Review: Powerful Like A Dragon

A dragon is proud, strong, kind. Be powerful like a dragon.

Words that bolster and build incentive to never give up. Never give in. Especially to the ravages and horrors of war. 

One would think that stories centred around this theme would be a thing of the past and yet, the plight of refugees displaced by senseless conflicts remains a global concern to this day.

Powerful Like a Dragon is a compelling piece of storytelling based on award-winning author, Christopher Cheng’s real-life family history. Caught in the grips of invasion in the midst of World War II, many of Cheng’s extended family made the life-saving decision to flee their homeland in Hong Kong and seek refuge in China.

Review: New Year Surprise!

Little Brother is impatient to be part of the preparations for the Spring Festival. He has been told that he has a very special responsibility on the day, but it seems that all of the important jobs are already being done by other members of his family. What will his special job be?

Beautifully illustrated with traditional Chinese paints and brushes on rice paper by Di Wu, New Year Surprise! captures the excitement of Chinese New Year (Spring Festival) celebrations in a snowy rural northern Chinese village. The text by Christopher Cheng follows Little Brother as his family prepares for Spring Festival and as they celebrate this special event with their extended family and friends.

Review: Bear and Rat

‘Bear,’ said Rat. ‘I’ve been wondering. Will we always hold hands like this, even when we are old and wrinkly…

Bear and Rat are special friends. The best of friends. Forever friends. Soul mates.

As they journey together through the seasons, Rat ponders and asks Bear...

10 Quirky Questions with author Christopher Cheng

1. What's your hidden talent?

I used to play the piano and guitar well (separately, not together... I'm not that talented) and I used to sing!

2. Who is your favourite literary villain and why?
Mine is not a WHO (Dr.) it's a what... a DARLEK

3. You're hosting a literary dinner party, which five authors would you invite? (alive or dead)
More than a few authors and illustrators have feasted within these walls so these are five who haven’t:
William Shakespeare; Agatha Christie; Charles Dickens; CS Lewis; Marcia Williams (feasting at Marcia’s abode has been exquisite on many occasions so it would be awesome to do the same here. And I would cook).

Review: One Tree

In Bruce Whatley’s spectacular visual narrative of One Tree written by Christopher Cheng, Whatley wanted an illustration style that reflected Chinese culture and tradition. 

The outcome is a stunning series of full-page linocut-look illustrations whose beauty will leave readers in awe of his talent in transforming text.

This is a significant story told in first person narrative from the point of view of a boy, perhaps taken from Christopher Chen’s own rich background. It could be anyone’s story. 

It speaks of an earlier generation when every day was lived to the fullest, when older members of the family taught their life to the younger ones through stories. 

Review: Australia's Greatest Inventions and Innovations

Which country is responsible for inventing the Hills Hoist clothes line, black box flight recorder and the cochlear implant (bionic ear)?  Most of you would know that the answer is Australia. What about the disposable syringe, baby safety capsule and stay-sharp knife? That’s Australia again.

Over the years, Australian inventors and innovators have had a profound impact on international society. From saving lives to saving time, Australian thinkers, scientists, engineers and designers have an impressive history of coming up with practical and useful solutions to significant problems.

Review: Sounds Spooky

Whilst reading through this extraordinary new book, I found myself asking lots of questions (of no one in particular):

Paintings? Computer-generated art? Models? A blend? What the?

Already completely enamoured with the superlative talents of multi-tasking artist Sarah Davis, I was simply quite boggled as to how this picture book was put together.

It wasn't until the end of the book that all was revealed (I love it when books reveal the artist's medium!) 0 and quite astonishingly, Davis has not only created models of each of the book's characters, she even created an entire haunted house from cardboard and plaster.

Review: Pollination: How does my garden grow?

Told as a conversation between a young child and their grandparents, Pollination: How Does My Garden Grow? is an accessible explanation of the concept of pollination.

It begins with the child watching and learning how bees gather pollen and distribute it as they move from flower to flower, and that bees will also eat pollen. Other animals are also discussed and include butterflies, bats and possums.

12 Curly Questions with author Christopher Cheng

photo: Marco Del Grande

1. Tell us something hardly anyone knows about you.
Once upon a time, in a land far, far away, a little boy had short, short (very short) hair!

2. What is your nickname?
There was a time when I was called Sunlong (remember those TV commercials for rice). Maybe Chenga, Chengie, or China … none of which I would respond to. And a very dear friend of mine calls me Cheng - he is the only one who ever gets a response to that!

3. What is your greatest fear?
Blood … I can’t even watch those medical television programmes (argh, irk, turn-the-head-away and cringe before screaming ‘why didn’t they warn us first!!!’) … just ask Bini what happens! argh!

