Australian Independent Bookseller
Cover illustration from Jill & Dragon by Lesley Barnes (Tate)
Welcome
Lovely
Dear reader, Nurturing a love of books is the best way of enlarging your child’s world. Books are an endless source of entertainment and learning, they fire up a child’s imagination and provide hours of reading pleasure, enjoyment and education. On the pages of this guide, you’ll find a great selection of books for children of all ages – from picture books for babies and toddlers, to first readers and junior fiction, to more sophisticated texts for teens and young adults. Included in this guide are the best contemporary Australian and international children’s writers. The cover illustration of our guide comes from the jacket image of Lesley Barnes’ new children’s book Jill and Dragon ( Page 3) . Happy reading!
Content
Perfect Danny Parker & Freya Blackwood (Illus) Hardback RRP $24.95 October release, advance orders welcome
On a perfect day, the hours stretch endlessly ahead. Scribbling with chalk, running with kites, digging for shells... paddling, climbing, dreaming. Danny Parker’s Perfect captures the simplicity, spontaneity and freedom of an idyllic childhood, while Freya Blackwood’s paintings of the three children roaming a rolling beach side idyll capture the light - and even the smell and feel - of a perfect summer day. Receive a free limited edition print with every copy. Age: 1+
P 2-4
Picture Books (Up to 5 years)
P5
Picture Books (5 years & over)
P 6
Classics & Favourites
This and That
P7
Junior Fiction (6 years & over)
P 8-9
Bestselling Kids Series (6-10 years)
Mem Fox & Judy Horacek (Illus)
P 10
Older Readers (9-10 years)
P 11
Cross-Over Fiction (10 years & over)
P 12-13 Teens & Young Adults (12+ years) P 14-15 Non-Fiction & Novelty P 16-18 Coming Up for Christmas P 19
CBCA 2015 Winners
P 20
Store information
Hardback RRP $19.99 October release, advance orders welcome
This charming bedtime tale creates a wonderful, whimsical world that young children will love—it tells the story of a mother rat and her child and their adventures in the wide, wide world. From the iconic team of Mem Fox and Judy Horacek, creators of the best-selling Where is the Green Sheep? Age: 2+
The Hush Treasure Book
Jill & Dragon
Hush Foundation
Hardback RRP $24.99
Hardback RRP $29.99 Welcome to the world of HUSH – a world of magic, wonder and mystery. This extraordinary collection of stories, poems and artwork by a stellar cast of children’s book creators has been specially commissioned by the Hush Foundation. Contributors include Nick Bland, Jackie French, Jane Godwin, Bob Graham, Jacqui Grantford, Alison Lester, Glenda Millard, Stephen Michael King, Tohby Riddle, Shaun Tan, Anna Walker, Bruce Whatley, and many more. The bonus CD featuring a special compilation of Hush music compositions. Age: 3+
Wombat Wins
October release, advance orders welcome
‘… and they all lived happily ever after…’ At least, that’s what Jill’s story book tries telling her, but Jill can’t help noticing that at the end of the story, one character looks far from happy. Dragon is despised by the King because all he can do is singe, burn and barbeque. So in an attempt to see her fairy tale ring true, Jill invites Dragon out of the book so she can teach him some alternative life skills. A stunning debut from an exciting author and illustrator, reminds us that everyone has a talent, however well hidden. Age: 3+
Jackie French & Bruce Whatley (Illus)
Are We There Yet? I-Spy
Hardback RRP $24.99
Alison Lester
October release, advance orders welcome
Mothball has become an athlete, albeit a little accidentally. She stumbles upon children at the local school competing in their school sports and despite her limited physique and lack of training, Mothball manages to go home with a gold medal. Age: 3+
Australian author
Lesley Barnes
UP TO 5 YEARS
Picture Books
Hardback RRP $19.99 Join Grace and their family as they travel around Australia in this lift-the-flap version of Alison Lester’s much-loved, classic book, Are We There Yet? Specially adapted for younger children, this fun and playful story centres on everyone’s favourite travelling game, I-spy! Age: 2+
Titles marked with this symbol are available in Bolinda audio format
3
UP TO 5 YEARS
More Picture Books The Big Book of Animals of the World
Colour Dog Matthew Van Fleet
Ole Konnecke
Hardback RRP $29.99
Hardback RRP $24.99
October release, advance orders welcome
A large-format board book of animals from all over the world, illustrated with charm and humour. A wonderful look at common and uncommon animals from around the globe. Simple but charming, this is a great mix of world tour and a day at the zoo.
From #1 New York Times bestselling author Matthew Van Fleet comes a wonderfully interactive book about dogs, dogs, and more dogs, that will help you teach your little ones about colours and much more. Age: 0+
Age: 1+
Pig the Pug, Boxed Set with plush Boxed set RRP $29.99
I Need a Hug Hardback RRP $16.99
Piranhas Don’t Eat Bananas
Aaron Blabey
Aaron Blabey
October/December release, advance orders welcome
Pig is the greediest Pug in the world is now available in a gorgeous boxed set, containing a mini hardback and an irresistible Pig the Pug plush toy! Also by Aaron Blabey and to be released in December is I Need A Hug, a new hilarious tale about an echidna... who just wants a hug. Age: 3+
Rory the Dinosaur: Me and My Dad
What Do You Wish For?
