe.

Flapper is an Australian carrier pigeon during World War II. Sent off to war in the Pacific, Flapper is deep in the jungle on Manus Island, on patrol, when he has to evade enemy fire and deliver the message that will save the soldiers to whom Flapper has been assigned.

A boy finds a box brownie at the beach. Inside are the photos of all the people who have found this camera in the past and the marine scenes they shot before leaving the camera behind. He can choose to do the same or keep the camera.

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 search for a red-tailed bird leads a young boy to meet with a famous artist. He finds not only what he is looking for but also a friend, in the great Leonardo da Vinci.

Inspired by the life of one remarkable nurse and the Australian "Flying Angels" who risked their lives to rescue and treat injured Australian soldiers during World War 2.

For 60,000 years, as sure as the sun rises and rests, our people have thrived and survived.

The various birds of the forest floor, Lyrebird, Coucal, Pitta and Nightjar, have very different feather colours and sounds but they look out for danger and warn each other. When a hungry fox comes looking for food, only plain, dull Nightjar is watching.

The hero is now looking at history - by going back in time. A day in the local museum can be quite surprising! Frank encounters mummies, dinosaurs, Isaac Newton and some very interesting hair styles.

The costumes are made, the roles are cast and the pages are all set. But, then, disaster strikes. Someone has scribbled on the page. This picture book is cancelled.

Shrinking, blinking, sliming, climbing - read about the FASCINATING WAYS some fish spend their days!

Leaving his family and country behind, a young man joins a crew of a pearl lugger to gather valuable pearl shell. Free diving with no protective suit, he risks his life with every descent.

The Smith children collect an old lady from the shops and bring her home. Nobody notifies the police that she is missing and Mr and Mrs Smith need to decide whether she will become their Granny. Smith also happens to be her last name.

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.

In 1956, with the excitement and pride of his home town Melbourne hosting the Summer Olympic Games and the tensions around the world dominating the news, 8-year-old student John Wing wrote an urgent letter suggesting how to change the Closing Ceremony and bring all nations together as one. A remarkable feat to reflect the pride of his country and one of the friendliest places on earth.

Emily is a witch of sorts. She loves talking to her friends so she miniaturises them into jars. That way she can talk to them whenever she wishes.

Friendships are a special thing, and it is great to have and be a good friend, but sometimes things go wrong. It is important to know how to get the balance back so that everyone is having fun.

At the end of the world is an island covered in ice. On the island is a mountain. Inside the mountain is a vault. And inside the vault there are millions of seeds. When Isla makes a special discovery, she and her botanist mother go on an adventure to this vault in Norway. Isla is going to leave her precious package there so children who have not been born yet can grow and eat the food we all enjoy. She is doing this so there will always be a garden at the end of the world waiting to be planted. "

He's old, this gargoyle. Very old. Older than me. Older than anyone. A moving story about a gargoyle who has been forced off his rooftop to make way for a new development in a barren cityscape, and the child who encounters him on an overcrowded train.

Sally Tinker is the world's greatest inventor under the age of 12. But when her baby brother Joe swallows her greatest invention to date Sally and her genius biologist friend Charlie will have to shrink themselves to a size small enough to delve deep into the bowels of baby Joe to recover it. But will they be able to find it and if they do, how are they ever to get back home? Funny and smart this book will gross you out, crack you up and teach you stuff all at the same time!

Welcome to the world of Gecko. He warms up on the sunbaked rocks in the evening before hunting for food. A cockroach makes a yummy snake. Watch out! A hawk is hunting! An exciting introduction to one of the most varied species of lizard on the planet.

An information book about a gentle, giant octopus searching for a safe place to lay her eggs. Discover how she uses her tentacles, why she squirts her ink and the care she takes to guard her babies.

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.

Geronimo Stiltonix's spaceship is in danger of exploding! The only solution is to replace the engine's batteries by tracking down a rare element. When a group of mysterious aliens claim they can help, Geronimo is relieved. But are the aliens as friendly as they seem?