4. Describe your writing style in ten words.
Write, read, edit, repeat (and again), ponder, ready? Then send to editor (I was not too good at maths at high school).

Book List: Books about China for Children

Happy Chinese New Year! Welcome to the Year of the Monkey.

To acknowledge the festivities underway for Chinese New Year, we've compiled a list of picture books, junior and middle fiction novels, and junior non-fiction books that celebrate China and Chinese culture.

The Race for the Chinese Zodiac by Gabrielle Wang, Sally Rippin and Regine Abos, Walker Books, $24.99 RRP, 9781742031231

Riley and the Sleeping Dragon by Tania McCartney and Mo Qovaizi, Tania McCartney, $16.95 RRP, 9780980475005

Riley and the Dancing Lion by Tania McCartney and Kieron Pratt, Tania McCartney, $16.95 RRP, 9780980475029

New Year Surprise! by Christopher Cheng and Di Wu, NLA Publishing, $24.99 RRP,  9780642278838

Giveaway: Wombat Nature Storybook

Far underground, where dirt and tree roots mesh, are tunnels that lead to a burrow, and in this burrow Wombat’s day begins. This is a story about the life of a wombat, looking at the interesting way these animals build their homes, look after their family and protect themselves from predators. 

Wombat by Christopher Cheng and Liz Duthie is the beautiful new addition to the Nature Storybooks series, which feature a lyrical narrative and engaging nonfiction combined with stunning artwork to pique the curiosity of young minds.

To celebrate the April release of this beautifully presented picture, our friends at Walker Books Australia have a copy to giveaway.

For the chance to win this gorgeous picture book  in 25 words or less, tell us which animal would you most like to write a book about, and why?

Winner: Wombat Nature Storybook

Our lucky winner is...

Liz Dorrington, WA

Congratulations!

You have won a copy of the beautiful picture book by Christopher Cheng and Liz Duthie, Wombat.

Enjoy!

Thank you to ALL who entered.

Giveaway: Old Fellow

Renowned Australian creators, Christopher Cheng and Liz Anelli, have combined forces to produce a touching and tender picture book about the joy that can be found in companionship and community.

An old man and an old dog look after each other on their daily trip to the local park. Along the way they meet friends new and old who brighten their day in different ways. 

For your chance to win a copy of this beautiful, heartwarming picture book courtesy of Walker Books Australia, tell us in 25 words or less what’s your favourite thing to do with your friends? And Why?

Winner: Old Fellow

Our lucky winner is...

Leo, Neeson, NT

Congratulations!

You have won a copy of the heartwarming picture book, Old Fellow by Christopher Cheng and Liz Anelli.

Thank you to ALL who entered. We had some truly uplifting entries from ALL around Australia! 

Looking for Books for... Halloween

Halloween is only a few days away, so we though we'd get in the mood with some spooky and scary picture books! So what is it about freaky, spooky, gruesome and ghoulish books that kids like? Scary books give kids the opportunity to experience the thrill of a little bit of fear whilst knowing they are actually safe and comfortable, sitting with whoever is reading them the story. They can feel a sense of achievement at being brave whilst exploring their fears in a safe environment.

We hope you enjoy reading some of these scary and spooky (and fun!) picture books over the coming days!

Scary Night by Lesley Gibbes and Stephen Michael King, Working Title Press, $24.99, 9781921504631, 3+, KBR Review

Valentine's Day Special: Books to Fall in Love With

Have you ever, seriously and truly, fallen head over heels in love with the book? We at KBR frequently have this experience - so much so, we were compelled to ask some well-known literary faces for their secret children's book crushes.

In support of the National Year of Reading, here are the books making hearts aflutter all over the country . . .

CBCA Book of the Year 2013 Shortlist Announcement

I went along to Civic Library in Canberra today for one of my favourite events of the year - the Children's Book Council of Australia Shortlist announcement. Judges from all over Australia were in attendance, along with the divine Boori Monty Pryor, Children's Laureate and other special guests.

Emcee Rosemary Thomas {above, second from right} introduced CBCA President for the ACT, Leanne Barrett {above right} who welcomed guests and honoured the Indigenous landowners of Canberra so eloquently.

We then heard from Vanessa Little, Director of Libraries ACT, who spoke on the connection between books and libraries. She also spoke of the continuing work of Love 2 Read (formally the National Year of Reading).

Teachers' Notes & Lesson Plans

Due to the upkeep of this list of teacher/librarians' notes and lesson plans, and the fact that links often break or change, we will only be adding sporadically to the list when notes/plans directly come to hand. In light of this, we have included publisher links to a vast amount of teaching resources, below, which will help you in your search for fabulous teaching material.