Liz Climo
Jane Godwin & Anna Walker (Illus)
Paperback RRP $12.99 A picture book about a young dinosaur who wants to go on an adventure all by himself, even though his father is always close by. Liz Climo celebrates the bond between father and child with her adorable, deceptively simple illustrations and her timeless story of a child’s quest for independence. Age: 3+
4
Hardback RRP $16.99 Brian loves bananas. Trouble is, Brian’s a piranha. And his friends aren’t happy about his fondness for fruit… From the best-selling author of Pig the Pug and Thelma the Unicorn comes one of the funniest and cheekiest books you’ll ever read. Age: 3+
Hardback RRP $24.99 October release, advance orders welcome
All the children in the street are writing down a special Christmas wish. But what is Ruby’s wish? From this much-loved creative partnership comes a sparkling and beautiful story, full of the wonder of Christmas, the magic of wishing, and the timeless dreams of a child. Age: 2+
5 YEARS & OVER
for the Young & Old
Eye to Eye
Imaginary Fred Eoin Colfer & Oliver Jeffers (Illus) Hardback RRP $27.99 October release, advance orders welcome
The Day the Crayons Came Home Drew Daywalt & Oliver Jeffers (Illus) Hardback RRP $24.99 Oliver Jeffers has teamed up with bestselling children’s authors Eoin Colfer and Drew Daywalt to create two outstanding picture books. In Imaginary Fred, sometimes with a little electricity, luck or magic, an imaginary friend like Fred might appear when you need one. The Day the Crayons Came Home is the sequel to the bestselling The Day the Crayons Quit – a hilarious text and joyful illustrations combine to show that crayons have feelings too! Age: 4+
Brave as Can Be Jo Witek Hardback RRP $19.99 From the author-illustrator team of the breakout bestseller In My Heart comes an empowering exploration of fears and how to overcome them. This playful portrait of bravery empowers young readers to confront once-scary situations and is beautifully packaged with charming illustrations and die-cuts throughout. Age: 2+
Graeme Base Hardback RRP $26.99 October release, advance orders welcome
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 as Graeme Base takes you on a richly illustrated journey of imagination and possibility. From the bestselling author and illustrator of Animalia, The Eleventh Hour, The Last King of Angkok Wat and many others. Age: 3+
Suri’s Wall Lucy Estela & Matt Ottley (Illus.) Hardback RRP $24.99 Eva squeezed Suri’s hand. ‘What’s there? What can you see?’ ‘What can I see?’ Suri looked out over the wall. ‘Oh, it’s beautiful, let me tell you all about it.’ A moving tale of the power of the human spirit brought alive by Lucy Estela and award-winning illustrator Matt Ottley. Age: 6+
5
Classics & Favourites Peter Pan and Wendy
Alice Through the Looking Glass
J.M. Barrie
Lewis Carroll & Robert Ingpen (Illus)
Paperback RRP $19.99 Meet Peter Pan, the boy who never grows up, Tinkerbell the mischievous fairy, the Lost Boys and the villainous Captain Hook. A beautiful paperback edition of the classic text, with illustrations by beloved illustrator Shirley Hughes. Age: 8+
Hardback RRP $39.95 To celebrate the 150th anniversary of Lewis Carroll’s first Alice book, the award-winning illustrator Robert Ingpen has illustrated its enchanting sequel in this sumptuous volume. Full of anarchic humour, witty rhymes and sparkling word play, it will delight new readers and devoted Alice fans alike. Age: 8+
Magical Treasury Enid Blyton Hardback RRP $39.99 October release, advance orders welcome
Enid Blyton was a storyteller who effortlessly transported readers to the enchanted lands of her imagination. This stunning gift book brings popular and little-known Enid Blyton stories together with new illustrations by one of our best-loved illustrators. Age: 8+
Hairy Maclary Treasury and CD
Farm Families; Nursery Rhyme Rainbow Alison Jay Paperbacks RRP $12.99 each Two spellbinding tales from Alison Jay. Farm Families : Follow the farmer from dawn until dinnertime and meet all of the animal families who live on his farm. Nursery Rhyme Rainbow : Come on a colourful quest through the world of well-loved nursery rhymes. Age: 0+
Hardback RRP $39.99 October release, advance orders welcome
Hairy Maclary and Friends: Cuddle and Play Cloth book RRP $19.99 November release, advance orders welcome
Lynley Dodd The rascally Hairy Maclary from Donaldson’s Dairy is adored by millions of children and adults all over the world. Now Lynley Dodd’s ten classic Hairy Maclary tales have been collected into one very special hardback treasury and CD. Age: 2+ Also available Hairy Maclary and Friends Cuddly Cloth Book . Age: 0+
Possum Magic (with CD) Mem Fox Hardback RRP $24.99
Possum Magic, the classic story of Hush and Grandma Poss, is presented for the first time with a CD recording of Mem Fox telling the story. On its first publication in 1983, Possum Magic was an instant success, and has been voted by booksellers as Australia’s best-selling children’s picture book. Age: 4+
Mango & Bambang: The Not-a-Pig, Book 1 Polly Faber Hardback RRP $17.95
6 YEARS & OVER
Junior Fiction
October release, advance orders welcome
Tashi and the Giant Squid; Tashi and the Golden Jawbone; Tashi and the Big Scoop; Tashi and the Magic Carpet Anna Fienberg and Barbara Fienberg Paperbacks RRP $9.99 each Four great new novelisations of original episodes from the hugely popular animated series Tashi screening on ABC3, based on Anna and Barbara Fienberg’s classic character. Each title also features fun games and activities! Age: 6+
Super Cool Awesome Stories; Super Cool Dangerous Stories Paperbacks RRP $16.95 each What do embarrassing sleepovers, blowing up toilets, piranha-infested lakes and sick burps have in common? They can all be found in these SUPER COOL bumper bind-ups! Each book has 10 unput-downable tales for cool kids! Age: 7+
A charming collection of four beautifully illustrated stories about the unlikely friendship between Mango, a little girl, and Bambang, an Asian tapir. When the two unexpectedly meet, a friendship begins, filled with adventures, and of course, plenty of banana pancakes. The Not-a-Pig is Book One in a brilliant series from Polly Faber and Clara Vulliamy. Age: 7+
ABOUT THE AUTHOR Polly Faber is a children’s book blogger and volunteer reading helper through the charity Beanstalk. With her family, she looks after her very own tiny free library outside their house in North London. Mango & Bambang is her first series of books for children.