No matter what hour, she lurked looking sour, be it midnight or mid-afternoon. Her dresses were shabby, her mood always crabby. Her name was Miss Annabel Spoon. The ghost of Miss Annabel Spoon haunts the people of Twee their every waking hour and they've had enough. But, one day, the brave and practical young Herbert Kettle has a most extraordinary idea.

BOLT encourages a wide variety of students, including reluctant readers, by providing them with books featuring appealing topics and carefully prepared text. Innovative infographics and attention-commanding photography draw in young readers, and accessible, levelled text helps even the most challenged readers understand the material and enjoy the reading experience. This strong image/text integration aids in comprehension and complements classroom instruction, helping each and every student reach his or her learning potential! Packed with dynamic photos, charts, diagrams, fun facts, and infographics, BOLT's attention-grabbing titles are sure to have your readers coming back for more.

Sweet Pea and Boogaloo are out in the forest when Sweet Pea asks if giants look just like them, only bigger. Boogaloo knows that they're entirely different. Sweet Pea asks if giants are kind but Boogaloo has his negative opinions here too. It takes an ill-advised kick for Boogaloo to realise that giants are just like me and you, only bigger.

All the kids in the town followed the Pied Piper into the mountain but one was left behind. This is the story of that child.

Gilbert is a great, big scaredy-cat. You can't blame him as he was taken from his mother before his eyes were even open and spent his childhood inside a paper bag. He is frightened of just about everything, except paper bags.

Gilbert is an inside cat who is determined not to go outside until his owner puts him out against his will.

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.

Ginger McFlea refuses to clean her teeth, no matter what any of her family says or does. A visit to the dentist and a call to the tooth fairy change her mind, with amazing results.

In 1881, pioneering migrant families left Veneto, Italy, in search of a new life. They endured a perilous journey in search of a false paradise. Their remarkable tale of survival brought them to Australia. This is their story of finding 'home'. A voyage re-imagined, told through the eyes of a four-year-old boy."

Beatrice knew that as a girl she wouldn't be quite like other engineers - and she wasn't. She was better. Still, it took hard work and perseverance to persuade the Royal Aircraft Establishment to give her a chance. But when World War II broke out and British fighter pilots took to the skies in a desperate struggle for survival against Hitler's bombers, it was clearly time for new ideas. Could Beatrice solve an engine puzzle and help Britain win the war?

Australian animals join together to bring to life this classic Australian song about a home amongst the gum trees.

Clara's glasshouse world is perfect, growing perfect pumpkins in her pure and flawless home. A stranger arrives and the precious world begins to change.

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.

In a rural metal scrap yard, a girl and her dog explore mountains of metal scrap together searching for treasures, kept on a shelf in her late grandfather's workshop. She discovers a mechanical key and mystically, magically, a little glowing object appears, floats up and beyond. The sparse, lyrical text speaks to memory, shared moments, and love beyond worlds.

In a time long past, in a land far away, a family has suffered an unspeakable loss. Their lives are full of grief and hard work. But, a lonely goblin, a hermit from the world, has been watching. And he knows what to do to help them heal with acts of unnoticed kindness. Little does he know that he is being watched.

A book that helps to explain spirituality to the very young. It provides a general look at where God is in all the things that make up a young child's life such as friendship, love, play, family and nature.

Shel (an egg) isn't a huge fan of group activities, especially when he's made to be 'it' for a game of hide-and-seek. Nevertheless, Shel doesn't want to let his friends down, so he reluctantly plays. But after a morning of hiding and seeking, somebody's still missing. Will the dozen eggs friends ever be reunited?

I bet you are wondering; how good can one egg really be? Well in this book you will find one good egg in a dozen. This one will water your plants, change your tyres and even paint your house. But what if being too good goes really wrong?

As a boy, the author, David Cox, lived on a sheep station in the dusty outback of Queensland. His lessons came in a brown envelope but, out of doors, his dad was his teacher. David learned the stockman's skills of breaking in and riding horses, mustering sheep and cattle, and how to survive the hardships of drought. When they were out riding, his father would tell interesting stories about old times and characters.

Gracie and Josh are brother and sister who laugh, play and fight, but they also face a sad world where someone is sick and there are good days and bad days in their family.