Every effort is made to provide accurate links, however, if the publisher/book/author website changes or deletes them, some links could appear broken here. Do let us know if you find a broken link so we can delete it from the page.

If you are looking for a certain book that is not featured here, we recommend searching the publisher website for the book in question, googling the title along with either 'teaching notes' or 'lesson plans', or contacting the publisher directly to ask if there are any notes available. Most publishers these days are providing this valuable resource.

Allen & Unwin Teacher Resources
Teaching notes, class set suggestions, teacher reference books, book reviews, book-linked activities, school catalogues, trailers, newsletters

EK Books Teaching Notes
Teaching Notes

The Five Mile Press
News, book lists

Ford Street Publishing Teaching Notes
Teaching notes, Australian curriculum, New Zealand curriculum, posters, maps, activity sheets

Fremantle Press Classroom Express
Teaching notes, news and resources, author bookings

Gecko Press Teaching Notes
Teaching notes, activity sheets

Hachette Schools, UK
Teaching notes, activity sheets, discussion guides, resources, blogs, author videos

Hachette Children's Australia Teachers and Librarians
Teachers' guides and notes, activity templates, reading groups

Hardie Grant Egmont Teachers' Resources
Teaching notes

HarperCollins Australia Teachers' Hub
Teaching notes, Australian curriculum, events, blog, competitions

HarperCollins Children's Teacher and Librarians, US
Teaching notes and resources, authors and illustrators, book activities, awards and honors, e-newsletter, author and illustrator bookings

Lamont Standing Order Teaching Notes
Teaching notes

Larrikin House 

Teaching notes and resources. Click on the 'Look Inside' box under each book image to access teaching notes and resources.

Little Big Book Club Resources
Activity and learning resources

National Library of Australia Teaching Notes
Teaching notes

New Frontier Teachers and Librarians
Teaching notes, catalogue, schools order form

Pan Macmillan Australia Teaching Notes
Teaching Notes

Penguin Australia Teachers' Academy 2011 - 2015
A blog for teachers, teaching notes and units of work

Penguin Australia Teachers' Notes
Teaching resources, a teachers' e-newsletter

Penguin New Zealand Teachers' Notes
Teaching resources, a teachers' e-newsletter

Penguin Random House Education
Teaching resources and guides

Penguin Teachers' Area
Penguin readers, Penguin Active Reading, Penguin Young Readers, Penguin Kids, link to guides (teaching notes), teacher support programme

Penguin US Teachers' Guides
Includes Shakespeare and adult titles

Puffin Books Australia
Newsletter, recommended reads, activity packs

Random House Australia Teachers Notes
Teaching resources, a teachers' e-newsletter

Random House New Zealand Teachers Notes
Teaching resources, a teachers' e-newsletter

Reading Australia
Teaching resources, Australian curriculum, articles, book lists, activities, competitions, news and podcasts

Scholastic Australia
Literary resources, professional learning,  PR1ME Mathematics, Literacy Pro, key links

Scholastic Australian Standing Orders
Teaching notes

Scholastic New Zealand
PR1ME Mathematics, Literacy Pro, key links, Book Flix, Teacher Toolkit

Scholastic New Zealand Standing Orders
Teaching resources

Scholastic US Teachers
Teaching ideas and activities, book clubs, Book Wizard, authors, book lists, articles and much more

Text Publishing Education
Teaching notes, education e-newsletter

University of Queensland Press Teachers
Teaching notes, Linking Literature to Learning

Walker Books Australia Teaching Resources
Authors and illustrators, news, books, events and kids corner

Walker Books Australia Classroom
Teaching notes, notes by theme, book lists, newsletter