The Cat with the Coloured Tail Gillian Mears Hardback RRP $19.95 Mr Hooper and The Cat with the Coloured Tail travel through the countryside in their ice-cream van. But something is wrong. When the ice-cream van enters the forest, they realise the heart of the world is in danger. Will they be able to save it? Age: 8+
7
6-10 YEARS
New Books in Best How to Train Your Dragon: Book 12 How to Fight a Dragon’s Fury Cressida Cowell Paperback RRP $19.99 The last book in the much-loved series. It is the Doomsday of Yule. At the end of this day, either the humans or the dragons will face extinction. Alvin the Treacherous is about to be crowned the King; his reign of terror will begin with the destruction of dragons everywhere. Dragons vs Humans: is this the end? Age: 7+
ABOUT THE AUTHOR Cressida Cowell grew up in London and on a small, uninhabited island off the west coast of Scotland. She was convinced that there were dragons living on this island, and has been fascinated by dragons ever since. Cressida has written and illustrated twelve books in the popular How to Train Your Dragon series which is now published in over 30 languages.
WeirDo 5: Totally Weird!; WeirDo Boxed Set Anh Do Paperback/Boxed set RRP $14.99/$49.99 October release, advance orders welcome
Weir’s back! The Camp Kangaroo Challenge is on, and Weir’s team is up against Bella and the new kid… Hans Some! Yep, that’s really his name! Weir Do vs Hans Some! It won’t be easy… but it will be funny! Find the first four best-selling WeirDo books in one super-weird collection! Age: 5+
Lola’s Toy Box: The Patchwork Picnic; On the Story Sea; The Treasure Trove; The Plastic Palace Danny Parker Paperbacks RRP $12.95 each When Lola is given an old toy box, she discovers it’s a magical passageway to a world where toys come to life! Follow Lola and her trusty but rather wonky learn-to-dress clown, Buddy, on their adventures in the Kingdom. The first four books in an exciting new series. Age: 5+
Billie’s Wild Jungle Adventure; Hey Jack! Build A Robot Costume; Hey Jack! That’s Another Big Book Sally Rippin Paperbacks RRP $24.95 each October release, advance orders welcome
Four Hey Jack! books plus make your own robot costume just like Jack! Adjustable and made from strong cardboard to withstand special robot moves. Also includes holographic stickers and antennae. Also available Hey Jack! That’s Another Big Book containing 10 cool stories and loads of activities. Age 5+
8
Billie B Brown: The Big Book of Mystery Sally Rippin Hardbacks RRP $14.95/$24.95 When Billie B Brown goes to kinder, every day becomes a super dooper adventure… Billie is off on a wild jungle adventure! But can she escape the wriggly pink-and-purple python? Age: 3+ The Big Book of Mystery – it’s all six Billie B Mysteries! Age: 7+
6-10 YEARS
Selling Kids Series Alice-Miranda in the Alps, Book 12; Alice-Miranda 2016 Diary Jacqueline Harvey Paperback/Hardback RRP $16.99/$18.99 Alice-Miranda is off to Switzerland to ski & sightsee. The resort town is full of charm, but underneath the picturesque exterior are glimpses of unsavoury characters. Can Alice-Miranda work out who is involved in time to save the Baron’s beloved hotel? Also available is The Alice-Miranda 2016 Diary. Age: 9+
The 65-Storey Treehouse Andy Griffiths & Terry Denton (Illus) Paperback RRP $12.99
The Gateway: The Ancient Starship; The Gateway: The Midnight Mercenary Cerberus Jones
Andy and Terry’s amazing 65-storey treehouse now has a pet-grooming salon, a birthday room where it’s always your birthday (even when it’s not), a room full of exploding eyeballs, a lollipop shop, a quicksand pit, an ant farm, a time machine! Well, what are you waiting for? Come on up! Age: 7+
Paperback RRP $14.95 each Two new instalments in The Gateway series, an edgy adventure series with a dash of sci-fi. A new and terrifying guest puts The Gateway hotel in peril in The Midnight Mercenary, while a mysterious and ancient spaceship is discovered in The Ancient Starship. Age: 7+
Timmy Failure: Sanitized for Your Protection, Book 4
Dork Diaries: Puppy Love, Book 10
Stephan Pastis
Paperback RRP $16.99
Hardback RRP $17.95
October release, advance orders welcome
October release, advance orders welcome
Everyone’s favourite kid detective is back in award-winning author Stephan Pastis’s fourth book in the Timmy Failure series, perfect for fans of Wimpy Kid and Barry Loser. Timmy has to arrest Corrina Corrina and solve the YIP YAP case, and nothing can stand in his way. Age: 9+
Rachel Renee Russell
The brand new instalment from the internationally bestselling Dork Diaries series, now with 13 million copies in print worldwide! Perfect for fans of Wimpy Kid, Tom Gates, Jacqueline Wilson and James Patterson. Age: 9+
9
9-10 YEARS
Older Readers Grandpa’s Great Escape David Walliams Paperback RRP $19.99 October release, advance orders welcome
Jack’s grandpa wears his slippers to the supermarket, serves up tinned tongue for dinner and often doesn’t often remember Jack’s name but he can still take to the skies in a speeding Spitfire and save the day. An exquisite portrait of the bond between a small boy and his beloved Grandpa - this book takes readers on an incredible journey with Spitfires over London and Great Escapes through the city in a high octane adventure full of comedy and heart. Age: 9+
ABOUT THE AUTHOR Since his debut children’s book published in 2008, David Walliams has taken the literary world by storm and is the biggest British children’s author to debut this century. David’s books have been translated into 40+ languages and have sold over 6 million copies in the UK alone.