Sarah loves spending time with her Grandpa, but she knows there is a part of his life that makes him sad. When he was a young man he fought in the Vietnam War. Sarah wants to find out more and her Grandpa shares a story of bravery and friendship, and what impact war has on everyone.

As Lucy's fingers trace each crease on her Grandad's lined face, she wants to know why Grandad's skin doesn't fit anymore. He tells her what joyful event caused each wrinkle to appear.

On an ordinary day, in an ordinary town, it was Albert's birthday. Albert's desire to have an out of the ordinary birthday turns into an extraordinary reality when Grandma Z roars into town on her motorcycle.

Grandma wakes up one Monday morning and decides to do something more exciting than make marmalade. An incredible week of adventure follows, culminating in a trip to the moon.

Through Blake's eyes, Grandpa is revealed as a real pain in the neck. He took over Blake's room, left ash and tobacco everywhere and told boring stories. Grandpa was also really good at mending stuff and he could create wonders out of horseshoe nails.

Grandpa Green wasn't always a gardener. He was a farmboy, a kid with chickenpox, a soldier and, most of all, an artist. Follow Grandpa Green's great-grandson into the garden he created, a fantastic world where memories are handed down in the fanciful shapes of topiary trees, and imagination recreates things forgotten.

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.

Year after year, a dancing circus bear spends her days in a cage and her nights perfoming for a crowd. The bear longs for freedom.

Rocky, an ornate dragon, lives on the granite rocks in the southwest of Australia. His ancestors have lived in this hot environment for around 10 million years, and for more than 60,000 years, they have lived alongside Indigenous Australians. Rocky's habitat is under threat, and his desert relatives in the north are facing challenges due to rising temperatures. Using his knowledge of Indigenous culture and language, along with Western science, The Great Lizard Trek follows Rocky in his journey to see what the future may bring.

Lever Lapin is a world famous runner, living a celebrity lifestyle. Nate Tortoise is a simple fellow, who just wants to eat in peace at his favourite restaurant. Fed up with Lever's bragging and the intrusion into his life, Nate is overheard muttering that he could beat Lever in a race. So, the challenge is on.

Norvin, inspired by his own small, sharkish eyes and sharp, sharkish teeth, decides to impersonate a great white man-eating shark so he can have the sea to himself. His plan comes unstuck when a female shark takes a fancy to him.

In Great White Shark we follow a female shark on her way to warmer waters to give her pups the best chance of survival. Learn interesting facts about great white sharks as the story progresses.

Charlemagne can have whatever he desires, but nothing interests him. He values learning to read far more than the cavalcade of treasures presented for his interest.

See life in Ancient Greece with Agathon, a hoplite soldier, who boards a ship bound for home after battle. He is taken under the wing of the merchant, Lykon, who sees potential in the strong, young warrior. Eventually, Agathon marries Lykon's daughter and later competes in the Olympics.

This tree doesn't look like it's doing much: it just stands there in the sunlight, BIG and GREEN. But this tree is hard at work, just like the many, many others that live all over our planet... Discover the secret world of plants in this fascinating new book from an award-winning team.

Race across Sumatra with a streak of tigers. Join a hippo float, a flamboyance of flamingos - or just cosy up with a passel of possums as you go on safari with Wilbur. Explore the animal kingdom and the world of collective nouns, with proceeds from this book supporting wildlife protection via the United Nations Development Programme.

When a mother brings her daughter to a pond to collect some frog spawn, the little girl isn't sure what to expect. Day after day she checks on the jelly-like bubbles until the black dots in their centres turn into slippery tadpoles, and then keep on changing.

The delightful story of a very different, ugly duckling who learns to be very happy with who he is.

Based on a true story in Queensland, a colony of wonderfully hairy-nosed wombats decide to move homes. But could there ever be another home to make them happy.

With his mother, ten year old Hamid flees Eritrea to escape the war and the government threats to his family. In his own words, Hamid reveals the hardships and suffering experienced by refugees, trying to rebuild their lives. With little understanding of the language and culture in a new country, Hamid's life is very challenging. Even when things start to get easier, the horrors of the war are never far from his thoughts.

A faithful retelling of this famous, dark fairytale but with unique, modern illustrations.