Wilkins Farago Teaching Notes
Teaching notes, news and blog

Working Title Press Teachers' Notes
Teaching notes, Australian curriculum

Book Titles

A
The ABC Book of Poetry; a treasury for young people 2010 by Libby Hathorn
Abyssinia by Ursula Dubosarsky
A Certain Music by Celeste Walters
A Curry for Murray by Kate Hunter
A Dad Who Measures Up by Davide Cali
A Day to Remember by Jackie French
Act of Faith by Kelly Gardiner
Adorable Alice by Cassandra Webb
Adults Only by Morris Gleitzman
Against the Odds by Marjolijn Hof
Alberta by Tania Cox
The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho
Alex and the Watermelon Boat by Chris McKimmie
Alexander Altmann A10567 by Suzy Zail
Alfie's Big Wish by David Hardy
Alfie's Search for Destiny by David Hardy
Alice-Miranda Takes the Lead by Jacqueline Harvey
Alice-Miranda At School by Jacqueline Harvey
Alone on a Wide Wide Sea by Michael Morpurgo
The Amazing Spencer Gray by Deb Fitzpatrick
Amina (Through My Eyes #2) by J L Powers
An Anzac Tale by Ruth Starke
An Aussie Year by Tania McCartney and Tina Snerling
An English Year by Tania McCartney and Tina Snerling
A New York Year by Tania McCartney and Tina Snerling 
A Scottish Year by Tania McCartney and Tina Snerling
A Texas Year by Tania McCartney and Tina Snerling 
And the Band Played Waltzing Matilda by Eric Bogle
Animal Heroes Anthony Hill
Anzac Ted by Belinda Landsberry
Are We There Yet? by Alison Lester
A Ghost In My Suitcase by Gabrielle Wang
A True Person by Gabiann Marin
A Ute Picnic and Other Australian Poems by Lorraine Marwood
At The End of Holyrood Lane Lane Lane by Dimity Powell
Audrey Goes to Town by Christine Harris
Audrey of the Outback by Christine Harris
Aussie Heroes: Dame Nellie Melba by Gabiann Marin
Aussie Heroes: Professor Fred Hollows by Hazel Edwards
Aussie Legends by Tom Baddeley
Australia Illustrated by Tania McCartney
Australian Kids Through the Years by Tania McCartney and Andrew Joyner
Australian Story by Tania McCartney
A Very Unusual Pursuit by Christine Jinks

B
Baby Bilby's Question by Sally Morgan
Baby Tawnies by Judy Paulson 
Baby Wombat's Week by Jackie French 
Bad Dog Flash by Ruth Paul 
Badudu Stories by May L. O'Brien
Ballroom Bonanza by Nina Rycroft
Banjo Bounces Back by Lachie Hume 
The Bear with the Sword by Davide Cali
The Bears' Picnic by Jan and Stan Berenstain
Beautiful Monster by Kate McCaffrey
Before the Storm by Sean McMullen
The Beginner's Guide to Revenge by Marianne Musgrove
Bertie by Pamela Allen
Between Shades of Gray by Ruta Sepetys
Beyond Evie by Rebecca Burton
Big and Me by David Miller
Big River Little Fish by Belinda Jeffrey 
Bilby Moon by Margaret Spurling
Bird by Crystal Chan
Bird and Bear by Ann James
The Black Book of Colours by Menena Cottin
The Black Dog Gang by Robert Newton
Black Painted Fingernails by Steven Herrick 
Black Taxi by James Moloney
Blueback by Tim Winton
The Blue-Eyed Aborigine by Rosemary Hayes
Bobbie Dazzler by Margaret Wild
Bog Frog Hop by Kyle Mewburn
The Book of Lies by James Moloney
The Bouncing Ball by Deborah Kelly
The Boy and the Toy by Sonya Hartnett
Boy Overboard by Morris Gleitzman
Brown Skin Blue by Belinda Jeffrey
Bumface by Morris Gleitzman
Bush Bash! by Sally Morgan and Amberlin Kwaymullina
Butterflies by Susanne Gervay
Butterfly by Sonya Hartnett
Buzz Off! by Randa Abdel Fattah
Bye, Beautiful by Julia Lawrinson

C
Caesar the War Dog by Stephen Dando-Collins
Caleb's Crossing by Geraldine Brooks
Calypso Summer by Jared Thomas
The Camel Who Crossed Australia by Jackie French
Captain Congo and the Klondike Gold by Ruth Starke
Captain Congo and the Crocodile King by Ruth Starke
Captain Cook's Apprentice by Anthony Hill
Captain Crabclaw’s Crew by Frances Watts
Caroline Chisholm: The Emigrant's Friend by Tania McCartney
The Case of the Diamond Shadow by Sophie Masson
Castle of the Zombies (The Fixers, Book One) by Sean Williams
Cat by Mike Dumbleton
The Cat in the Hat by Dr Seuss 
Cat on the Island by Gary Crew 
The Cave by Susanne Gervay
Celia and Nonna by Victoria Lane
The Chant of Jimmie Blacksmith by Thomas Keneally
Chasing Charlie Duskin by Cath Crowley
Chasing Shadows by Corinne Fenton
Check on Me by Andrew Daddo & Jonathan Bentley
Chinese Cinderella by Adeline Yen Mah
Chook Chook series by Wai Chim
Christmas Wombat by Jackie French & Bruce Whatley
The City by Armin Greder
Clementine's Walk by Annie White
The Cloudchasers Book 2 by Steven Hunt and David Richardson
Collected Poems by Banjo Patterson
Crashing Down by Kate McCaffrey
Crikey and Cat by Chris McKimmie
Crocodile River by Diana Lawrenson
Crossing the Line by Dianne Bates
Crow Country by Kate Constable
The Cryptic Casebook of Coco Carlo by Ursula Dubosarsky and Terry Denton
Curious Explorers Guide Exotic by Marc Martin