Fuzzy Mud Louis Sachar Hardback RRP $19.99 The thrillingly weird, scary and hilarious new novel from the multi-million-copy bestselling author of Holes and There’s a Boy in the Girls’ Bathroom. This comic thriller is a story of friendship, bullying, secrets – and toxic, itchy, awful fuzzy mud. Age: 8+
10
Sister Heart Sally Morgan Hardback RRP $19.99 A young Aboriginal girl is taken from the north of Australia and sent to an institution in the distant south. There, she slowly makes a new life for herself and, in the face of tragedy, finds strength in new friendships. Poignantly told from the child’s perspective, Sister Heart affirms the power of family and kinship. Age: 9+
The Luna Laboratoruim N.J. Gemmell Paperback RRP $16.99 October release, advance orders welcome
Armed with the knowledge that their mum might still be alive, Kick, Bert, Scruff and Pin have vowed to find her. They’ll comb the whole world if they have to! The Caddy kids set off for Sydney. Secret tunnels and outback misadventures await! Age: 9+
The Fourteenth Summer of Angus Jack Jen Storer & Lucinda Gifford (Illus) Paperback RRP $16.99 Angus Jack and his sister Martha live next door to a peculiar old lady. She seems harmless enough but who is she really? Ancient feuds, wild magick and bitter rivalries draw them in, in this funny and exhilarating story. Age: 8+
Theophilus Grey and the Demon Thief
The Marvels
Catherine Jinks
Brian Selznick
Hardback RRP $19.99
Hardback RRP $34.99
October release, advance orders welcome
October release, advance orders welcome
Spies, gangs, mysteries, superstition, friendship, and of course, Georgian London… Catherine Jinks, the multi-award-winning author of A Very Unusual Pursuit, is back with the incredible first novel in a two-part intriguing mystery series set in the perilous back alleys of Georgian London. Age: 10+
Sword of Summer: Magnus Chase and the Gods of Asgard Book 1 October release, advance orders welcome
Percy Jackson and the Greek Heroes Rick Riordan Paperbacks RRP $22.99 each
Sword of Summer is a new series from bestselling author Rick Riordan. One day, he’s tracked down by an uncle he’s never met - a man his mother claimed was dangerous. His uncle tells him an impossible secret: Magnus is the son of a Norse god. Also available from Rick Riordan, Percy Jackson and the Greek Heroes. Age: 11+
Star of Deltora: Shadows of the Master, Book 1 Emily Rodda Paperback RRP $9.99 Britta of Del wants nothing less than to be the new Apprentice Trader of the Rosalyn fleet. But how can she succeed when her true identity must surely be guessed by Trader Mab, who knew her father, and the crew of the Star of Deltora? Age: 9+
Master artist and storyteller Brian Selznick invites us on another awe-inspiring voyage with The Marvels.
10 YEARS & OVER
Crossover Fiction
When Brian first experimented with innovative storytelling in The Invention of Hugo Cabret, he used alternating words and pictures to create a single, continuous narrative. Always inspired by a creative challenge, he evolved the form in Wonderstruck and told two independent stories—one in words, the other in pictures—and wove them back and forth until the end, when they converge into a single story. Both books dazzled the world with their vision and ingenuity. And now, Brian raises the bar yet again and presents an entirely new approach to this rich form.
The Marvels, like Wonderstruck , tells two stories—one in pictures, the other in words—but this time, the illustrated story is uninterrupted (covering almost 150 years!) and followed by the prose story, which is seemingly unrelated. Together, they create a beguiling narrative puzzle. The book opens with 400 pages of arresting, tender, and dramatic illustrations that sweep us through five generations of a legendary family. It begins in 1766 with Billy Marvel, who survives a devastating shipwreck, is rescued from a deserted island, and grows up in a London theatre. There his progeny flourish as brilliant stage actors—heroes and madmen, stars and scoundrels—until young Leontes Marvel runs away into the fire of an unknown future. Brian worked on The Marvels for three years, in New York, San Diego and London. “People and places I’ve fallen in love with in the real world are combined with imagined characters and invented locations to create a narrative in words and pictures that span three centuries” says Brian. “A lot of ground is covered in this book, and the journey to make it has been long and complex, but it all begins on a ship at night on the sea.” Enjoy the trip.