That meanie, Lewis, always teases Gilbert at school. When Gilbert receives an invitation to Lewis's birthday party, Gilbert goes, armed with a cheerful grin, a brightly wrapped package and a plan to get even for Lewis's rotten behaviour. But, this birthday has a much bigger surprise in store for Gilbert.

Cousin Cuthbert's magical trumpet almost ruins the amazing garden party that Winnie is throwing for herself to celebrate her birthday . Winnie must find all her disappearing guests and pull some other magic out of the bag.

A small boy named Harry and his pet dog, Hopper, have done everything together, ever since Hopper was a jumpy little puppy. But, when the unthinkable happens, Harry must learn to say goodbye to his mate.

People in the town have always worn their pants at different heights. Some wear them low, some a little high and, in Harry Highpants' case, very high. It hasn't been a problem until Roy Bland decides to stand for council and wants everyone to wear their pants the same, 'normal' way. The town is divided and into the battle comes Harry Highpants.

A boy inherits a toy tiger who shares his experiences of a different world where there were trees. The boy comes to experience a new and vibrant world and learns about destruction of environments, aging, wisdom and new beginnings.

Explore 15 of Sydney's most iconic locations with the help of six cheeky seagulls on this look-and-find adventure. From Taronga Zoo to Bondi Beach, there are delightful quirks of the city to spot on each page as well as fun facts to discover.

Everybody loved Herbert, a small dog, but the person who loved him most was his owner, Tim. One day, Herbert set off on a boat trip with Tim's father but the short journey soon turned into the biggest adventure of Herbert's life. A true story of a remarkable dog's voyage at sea.

As the seasons change, a boy shares the magic of his garden with a special friend.

This is a tale about a big city, hotdogs and music. It's a tale of ringing on rooftops and it's the tale of Herman and Rosie.

Hermelin is a special little mouse. He was born in a box of cheese and lives in an attic at 33 Offley Street. He can read books and type notes on his typewriter. Most importantly, Hermelin can solve mysteries and the people of Offley Street are in need of a detective.

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.

Striking collages, set above and below the water level off the coast of Tasmania, tell the story of Ben, a rather thoughtless boy, who sets out to catch as many fish as he can. Unexpectedly, Ben learns the value of marine life communities.

In the cool and quiet early light of morning, a father and child wake up. Today they're going on a hike. Follow the duo into the mountains as they witness the magic of the wilderness, overcome challenges, and play a small role in the survival of the forest. By the time they return home, they feel alive - and closer than ever - as they document their hike and take their place in family history.

If you were walking through the woods and a hole you came upon, would you stop and take a look? Or simply carry on?

War ends, yet its dark shadow remains. A family is forced to flee their home. As they journey through hunger, long cold nights, and homelessness, a heart locket whispers words of hope. And a country that's far away calls for those that are no longer wanted. It offers new beginnings and a precious place, once more to call home.

Light, a white pigeon, flies away and is lost in the city of New York. He is rescued by a young boy but Light must return to his real owner, Mike, to be free to fly. The story is illustrated with Jeannie Baker's beautiful collages.

Horrible Harriet lives in the roof of the school. She is mean and nasty and the other children are scared of her. When Athol Egghead arrives in a hot-air balloon, he is her first friend. Horrible Harriet is one in a million, even that's one too many.

From the cities to the skyscrapers- reveal the secret workings of the city. Lift the flaps to see what is inside buildings and unfold pages to find out what's going on above your head and under your feet. It's the city like you have never seen before.

The (unauthorised) biography of you, and the story of all of us. Charting from the Big Bang to birth, Philip Bunting takes us on a journey back to the start of time (in about the time it takes to eat your breakfast!) A hilarious, and beautifully illustrated book, designed to raise more questions than it answers.

Flick a switch...the light comes on. Press a button...the TV comes on. Turn the tap....clean water comes out. Take a drink from the fridge...it's cool and fresh. Just how do all these clever things happen in your home? Go on a fascinating journey, behind the walls and under the floor of this home to find out about the energy that makes it all work.

A baby describes their journey from conception via birth to their homecoming in this wonderful tribute to the miracle of birth.