D
Darcy Moon and the Deep-Fried Frogs by Catherine Carvell
Darius Bell and the Glitter Pool by Odo Hirsch
Darius Bell and the Crystal Bees by Odo Hirsch
Day of the Elephant by Barbara Kerr Wilson
A Day to Remember by Jackie French
The Dead I Know by  Scot Gardner
Delilah's Dream by Ivan Trevaskis
Diary of a Wimpy Kid by Jeff Kinney
Diary of a Wombat by Jackie French
Dinnertime! by Ann Weld
Dog on a Log by Tania Ingram and Kat Chadwick
The Dog Who Loved a Queen by Jackie French
Dr Seuss - A Classroom Guide
The Dream of the Thylacine by Margaret Wild
Drongoes by Christine Bongers and Dan McGuinness
Dust by Christine Bongers

E
Eco Warriors to the Rescue! by Tania McCartney
Emily Eyefinger and the Ghost Ship by Duncan Ball
The Enemy by Davide Cali
The Equen Queen by Alyssa Brugman
Erebos by Ursula Poznanski
Escape from Cockatoo by Yvette Posholglian
Eve and Adam by Michael Grant and Katherine Applegate 
Evie and Pog series by Tania McCartney
Evernight by Claudia Gray 
Extraodinary Parenting by Eloise Rickman

F
Fabulous Fishes by Susanne Stockdale
Falling From Grace by Jane Godwin
Family Forest by Kim Kane
Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them by JK Rowling
Fauna: Australia’s Most Curious Creatures by Tania McCartney
Fearless by Colin Thompson
Fearless in Love by Colin Thomson & Sarah Davis
The Fearsome, Frightening, Ferocious Box by Frances Watts and David Legge
Feathers for Phoebe by Rod Clement
The Fiftieth Gate by Mark Raphael Baker
Find Your Tribe by Rebecca Sparrow
Finding Darcy by Sue Lawson
Finding Home by Gary Crew
Finding Serendipity by Angelica Banks
Finding Violet Park by Jenny Valentine
The Firefighters by Sue Whiting
Fire Song by Libby Hathorn
First They Killed My Father by Luong Ung
Five Little Owls by Mark Carthew
The Forgotten Pearl by Belinda Murrell
Found: The Art of Recycling by Lisa Hölzl (Holzl)
Found and Made: The Art of Upcycling by Lisa Hölzl (Holzl)

G
Gallipoli by Alan Tucker
Game as Ned by Tim Pegler 

Garbage Guts by Emily S. Smith and Heidi Cooper Smith
Gamers' Quest by George Ivanoff
Get a Grip Cooper Jones by Sue Whiting
Gerald McBoing Boing by Dr Seuss
Ghost Boy by Felicity Pulman
Ghost Buddy series by Henry Winkler and Lin Oliver
Ghost Club 1: The New Kid by Deborah Abela
Gift Of The Gab by Morris Gleitzman
Girl Stuff by Kaz Cooke
The Girl Who Brought Mischief by Katrina Nannestad
The Glass Collector by Anna Perera
The Glasshouse by Paul Collins
The Goat Who Sailed the World by Jackie French 
The Goldseekers by Greg Bastian
The Golden Day by Ursula Dubosarsky
Gone series by Michael Grant
Good Morning Mr Pancakes by Chris McKimmie
Goodnight, Mice! by Frances Wattes
Gracie and Josh by Susanne Gervay
The Great Bear by Libby Gleeson
Green Eggs and Ham by Dr Seuss
Grimsdon by Deborah Abela
Growing Up Asian in Australia edited by Alice Pung
Grumpy Grandpa by Kate Forsyth and Annie White
Guantanamo Boy by Anna Perera
Guinea Pig Town and Other Poems About Animals by Lorraine Marwood

H
Hajibi Girl by Hazel Edwards and Ozge Alkan
Halloween in the Christmas Hills by Karen Tayleur
Hamlet by Nicki Greenberg
Happy as Larry by Scot Gardner
A Hare, Hound and Shy Mousey Brown by Julia Hubery
Head of the River by Pip Harry
Hello God by Moya Simmons
Henry Hoey Hobson by Christine Bongers
Hetty: A True Story by Hetty Verolme
Hey Jack! series by Sally Rippin
Hitler's Daughter by Jackie French
Hold on Tight by Sara Acton
The Horse Who Bit a Bushranger by Jackie French
The Horses Didn't Come Home by Pamela Rushby
How to Catch a Monster by Christina Bollenbach
How to Heal a Broken Wing by Bob Graham
How I Live Now by Meg Rosoff