11
12 YEARS & OVER
New Releases for Queen of Shadows
The Rest of Us Just Live Here
Sarah J. Maas Paperback RRP $15.99
Patrick Ness Paperback RRP $24.95 What if you weren’t the Chosen One? The one who’s supposed to fight the zombies, or the souleating ghosts, or whatever this new thing is, with the blue lights and the death? What if you just want to graduate and go to prom before someone goes and blows up the high school – again? Also available is an exclusive limited edition hardback. *While stocks last. Age: 12+
ABOUT THE AUTHOR Patrick Ness is the author of the Chaos Walking trilogy for which he has won numerous awards, including the Guardian Children’s Fiction Prize, the Booktrust Teenage Prize and the Costa Children’s Book Award. He was also shortlisted for the Carnegie medal. His book, A Monster Calls, is soon to be a major motion picture in 2016. Patrick has written two other books for adults and is a literary critic for the Guardian. He lives in London.
All the Wrong Questions, Book 4: “Why Is This Night Different From All Other Nights?” Lemony Snicket Hardback RRP $17.95 October release, advance orders welcome
Before A Series of Unfortunate Events, apprentice investigator Lemony Snicket asked All the Wrong Questions. Can Lemony Snicket finally discover all the right answers in this series finale or has everything become derailed? Age: 12+
Another Day
Night Owls
David Levithan
Jenn Bennett
Paperback RRP $19.99
Paperback RRP $19.99
The eagerly anticipated companion to New York Times bestseller Every Day. Bestselling author David Levithan (co-author of Will Grayson, Will Grayson with John Green) tells Rhiannon’s side of the story as she seeks to discover the truth about love and how it can change you. Age: 14+
12
Will Celaena be able to defeat the king of Adarlan once and for all? The action-packed fourth book in the New York Times bestselling Throne of Glass series has everything that fans of Leigh Bardugo and George R.R. Martin’s Game of Thrones yearn for - and more! Age: 12+
October release, advance orders welcome
Meeting Jack on San Francisco’s night bus turns Beatrix’s world upside down. On midnight rides Beatrix begins to see who this enigmatic boy really is. Can she uncover the truth that leaves him so wounded? Age: 14+
*Age guides are approximate. Ask for more personalised advice in-store.
Cloudwish
Zeroes
Fiona Wood
Scott Westerfeld, Margo Lanagan & Deborah Biancotti
Paperback RRP $19.99 doesn’t believe in fairies, zombies, vampires - or magic wishes. She believes in keeping a low profile: real life will start when school finishes. But when she attracts the attention of Billy Gardiner, she finds herself in an unwelcome spotlight. Not even Jane Eyre can help her now. Age: 16+
Paperback RRP $19.99 October release, advance orders welcome
Six unique superheroes, one bag of stolen drug money, one bungled bank robbery and a whole heap of trouble. Filled with high-stakes action and drama, Zeroes unites three powerhouse authors for the opening instalment of a thrilling new YA series. Age: 14+
The Tattooed Heart Michael Grant Paperback RRP $22.95 October release, advance orders welcome
If you have been bad and yet escaped punishment, the Messenger of Fear may come to you. He will offer you a game. Should you win the game, you walk away free. Should you lose the game, you must pay the ultimate price. The second book in The Messender of Fear series. Age: 14+
Maze Runner: The Scorch Trials Movie Tie-In Maze Runner Collection Box Set James Dashner Paperback/Boxed set RRP $17.99/$49.99 The second book in the bestselling The Maze Runner series is now available in a movie tie-in edition. Also available is: The Maze Runner Collection Box Set - all four Maze Runner titles, including the prequel, The Kill Order. Age: 12+
12 YEARS & OVER
Teens & Young Adults
Fiona Wood shares a few of the inspirations behind her new book, Cloudwish. A challenge: When I asked my homework club student, who is Vietnamese Australian, if she liked seeing Uyen Nguyen in Six Impossible Things, she said, Yes, but she doesn’t get to DO much. So in Wildlife I created the minor character , who steps forward as the protagonist of Cloudwish and gets to do plenty.
A small glass vial: A present from a friend: a slip of paper sealed inside a tiny glass vial. A beautiful, evocative object – easy to imagine it might have magical properties. encounters a similar object, makes a wish, and then has to decide if the wish has indeed come true, or if she’s temporarily lost her reason.
A favourite book, Jane Eyre : loves Jane Eyre, by Charlotte Bronte and frequently asks the question: What would Jane do? when confronted with a dilemma. A story in which integrity trumps privilege has resonance for , a scholarship student at cushy Crowthorne Grammar (Wildlife) . She sees Jane as the quiet girls’ hero.
The world where we live: We have a fabulously diverse society and I wanted to represent that. To acknowledge taking on a main character outside my own cultural background, I’ve written Cloudwish in the third person. I approached the writing with respect for the difference, and an awareness of commonality. I’d worked for six years in a volunteer tutor program and saw the particular challenges faced by students and parents negotiating their way between two cultures. In writing this book I had generous help from people within the Vietnamese Australian community.