Follow the mad antics of Sloth and his sidekick, Sengi, as they try to find their way out of the zoo, with the help of some machines.

Jim is not quite sure that he's ready to move from the baby pool to the middle-sized pool. Can a group of splashing dinosaurs help him face his fear?

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.

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 pigeon comes from a famous family. They have been famous for generations. But, he is particularly famous and he wants to tell you why.

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.

From award-winning author Meg McKinlay and celebrated artist Matt Ottley comes a moving and visually stunning picture book that celebrates the transformative power of the creative process from inception through recognition to celebration and releasing into the world. We shadow the protagonist as she contemplates the blue print of an idea, collects the things that inspire from the natural world to shape a bird. And breathes life into it before letting it fly free. It shows how small things, combined with a little imagination and a steady heart, can transform into works of magic.

Fearsome Aunt Fidget Wonkham-Strong is sick of Tom messing around so she organises Captain Najork and his sportsmen to play womble, muck and sneedball. Tom may not be able to defeat these formidable opponents.

Come with us on a deep dive through the ocean zones. Meet some of the most unusual creatures from the sea and hear their stories about how they have changed over millions of years to survive in the inky ocean depths. Why is the deepsea flounder as flat as a pancake and why are yeti crabs so hairy?

A book about trying to describe the impossible, the highly improbable and the most likely to be extinct creature, rarely ever seen.

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

At twilight, the mother tawny frogmouth owl goes hunting, looking for food for her chicks. Each tasty morsel she spies seems to disappear. A moth looks like the tree bark, a cricket like a curled leaf and you need to look very carefully to find them.

Hyram and B, two bears in a second-hand shop, have lived on The Shelf longer than any of the other toys. They sit quietly, hoping to be bought by the right person. When Catherine buys B, he wonders if he will ever see Hyram again.

Henry Finch strives for greatness, gets it all a bit wrong, then makes it right again in a very surprising way and truly becomes great. Henry Finch is a total inspiration.

One glorious day the wolf meets Red Riding Hood strolling through the woods. She looks a clever girl, but the wolf knows who is the cleverest. He has a plan to outwit her. But this little girl is not so easily duped. And the wolf finds unexpected hazards in wearing a frilly petticoat in the deep dark woods.

Why would I want to read this book? Words, sentences, and even worse, paragraphs fill up books. Ugh! So what's a reluctant reader to do? Actor Max Greenfield (New Girl) and New York Times bestselling illustrator Mike Lowery bring the energy and laugh-out-loud fun out for every child (and parent) who thinks they don't want to read a book. Joining the ranks of favorites like The Book With No Pictures and The Serious Goose, this clever and playful read-aloud breaks the fourth wall and will have all readers coming back for laughs again and again!

Through the letters of the alphabet, from A for Ahalan (hello, welcome) to D for the Dead Sea to S is for Shuk (market), this is a celebration of Israel, in all its diversity. Find out about Israel's rich heritage, its families and modern-day life.

When I touch a footy, I feel as big as a giant. When I run with a footy, it's like I'm as fast as a lion. I love footy.

Guinea-pigs are cute and cuddly, and they make great pets. Find out how best to care for them.

I really want a pet, an octopus or even a boa constrictor. The trouble is, my family aren't keen on any of them. So I must try and find a pet that none of them will mind.

Lola is a very fussy eater. She thinks that carrots are for rabbits and peas are too small and too green. Lola's older brother, Charlie, has a clever idea to get Lola to eat her vegetables.

Have you ever wondered what you would do if you could reach up and pluck the moon from the sky? There are so many possibilities in life. This story explores how many options are available from just one simple thought.

Find out how the polar bear, also called Nanuk, thrives in the Arctic. The beautiful words and illustrations also explain the lessons that the Inuit people have learned from watching this majestic creature.

Douglas Mawson is a true Australian hero, and one of the great Antarctic explorers. He was the first man to reach the South Magnetic Pole, and led Australia's first Antarctic expedition. This is a story of adventure and survival, as Mawson faces enormous challenges and triumphs.

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.

This hilarious picture book written by award-nominated Kate Inglis features two children trying to outdo one another in imagining what they could do if only they were a zombie, a ninja or a robot. With outrageously entertaining rhyming text and brilliant illustrations from artist Eric Orchard, this is sure to be a favourite with readers of all ages.