I
I Am Jack by Susanne Gervay
I Was Only Nineteen by John Schumann
In Hades by Goldie Alexander
In Just One Second by Silvio Freytes
In Lonnie's Shadow by Chrissie Michaels
In the Beech Forest by Gary Crew
The Important Things by Peter Carnavas
Inside the World of Tom Roberts by Mark Wilson
The Interrogation of Ashala Wolf by Ambelin Kwaymullina
Itch by Simon Mayo
It's a Book by Lane Smith
It's a Miroocool! by Christine Harris
The Ivory Rose by Belinda Murrell
Ivy Bird by Tania McCartney and Jess Racklyeft

J
Jake's Cooking Craze by Ken Spillman and Chris Nixon
Jake's Monster Mess by Ken Spillman
Jandamarra by Mark Greenwood and Terry Denton
Jarvis 24 by David Metzenthen
Jasper Zammit (Soccer Legend): The Game of Life by Deborah Abela
Jeremy by Chris Faille 
Jodie: This is the Book of You (Book of You #1) by Randa Abdel-Fattah
Josephine Wants to Dance by Jackie French
Joyous & Moonbeam by Richard Yaxley
Juggling with Mandarin by VM Jones
Just In Case by Meg Rosoff

K
Kangaroo and Crocodile by Bronwyn Bancroft
Kill the Possum by James Moloney 
King Pig by Nick Bland
Knockabout Cricket by Neridah McMullin
Knuffle Bunny by Mo Willems

L
The Last Dance by Sally Morgan
Last Tree in the City by Peter Carnavas
Leaf Litter by Rachel Tonkin
Liar by Justine Larbalestier
The Legend of Moondyne Joe by Mark Greenwood
Leon Stumble's Book of Stupid Fairytales by Doug MacLeod
Let's Go to Sleep by Margaret Wild
Letters to Leonardo by Dee White
Liberator by Richard Harland    
The Life and Times of Gracie Faltrain by Cath Crowley
The Life of a Teenage Body-Snatcher by MacLeod Doug
The Light by Jo Oliver
Light Horse Boy by Dianne Wolfer
Lighthouse Girl by Dianne Wolfer
Lina's Many Lives by Sally Rippin
Lisa Absolutely Loves Art by Sophie Norsa
Little and Lo in the City (Chook Chook #2) by Wai Chim
Little Paradise by Gabrielle Wang
The Little Dinosaur by Catriona Hoy
The Little Prince by Antoine De Saint-Exupery
The Little Refugee by Ahn Do
Lollylegs by Pamela Freeman
Lone Pine by Susie Brown and Margaret Warner
The Long Way Home by Emily Rodda
Look, a Book! by Libby Gleeson
Looking for Alibrandi by Melina Marchetta
Looking for Rex by Jan Ormerod
Losers? by Pauline Deeves
The Lost Tail by Patricia Bernard
The Lost Treasure by Jan Stradling
Louie the Pirate Chef by Simon Mitchell
Lucas and Jack by Ellie Royce
The Lucky Ones by Tohby Riddle
Lucy the Lie Detector by Marianne Musgrove

M
The Magician's Elephant by Kate DiCamillo
Mao's Last Dancer: Young Readers Edition by Li Cunxin
The Mapmaker Chronicles by A L Tait
Maralinga: The Anangu Story by Christobel Mattingley and the Yalata and Oak Valley people
Marcy and Too Cool by Phil Kettle  
Martha's Journey by Tracey Hawkins
Matilda by Roald Dahl
Max Meets a Monster by Tracey Hawkins 
Meet Captain Cook by Rae Murdie and Chris Nixon
Meet Don Bradman by Coral Vass and Brad Howe
Meet Mary Mackillop by Sally Murphy and Sonia Martinez
Meet Nancy Bird Walton by Grace Atwood
Meet Ned Kelly by Janeen Brian 
Meet the ANZACS by Claire Saxby
Megumi and the Bear by Irma Gold 
Mei's Secret Pets (Chook Chook #1) by Wai Chim
Mending Lucille by J R Poulter
Mice by Gordon Reece 
The Midnight Zoo by Hartnett Sonya 
Millie's Special Something by Tania Cox
The Miracle of the Little Wooden Duck by Margaret Wild

Mirror by Jeannie Baker
Miss Llewellyn-Jones by Elaine Forrestal
The Mostly True Story of Matthew & Trim by Cassandra Golds
Mountain Wolf by Rosanne Hawke
Mozzie and Midgie by Doug MacLeod
My Dad Does Yoga by Phillip Gwynne and Andrew Joyner
My Father's Islands by Cristobel Mattingley
My Gallipoli by Ruth Starke and Robert Hannaford
My Happy Life by Rose Lagercrantz and Eva Eriksson
My Hippopotamus is on Our Caravan Roof Getting Sunburnt by Hazel Edwards
My Life and Other Stuff I Made Up by Tristan Bancks
My Place by Nadia Wheatley
My Private Pectus by Shane Thamm