13
Adam Spencer’s Enormous Book of Numbers Adam Spencer Paperback RRP $19.99 November release, advance orders welcome
Whose heart beats the fastest, a canary or a cow? How many legs do hermit crabs have? Can you draw a snub dodecahedron? All these questions and more are revealed in Adam Spencer’s Enormous Book of Numbers. Jam-packed with stuff to make, decode, deduce, descramble, dewrite and decipher, counting has never been so cool! Age: 8+
Q&A with ADAM SPENCER Q: When did you first fall in love with numbers? The first number I fell in love with was 4 because you could split in in half and put it back again. And because 4 was half of 8 and 8 half of 16 then 32, 64, and on forever. I was only about 4 or 5 at the time and I’ve loved numbers ever since.
Q: What does an appreciation of maths give you as an adult? Maths comes up everywhere - saving and spending money, measuring and building things, cooking food, keeping score at the footy, it’s all over the place!
Q: What do you say to kids who think maths is boring? Buy my ENORMOUS BOOK OF NUMBERS and fall in love with maths!
Q: What’s your favourite number and why? 6 is called a ‘perfect’ number because when you add up its divisors, not including 6 itself, you get 1 + 2 + 3 = 6. This is rare for a number. The next time it happens is for the number 28.
Q: Which do you prefer: Mathletics or athletics? At school I did both and loved them but I’m probably a lot better at Mathletics these days!
Non-Fiction & Australian Kids through the Years Tania McCartney & Andrew Joyner (Illus) Hardback RRP $24.99 October release, advance orders welcome
Come on a journey through the years with our Australian kids. The fun illustrations highlight what Australian kids liked to eat, the games they played, the clothes they wore and the activities they enjoyed. See how these things have changed through the years. Age: 4+
The Travel Book Hardback RRP $29.99 Take a world tour through 200 countries. With a mix of stunning photography and beautiful illustrations and amazing facts on sports, wildlife, how people live, fabulous and hideous foods and loads more quirky insights, the kids version of the The Travel Book will educate and inspire a new generation of curious travellers.
Adventures Around the Globe Paperback RRP $16.99 Our special edition Atlas takes our young readers on a nonstop tour of the continents. Introducing each continent in turn with a beautifully illustrated map, then delving deeper into some of the most iconic sights, readers will love to add stickers and colour to the stunning scenes. There’s also a foldout surprise – a 3D model of the globe to make.
How to be an International Spy Hardback RRP $24.99 There is no going back, agent. Once you enter this book your training will begin as you join the secret world of spies. Your training will take you through the ranks from recruit to secret agent, giving you a host of skills to put into covert operation immediately. Age: 8+
14
The Wonder Garden Kristjana S Williams & Jenny Broom Hardback RRP $35.00 November release, advance orders welcome
Discover extraordinary animals from all corners of the globe that have evolved to survive the harshest environments, outlive predators, or find a new mate, with the vivid engravings of Icelandic artist Kristjana S Williams that make real-life seem more fantastic than fantasy. Age: 7+
ALL AGES
Novelty for All Ages
Historium; Story of Life: Evolution Jo Nelson & Richard Wilkinson; Katie Scott Hardback RRP $39.95/$24.95 Two new fantastic publications from the creators of Maps and Animalium. Welcome to Historium, this museum houses an astonishing collection of more than 130 objects from ancient civilisations. Story of Life captures the history of life on earth in a single shapshot; a two-metre-wide timeline illustrated in stunning detail. Age: 7+
This catalogue is printed on paper which is fully PEFC Certified (Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification scheme), a program which promotes the sustainable management of forests. In addition, the paper is Australian Made with 92% of the energy used coming from renewable sources providing an environmentally friendly paper with a low carbon footprint. The pulp was bleached using totally Chlorine Free (TCF) process. This Catalogue is produced in accordance with the environment ISO 14001 Standard
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Great New Children’s Where’s Jessie? Janeen Brian & Anne Spudvilas (Illus)
Alice in Wonderland Rebecca Dautremer
Hardback RRP $24.99
Hardback RRP $29.99
November release, advance orders welcome
December release, advance orders welcome
Bertie Bear was going on a long journey. He didn’t realise it would be on a camel! And he never imagined he would be having adventures on his own, far away from Jessie. Award winning author Janeen Brian has created a beautiful story for Bertie with stunning illustrations from Anne Spudvilas. This is a very special Australian story! Age: 3+
When Alice sees the White Rabbit running by on the river bank, she follows him, tumbling down a Rabbit Hole into a magical world where nothing is ever as it seems... A must-have, full-colour gift edition celebrating 150 years of Alice in Wonderland ! Age: 9+
ABOUT THE AUTHOR Janeen Brian is the author of many award-winning children’s books. Here she has created a beautiful story for Bertie, a mix of truth and her own imagination. The ‘real Bertie’ makes a star appearance at the back of the book.
ABOUT THE Illustrator Anne Spudvilas is an established portrait painter and award-winning illustrator of children’s books. In 2008 she illustrated The Peasant Prince, which won the NSW Premier’s Award, the Australian Book Industry Award for Younger Readers and the Queensland Premiers Award.