What if the world were 100 animals? There are more than 20 billion, billion known animals all over the world. That is far too many to imagine them all together! Instead let's imagine 100 animals at a time. If there were 100 mammals in the wild, where would they live? If their were only 100 pets in the world, what would they be? This though provoking book reveals how varied the animals on our planet are, and it also highlights the problems they face. It's clear there won't be many left if we don't act now to help them to survive. But together we can find ways that will make a difference.

Ilsa and Alyssa are inseparable. Ilsa is a small labradoodle who is destined to be a guide dog. Alyssa is a young girl who is responsible for the first stage of Ilsa's training. In the end, Ilsa becomes a successful guide dog to the blind Connor but she still retains her affection for her old friend, Alyssa.

Imagine a city where the world is your teacher and anything is possible.

Beautiful illustrations that allow imagination to take the reader into new realms.

Stunningly imaginative paintings inspire imaginative readers.

Christopher and his mother live by themselves. In a clean-up, Christopher's mother packs up his father's things and takes them to the second-hand store. Mysteriously, the things reappear in their home. A sensitive look at the different ways of coping with the loss of a parent/spouse.

In Flanders fields, a young homesick World War I soldier risks his life to cross no-man's land and rescue a robin caught in the barbed wire. He hears the soldiers on the other side singing Christmas carols.

Inner city life can be great with all the dazzling lights, noises, shapes and sounds. Fantastic pictures of the city.

Penny's and Henry's accounts of their holiday in the big city is crammed full of Roland Harvey's quirky artwork and some interesting facts. Lots to find and discuss as each double page spread reveals what looks like a three dimensional map.

One terrible night the ground rumbled and dark shapes appeared in the distance. A cracking sound tore through the air. Lualani's life was changed forever. 'Don't be afraid. I will look after you.' Jabari reached out his hand. A life-long friendship set on the edge of the African Savanna.

Ever since she heard about them, a young girl has dreamt of having her very own incredible freedom machine - a machine that will allow her to break boundaries, explore the world and learn more about herself than she could have dreamed possible. It seems, however, the machines are not so easy to come by. Will she have the patience and perseverance to find her very own freedom machine?

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.

Irving finds a book in his aunt's apartment and wants to become a magician. He ends up creating a lot of magic. Illustrations move from dusty, sad tones to more vibrant, magical colours.

From little things big things grow - look what happens to Isabella's garden with just the planting of one seed.

Drawing is what Ramon does. It's what makes him happy. But, in one split second, all that is changed. A single, reckless remark by his older brother, Leon, turns Ramon's once carefree expressions into joyless struggles. Luckily for Ramon, his younger sister, Marisol, sees the world differently. She opens his eyes to something far more valuable than getting things just right.

No-one in the tribe on an island of hard-working folk can see the beauty around them, until a blind boy makes them see.

Come look in our backyard and meet the strange creatures. If you are careful you will see a place full of surprises.

Did you know that some food needs the wind to grow? And some food grows in the dark? What food grows in water? And which nut isn't a nut at all, but a type of bean that grows underground? Find out the answers to these quirky questions and lots more about how all kinds of food grows in this awesome book!

A beautiful orb drops from the sky and sets all the insects in the garden to wonder. They begin to come up with ideas on what the object is and from where it came. When the crafty spider thinks he can use this wonderful object to his own benefit, he learns a valuable lesson.

Follow a child's hilarious, wildly inventive train of thought through all the things an apple might be if it is not, in fact, an apple. Distrusting the apple's convincing appearance, the child's imagination spirals upwards and outwards into a magical, fantasy world.

Monkey is reading a book but his friend wants to know what the book can do. It doesn't have a mouse or make loud noises like his computer. He wonders how you make the characters fight.

Only at Jimmy's house will you find a hippo in the bath and a monkey in the lounge room.

It was a special day at the Prime Minister's Lodge. There was going to be a big party with people and yummy food from around Australia. Abby the dog and Jasper the cat were there. And, so was a scruffy, little dog, who promised to be on his best behaviour.