My Uncle's Donkey by Riddle Tohby  

N
Nanberry: Black Brother White by Jackie French
Naughty Stories for Good Girls and Boys by Christopher Milne 
Ned Kelly and the Green Sash by Mark Greenwood
Nell's Festival of Crisp Winter Glories by Glenda Millard 
The Nelly Gang (The Adventures of Nelly Nolan #1) by Stephen Axelsen
Note on the Door and Other Poems About Family by Lorraine Marwood
Now by Gleitzman Morris
Now I am Bigger by Sherryl Clark
Nukkin Ya by Phillip Gwynne

O
Once by Morris Gleitzman
One True Thing by Nicole Hayes
The Other Facts of Life by Morris Gleitzman 
Our Australian Girl: Series One: Grace, Letty, Poppy and Rose by Sofie Laguna & Lucia Masciullo
Our Village in the Sky by Janeen Brian
Out of the Egg by Tina Matthews
Outside In by Chrissie Keighery

P
Panda Chase: Mission Fox Book 2 by Justin D'Ath
Pan's Whisper by Sue Lawson
The Pause by John Larkin
Pearl Verses the World by Sally Murphy
Peas in a Pod by Tania McCartney and Tina Snerling
Peeking Ducks by Krista Bell
Penguins Close Up by Andrew Kelly
Pennies for Hitler by Jackie French 
The Phoenix Files by Chris Morphew
Piano Piano by Davide Cali
Piglet and Granny by Margaret Wild
Piglet and Mama by Margaret Wild
Piglet and Papa by Margaret Wild
Pippa by Dimity Powell
The Pirate Company: Trail Golden by Sue Cason
Playground compiled by Nadia Wheatley 
Polar Bears Close Up by Andrew Kelly
Pooka by Carol Chataway 
Pool by Justin D'Ath
Portraits of Celina by Sue Whiting
Prince Caspian by CS Lewis 
Private Peaceful by Michael Morpurgo
Professor Fred Hollows (Aussie Heroes) by Hazel Edwards
Puggle by Catriona Hoy

Q
Queen Alice's Palaces by Juliette MacIver and Lucia Masciullo
The Queen and the Nobody Boy by Barbara Else
Queen Victoria's Underpants by Jackie French
Quidditch Through the Ages by J.K. Rowling

R
The Rabbits by John Marsden and Shaun Tan
A Rat in a Stripy Sock by Frances Watts
Ratwhiskers and Me by Lorraine Marwood
Raven's Mountain by Wendy Orr
Ready, Set, Boris Book 3 by Andrew Joyner 
Red by Libby Gleeson 
Red Panda's Toffee Apples by Ruth Paul and David Cox
The Red Piano by André Leblanc
The Reluctant Fundamentalist by Mohsin Hamid
The Remarkable Secret of Aurelie Bonhoffen by Deborah Abela
Riley and the Curious Koala by Tania McCartney 
Riley and the Dancing Lion by Tania McCartney 
Riley and the Grumpy Wombat by Tania McCartney 
Riley and the Jumpy Kangaroo by Tania McCartney
Riley and the Sleeping Dragon by Tania McCartney
The River Charm by Belinda Murrell 
Rivertime by Trace Balla
The Road to Goonong by David Cox
Robot Riot by Andy Griffiths
A Rose for the Anzac Boys by Jackie French
Roses are Blue by Sally Murphy
The Rosie Black Chronicles by Lara Morgan
Runaways by Sherryl Clark
Runner by Robert Newton 