The Nutcracker Margrete Lamond Hardback RRP $19.95 November release, advance orders welcome
On the bicentenary anniversary comes a retelling of a classic Christmas tale, beloved by generations. Margrete Lamond’s emotive interpretation is accompanied by Ritva Voutila’s beautifully detailed illustration that children young and old will cherish.. Age: 5+
Numerical Street Lauren Child
Hilary Bell & Antonia Pesenti (Illus)
Hardback RRP $24.99
Hardback RRP $24.99
October release, advance orders welcome
November release, advance orders welcome
Charlie and Lola return in a perfectly funny, perfectly formed picture book that sees top negotiator Lola take on numbers in everyday life and bend them to her endearing and unique will. New from the bestselling, multi award-winning author and artist, Lauren Child.
From the creators of the bestselling Alphabetical Sydney comes a counting book set in a bright and quirky streetscape where there’s always something new to find. Children will love the fun rhyming text that guides them as they hop, skip or jump up Numerical Street. Age: 3+
One Thing
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Books for Christmas The Cleo Stories: A Friend and a Pet Libby Gleeson & Freya Blackwood (Illus) Hardback RRP $16.99 November release, advance orders welcome
Cleo’s best friend is away, her parents are busy, and there’s nothing to do but count raindrops – or tidy her room. Just when she thinks she’ll never cheer up, Cleo has an idea. Cleo longs for a pet but her parents say no. Perhaps the answer is hidden somewhere unexpected... Age: 5+
Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone J.K. Rowling
School Ship Tobermory Alexander McCall Smith & Iain McIntosh (Illus) Hardback RRP $22.99 November release, advance orders welcome
A brand new children’s series from the best-selling author Alexander McCall Smith. Follow the exploits of the children who go to a most unusual school – the sail-powered training ship Tobermory. In this first instalment Ben and Fee’s suspicions are aroused when a film crew arrives in Tobermory Bay. Age: 8+
Hardback RRP $59.99 October release, advance orders welcome
Prepare to be spellbound by Jim Kay’s dazzling depiction of the wizarding world and much loved characters in this landmark publishing event – a full-colour illustrated hardback edition of the favourite children’s book – Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone. Brimming with rich detail and humour that perfectly complements J.K. Rowling’s timeless classic, Jim Kay’s glorious illustrations will captivate fans and new readers alike. Illustrator Jim Kay is the winner of the Kate Greenway medal. Age: 6+
Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Old School, Book 10
Asterix and the Missing Scroll
Jeff Kinney
Jean-Yves Ferri
Paperback RRP $14.99
Hardback RRP $24.99
November release, advance orders welcome
October release, advance orders welcome
Life was better in the old days. Or was it? That’s the question Greg Heffley is asking as his town voluntarily unplugs and goes electronics-free. But modern life has its conveniences, and Greg isn’t cut out for an old-fashioned world. Age: 9+
This brand new adventure by Didier Conrad and Jean-Yves Ferri, A sterix and the Missing Scroll is the 36th book in the Asterix series! Age: 7+
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More for Christmas Illuminae Amie Kaufman & Jay Kristoff
Ruby Redfort: Pick Your Poison
Paperback RRP $19.99 November release, advance orders welcome
Kady and Ezra are piecing together what’s left of their lives, and their romance, and trying to survive an intergalactic war. Constructed to look like a foundfootage style dossier, each page has been heavily designed to form a ground-breakingly original and fully immersive reading experience. Age: 14+
Q&A with the authors of Illuminae
Lauren Child Hardback RRP $19.99 November release, advance orders welcome
Meet Ruby Redfort: supercool secret agent, code-cracker and 13-year-old girl. There’s a poisoner on the loose and a plot striking at the heart of Ruby’s family. Ruby’s following a trail of clues, but this may not have a happy ending. Age: 9+
Describe Illuminae in 25 words or less! Battlestar Galactica meets 10 Things I Hate About You. Kissing, explosions, mad computers, battles in space, suspense, death, destruction, love, inappropriate jokes, unique design.
Red Queen: Obernewtyn, Book 7
Tell us one thing about the writing of Illuminae that you haven’t told anyone else before. We’ll do better, we’ll give you two! First, we sprinkled the whole book with friends and family--they die horribly in space, command battleships and fly Cyclone fighters! They’re hiding all over the place. Second, the blood spatter on p158 was made by Jay spitting paint onto the page -- he’s a method writer. (It tasted disgusting.)
How did you come to write together, and decide on such a unique format? We met because Amie was stumped by her tax paperwork for the US authorities, and Jay had already suffered through it. She offered to buy him brunch if he’d help her fill it out. We were instant friends, but it was a while before we decided to write together. Once we started tossing ideas around, we knew we wanted to play with the very idea of what a book could be. We wanted to challenge ideas about design, format and storytelling, and we were lucky enough to find publishers who kept urging us to greater heights, rather than holding us back!
Admit it: if your planet were attacked, would you be as brave as Ezra and Kady? We definitely wouldn’t last as long! Amie wouldn’t have time to be brave -- she’s so uncoordinated she regularly walks into stationary objects. She’d be wiped out in the first wave of the attack. Jay would do slightly better, but he once failed a ‘would you survive the zombie apocalypse test’ because (ready, ladies?) he indicated he would double back to save his wife. (Awwwww!)
