Bookshelf

Spirit of the Garden

By Trisha Dixon Featuring a series of written reflections, interwoven with evocative photographs, this beautiful book explores the spirit of landscapes and the different approaches to garden design. RRP $65 bookshop.nla.gov.au

The Perfect Shot

By Lonely Planet From snapping farmers on Madagascar’s Avenue des Baobas to an aerial shot of the Heart Reef on the Great Barrier Reef, discover the persistence required to take the perfect travel photograph. RRP $45 lonelyplanet.com

Ripe Figs

By Yasmin Khan Yasmin Khan travels through Greece, Turkey and Cyprus sharing recipes and powerful stories from a region that has long stood as a meeting point between Europe and the Middle East. RRP $45 bloomsbury.com/au

Elizabeth and Elizabeth

By Sue Williams The story of how two women, who should have been bitter foes, combined their courage and wisdom to wield extraordinary power and influence behind the scenes of the fledgling colony. RRP $29.99 allenandunwin.com

The Hiding Place

By Jenny Quintana Marina is adopted and the circumstances of her birth remain a mystery. Now an adult, Marina hopes a large, shared house in London might hold some clues. RRP $32.99 panmacmillan.com.au

Maxi’s Beach Rescue

By Trent Maxwell & Leigh Mason Maxi’s birthday present was a brand new footy and he can’t wait to take it to the beach. What could possibly go wrong? This picture book is a fun adventure with valuable water safety lessons in there too. RRP $19.95 lifeguardmaxi.com.au

Whereabouts

By Jhumpa Lahiri First written in Italian and then translated by the author herself, Whereabouts is a haunting portrait of a woman, her decisions, her conversations, her solitariness, in a beautiful Italian city. RRP $26.99 bloomsbury.com/au

Sea Fever

By Meg Clothier & Chris Clothier Full of charming illustrations and surprising facts, Sea Fever provides everything you need to know about the sea and shore, from high tides to half-hitches. RRP $29.99 allenandunwin.com