S
Sam the Cat by Sam Bowring
Samsara Dog by Helen Manos
Sarah's Heavy Heart by Peter Carnavas
Saving the Farm (Chook Chook #3) by Wai Chim
Scarlett and the Scratchy Moon by Chris McKimmie 
Scary Bear by Tania Cox
Science Eyntk by Mike Goldsmith
Seadog by Claire Saxby and Tom Jellett
Seadragon Sea by Margaret Splurling
Second Childhood by Morris Gleitzman
Secrets of Eromanga by Sheryl Gwyther
The Selby Series by Duncan Ball 
Send Simon Savage by Stephen Measday 
Seven More Sleeps by Margaret Wild
Shake a Leg by Boori Monty Pryor
The Shark Net by Robert Drewe
Shift by Em Bailey
Ships in the Field by Susanne Gervay
Siggy and Amber by Doug MacLeod
The Silver Donkey by Sonya Hartnett
Silver People by Margarita Engle
The Silver Stream by Robert Roennfeldt
Silverfin: The Graphic Novel by Charlie Higson and Kev Walker (illus)
Simpson and His Donkey by Mark Greenwood
A Single Stone by Meg McKinlay
The Slightly Skewed Life of Toby Chrysler by Paul Collins
The Smallest Bilby and the Easter Games by Nette Hilton
The Smallest Bilby and the Midnight Star by Nette Hilton
Smile Cry by Tania McCartney and Jess Racklyeft
Snake Escape: Mission Fox Book 1 by Justin D'Ath
Snap! by Janet A Holmes and Daniella Germain
So Many Wonderfuls by Tina Matthews
So Yesterday by Scott Westerfeld
Soldier Boy by Anthony Hill
Something in the World Called Love by Sue Saliba
Somewhere in Australia by Marcello Pennachio and Danny Snell
The Song of An Innocent Bystander by Ian Bone
Sounds Spooky by Christopher Cheng
Specky Magee and the Battle of the Young Guns by Felice Arena and Garry Lyon
Specky Magee & the Great Footy Contest by Felice Arena and Garry Lyon
Specky Magee and a Legend in the Making by Felice Arena and Garry Lyon
The Spell of Undoing by Paul Collins
Spinner by Ron Elliott
The Squeak Street series by Emily Rodda
Squishy Taylor and a Question of Trust (Squishy Taylor #2) by Ailsa Wild
The Star by Felicity Marshall
Star Jumps by Lorraine Marwood 
Stormbringers by Philippa Gregory
A Straight Line to my Heart by Bill Condon
Super Finn by Leonie Agnew
Survival at 40 Above by Debbie S Miller and Jon Van Zyle
Swerve by Gwynne Phillip

T
Tanglewood by Margaret Wild
Teaching Kids to Read by Fay Tran
That Boy, Jack by Janeen Brian
That's Mine! by Michel Van Zeveren
The Fix-It Man by Dimity Powell
Then by Morris Gleitzman
There's Going to be a Baby by John Burningham
There Was an Old Sailor by Claire Saxby
This is Banjo Paterson by Tania McCartney and Christina Booth 
This is Captain Cook by Tania McCartney and Christina Booth
Through My Eyes series by various
Thursday's Child by Sonya Hartnett
Toad Heaven by Morris Gleitzman
Toad Rage by Morris Gleitzman
Tom Tom by Rosemary Sullivan
Toppling by Sally Murphy
Tottie and Dot by Tania McCartney and Tina Snerling
Town by James Roy
Town Possum, Country Possum by Yvonne Morrison 
The Treasure Box by Margaret Wild and Freya Blackwood 
Tree: a little story about big things by Danny Parker
Triple Ripple by Brigid Lowry
Trust Me! edited by Paul Collins
The Truth About Penguins by Meg McKinlay 
Two Selkie Stories from Scotland retold by Kate Forsyth
Two Trickster Tales from Russia retold by Sophie Masson

U
Unforgotten by Tohby Riddle
Unpolished Gem by Alice Pung

V
The Velveteen Rabbit by Margery Williams Bianco
Verity Sparks: Lost and Found by Susan Green
The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle
View from the 32nd Floor by Emma Cameron
Vinnie's War by David McRobbie    

Vlad's Bad Breath by Rory H. Mather and Jesus Lopez

W 
Waiting for Later by Tina Matthews
Walk In my Shoes by Alwyn Evans
A Waltz for Matilda by Jackie French
Warambi by Aleesah Darlison
Wardragon by Paul Collins
Wavelength by AJ Betts
The Way to the Zoo by John Burningham
Where the Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak
Whisper by Chrissie Keighery
Who Sank the Boat by Pamela Allen

Who is at the Zoo? by Sharon J Boyce and Suzanne Houghton
Why? by Lila Prapp
Why We Broke Up by Daniel Handler
Wicked Warriors and Evil Emperors: The True Story of the Fight for Ancient China by Alison Lloyd
Wicked! (Single Volume Containing All Six Parts) by Morris Gleitzman and Paul Jennings
The Windy Farm by Doug MacLeod
With a Sword in my Hand by Jean-Claude van Rijckeghem and Pat van Beirs 
Wolf and Dog by Sylvia Vanden Heede and Marije Tolman
Wonder by RJ Palacio
The Word Spy by Ursula Dubosarsky and Tohby Riddle (illus)

X
Xander's Panda Party by Linda Sue Park

Y
The Year of the Tiger by Alison Lloyd
Yellowcake by  Margo Lanagan
Yoko's Diary by Paul Ham
You and Me: Our Place by Leonie Norrington
You are My Special Baby by Carol Chataway
Young Digger by Anthony Hill

Z
The Zac Power series by H I Larry