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Isobelle Carmody Paperback RRP $32.99 November release, advance orders welcome
The highly anticipated final book in the epic Obernewtyn Chronicles saga from bestselling author Isobelle Carmody. Drawing to a close the journey of Elspeth Gordie and the Misfits, The Red Queen will excite fans right to the very last page. Age: 12+
Ranger’s Apprentice The Early Years 1: The Tournament at Gorlan John Flanagan Paperback RRP $18.99 The Ranger’s Apprentice origin story fans have been waiting for! Before they became the most famous Ranger in the land and the hard-working Ranger Commandant, Halt and Crowley were young friends determined to change the world. Age: 9+
The Children’s Book Council of Australia
WINNERS
2015
The Children’s Book Council of Australia (CBCA) celebrates Australian children’s literature and its creators, and seeks to engage the community with literature for young Australians. Each year the CBCA run the Book of the Year Awards, and supports the Children’s Book Week – the longest running children’s festival in Australia. Here is this year’s list of CBCA Winners and Honour Books in each category:
Older Readers WINNER
Younger Readers WINNER
The Protected Claire Zorn (University of Queensland Press)
The Cleo Stories: The Necklace and The Present Libby Gleeson, illus by Freya Blackwood (Allen & Unwin)
Honour books
Honour books
Nona & Me Clare Atkins (Black Inc.)
Two Wolves Tristan Bancks (Random House)
The Minnow Diana Sweeney (Text)
Withering-by-Sea: A Stella Montgomery Intrigue
Judith Rossell (ABC Books)
Early Childhood
Picture Book
WINNER
WINNER
Go to Sleep, Jessie! Libby Gleeson, illus by Freya Blackwood (Little Hare)
My Two Blankets Irena Kobald, illus by Freya Blackwood (Little Hare)
Honour books
Honour books
Scary Night
One Minute’s Silence
Lesley Gibbes, illus by Stephen Michael King (Working Title Press)
David Metzenthen, illus by Michael Camilleri, (Allen &Unwin)
Noni the Pony Goes to the Beach
Alison Lester (Allen & Unwin)
The Stone Lion
Margaret Wild, illus by Ritva Voutila, (Little Hare)
Eve Pownall Award for Information Books
Crichton Award or New Illustrators
WINNER
WINNER
A-Z of Convicts in Van Diemen’s Land Simon Barnard (Text)
One Minute’s Silence Michael Camilleri, text by David Metzenthen, (Allen & Unwin)
Honour books Tea and Sugar Christmas
Jane Jolly, Illus by Robert Ingpen (National Library of Australia) Audacity: Stories of Heroic Australians in Wartime
Carlie Walker (Department of Veterans’ Affairs)
Recent Children’s Bestsellers 1
The 65-Storey Treehouse by Andy Griffiths & Terry Denton
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The 26-Storey Treehouse by Andy Griffiths & Terry Denton
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The 13-Storey Treehouse by Andy Griffiths & Terry Denton
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The 39-Storey Treehouse by Andy Griffiths & Terry Denton
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The 52-Storey Treehouse by Andy Griffiths & Terry Denton
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The Hush Treasure Book
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Percy Jackson and the Greek Heroes by Rick Riordan
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The Bad Guys - Episode 1 by Aaron Blabey
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In My Heart: A Book of Feelings by Jo Witek
10 Bold as Can Be: A Book of Courage by Jo Witek Source: Nielsen BookScan
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More Great Kids Books Olive of Groves Katrina Nannestad & Lucia Masciullo (Illus) Hardback RRP $19.99 November release, advance orders welcome
Olive has always dreamed of attending boarding school, but Mrs Groves’ Boarding School for Naughty Boys, Talking Animals and Circus Performers is not what she expected. Will friendship and wits be enough to survive bully Pig McKenzie’s Truly Wicked Plan or will Olive be cast out of Groves forever? Age: 8+
ABOUT THE AUTHOR Katrina Nannestad grew up in country NSW in a neighbourhood stuffed full of happy children. Katrina now lives near Bendigo with her family and an exuberant black whippet called Olive. She dreams of one day owning a spotted pig called Harold.
ABOUT THE Illustrator Lucia Masciullo is an award winning children’s book illustrator from Livorno, Italy. She moved to Australia in 2007 and now lives and works on the Gold Coast.
KidGlovz Julie Hunt & Dale Newman (Illus) Hardback RRP $24.99 KidGlovz is a musical genius. His gift is so precious that he’s kept under lock and key. But when a young thief helps him escape, Kid must embark on a perilous journey through which he will discover the terrifying nature of his talent. A spellbinding graphic fable about friendship and freedom. Age: 8+
The Singing Bones Shaun Tan Hardback RRP $35.00 October release, advance orders welcome
A unique and alluring art book showcasing Shaun Tan’s extraordinary sculptures based on the timeless and compelling fairy tales of the Brothers Grimm. Introduced by Grimm Tales author Philip Pullman and leading fairy tale scholar Jack Zipes, The Singing Bones breathes new life into some of the world’s most beloved fairy tales. Age: 12+
Our Store Details
Prices listed in this catalogue as RRP refer to publishers’ recommended retail prices. While every attempt has been made to ensure accuracy of price and availability, these may be subject to change without notice by publishers. Some bookstores may not be able to hold stock of every book in this guide but in most cases, any title not currently in stock can easily be ordered in at your request. All special prices and offers are valid from 14/9/2015 until 30/11/2015 unless otherwise stated or stock has sold out.