Jellyfish has fallen for a different sort of boy. Her Jelly-Boy might seem big and strong and a good listener, but everyone else knows it's a plastic bag and that plastic bags do not belong in the sea. Jellyfish must learn the dangerous truth of her new friend.

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.

John Brown is a big shaggy dog who loves Rose very much. Can John Brown cope with Rose's care for the outsider cat? A story about the possessiveness of love and letting go.

Based on a true story from Swaziland. After its mother is shot by poachers, a baby rhino must face the world on its own. The baby survives when it is adopted by an older female rhinoceros.

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?

Juliane is a twelve year old refugee. At the age of three, she was separated from her mother due to the conflicts n her home country of Zimbabwe. In her own words, Juliane describes the distress and isolation she felt while growing up in an African orphanage. An incredible chance meeting with her mother reunited the two of them. They applied for political asylum and were finally able to re-establish a life together in their new host country.

On an ordinary day for Amanda, but far from ordinary for the reader, the dinner table is on fire because the curry is too hot, the steps to her room are up a cliff, her pet cat is a lion and a tentacled, three-eyed girl is telling her news at school.

The special relationship between a grandfather and granddaughter that includes kite flying, fishing, tales of a wooden boat with a dragon prow and a love of the sea.

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.

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.

Six-year-old Asiya loves to go to Nanu's house. Best among all of Nanu's treasures is the big old chest filled with quilts that tell the stories of the women in Asyia's family. With gorgeous, fresh and beautifully colourful illustrations inspired by Bangladeshi katha quilts and traditional West Bengali pattachitra panel illustrations, The Katha Chest is a beautifully woven tale about the bonds of love, culture and memory.

A boy gains some of his grandfather's wisdom as they work together to fulfil a dream. A poetic story of boat-building with intriguing illustrations that use interesting elements of design.

A collection of very short but profound stories about a little king in a big world. His endeavours meet with varying degrees of success. The little king has much to learn and nature has much to teach him. Some lessons are droll, funny and ironic but all are profound.

King Karnak is worried. He's getting old and has no heir to the throne. So, he decides to hold a rather unusual competition to find the next king. Knights and nobles flock to the palace, expecting to fight, but the king gives each of them a tiny seed to grow. Jack, the farmer's son, has come to watch and he takes a seed too.

King Leonard is so rich that he can by whatever he wants. Anything old or broken is thrown onto the growing pile of rubbish outside his castle. But one day something breaks that can't be replaced. And what's worse, King Leonard can't find anyone who knows how to fix it.

No-one believes Peter's wild stories about the odd cats in town. He is determined to find out what is going on.

Kookaburra, her mate, and three children spend the day hunting for food, protecting their territory, and preparing for another nesting season. Spend the day learning about some of the habits of the laughing kookaburra and enjoying the beautiful oil paintings of life by the river.

In the corner of Kuia's kitchen lives a spider who makes webs while Kuia makes baskets and mats. They set out to prove which one is the best at weaving by letting the grandchildren decide.

Laika is a stray dog on the streets, until she is chosen to be the first animal launched into space. If things go wrong, would she be lost or found.

Jadianta, Lande and Jalmor, children of the Kadimakara People, are lost - swept away from their home by a fierce storm. The children are now in the land of the Flying-fox people, a place filled with many brave warriors who are friends of the Kadimakara People, and home to the children's aunt, Kylie. But when Lande is bitten by a snake, it is fortunate that the children are reunited with their aunt as she helps to heal Lande's snake bite and prepare the children for the rest of their adventurous journey.

Miri has been on the move with her mother. She is trying to fit in and find her way in a new land. It's time to move again, she is going to miss the place she has been calling home. She arrives in her new house and discovers a new community, a new home, a new school and finds her way in this wonderful new land. She loves the natural world around her and learns from her neighbours and friends about the land and its animals and the local people who have lived here for thousands of years. Will this be the place that she can finally call home?

When Misty's elderly owner can no longer look after her, she is taken to a cat shelter to, hopefully, find a new, loving home. Taken as a Christmas present for two children and renamed Nigella, Misty's wish seems to have been granted but an unfortunate incident with a budgie means another, new home must be found.