A & U Children – serie

SHORT-LISTED: CBCA Book of the Year, Early Childhood, 2017 Snow on the stockman's hutSnow on the crowsSnow on the woollybuttSnow on my NOSE!It's a big journey through the snow for a little wombat, meeting animals, birds and people along the way...but there's no place like home!A heartwarming story set in the Australian High Country. You will love this book for its: - distinctly Australian setting - engaging rhyme and repetition - beautiful map and endearing illustrations - wombats!

I arch my back high, feel my night tiger paws and night tiger claws stalk across the grass,flick my tiger tail, twitch my tiger ears,growl my night tiger groooooowwwwwl.After the sun sets, the night creeps in and it's time for bed. But darkness shrinks as the full moon springs up above the trees, lighting the garden and inviting a child to take on an intrepid night-time adventure, prowling the back garden with the family cat.A glorious and poetic celebration of imagination, courage and daring.This book is perfect for: - Reading a gorgeous, gentle bedtime story - Readers who love the wonder of Where the Wild Things Are - Nurturing the power of imagination to work through difficult feelings - Fostering courage, confidence and a sense of wonder

WINNER: 2024 Australian Book Design Awards, Best Designed Children's Non-Fiction bookWINNER: 2024 New Zealand Book Awards for Children and Young Adults, Elsie Locke Non-Fiction AwardSHORTLISTED: 2025 Spark! School Book Awards - Non-Fiction category (UK)SHORTLISTED: 2025 NSW Literary Awards, Patricia Wrightson Prize for Children's LiteratureJoin maverick inventor Steve Mushin as he tackles climate change with an avalanche of mind-bending, scientifically plausible inventions to rewild cities and save the planet. Jump into his brain as he designs habitat-printing robot birds and water-filtering sewer submarines, calculates how far compost cannons can blast seed bombs (over a kilometre), brainstorms biomaterials with scientists and engineers, studies ecosystems and develops a deadly serious plan to transform cities into jungles, rewilding them into carbon-sucking mega-habitats for all species, and as fast as possible.Through marvellously designed and hilarious engineering ideas, Mushin shares his vision for super-high-tech urban rewilding, covering the science of climate change, futuristic materials and foods, bio reactors, soil, forest ecosystems, mechanical flight, solar thermal power and working out just how fast we could actually turn roads into jungles, absorb carbon and reverse climate change. Developed over seven years, Ultrawild is an optimistic book about creative thinking, science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) and the potential for massive change. Filled with laugh-out-loud design-ridiculousness, it aims to empower and excite a new generation of designers, scientists, engineers and ultra-wild thinkers. '"Audacious" rather understates the scope of inventor Steve Mushin's drawn manifesto for hacking the firmware of Terra Ferma into a hard reset. This is less a graphic novel than a densely illustrated week-long TED Talk, catapulting ideas in all directions... Ultrawild appeals to a childlike imagination, but requires an adult attention span and frame of reference to grasp its implications. If you have one, it is unexpectedly rewarding and endlessly thought-provoking.' FORBES'If this book does not fire your imagination, nothing will. Steve Mushin doesn't hold back when thinking about our green future; humanity needs all the ideas it can get to bring climate change under control, and this book is packed with them!' Professor James Renwick, climate scientist 'A brain-meltingly intricate and inspiring compendium of the gigantic ideas needed to repair the planet by rewilding every city on Earth. From compost-firing cannons to water-filtering sewer submarines, Mushin's bonkers, brilliant, boundary-breaking inventions give permission to eager 9+ conservationists to push their imaginations to the limit, rather than yield to despair.' The Guardian 'The most astonishing children's book I have read in ages. I am astonished by the wildness of ideas, the creative energy, the exuberant movement of thought, the feet in science and the YES in imagining. Enter the wilds of Ultrawild and you will see the world afresh because this book is a clear response to climate change, the loss of habitats, outdated power sources, a need to care for forest ecosystems, over-roading, resource depleting. It is like imagination gets political and the political gets imaginative.' Paula Green, Poetry Box NZ 'This visionary, intricate, outrageous road map for integrated thinking is mind blowing. It's funny, it's a melding of engineering, hi-tech, botany, zoology and pure creative thinking. Required reading for everyone, most especially political leaders and those feeling like we've run out of ideas: this book proves we really haven't.' Claire Mabey, The Spin Off, Aotearoa Books of the Year, 2023 'The ideas, conversations and inventions in Ultrawild belong in every school, home, waiting room, library, community house, bedroom, car and loo. The perfect gift for curious kids. Don't walk - RUN to grab your copy!' Kids' Book Review 'A visually impressive, large-format work of genius.' The Sapling (NZ)

SHORTLISTED: 2025 CBCA Book of the Year, Older ReadersSHORTLISTED: 2025 John Marsden Book of the Year for Older Children, Australian Book Industry AwardsSHORTLISTED: 2025 Indie Young Adult Book AwardsWill slipped on the left glove and twitched a finger to establish a link to the kite tronics. A shiver of electric energy ran through his hands as they synched to his nerves through the gloves. Will lives with his father in a future domed Canberra where citizens are safe from extreme weather events, dangerous solar radiation and civil unrest. He does not question his carefully controlled existence until the recurrence of an old nightmare propels him on a dangerous quest. Gradually Will discovers his dreams hold cryptic clues that lead him into a shadowy alternate dimension. Here he must grapple with dark forces that operate in both worlds, with the help of his best friend Ender, her brilliant but difficult twin sister Magda, and a mysterious gift from his uncle. Comes the Night is a thrilling new novel from the internationally bestselling author of the Obernewtyn Chronicles.'The queen of YA fantasy has done it again. Delicious twists and deceptions fill this high stakes tale where dreams will entice you. You won't be able to sleep until you hit the last page.' - C.S. Pacat, New York Times bestselling author of DARK RISE

2026 IBBY Honour List - 'a glorious master class in writing' SHORT-LISTED: 2024 CBCA Book of the Year, Older Readers SHORT-LISTED: 2024 NSW Premier's Literary Awards, Patricia Wrightson Prize for Children's Literature Frances is in a new house in a new neighbourhood and going to a new school, but no amount of new can make her forget the old, sad secret dragging at her heart. Not the pictures of bacteria that she draws with painstaking precision, not even Picasso, the puppy with the long soft ears and the cute black circle like a target on his bottom. Then Frances meets Kit, the tall, quiet boy with the two-coloured eyes. Kit is a real artist. His coloured pencils fill page after page of exercise books. He sees wonder in the rocks and ferns and sky. Though Kit has worries of his own.But when secrets are spilled, Frances's life turns grey and drab. Not even Picasso's wet nose can brighten her up. Frances and Kit will need to face the truth of their pasts to find colour in their world again. After all, don't the most brilliant sunsets need a cloudy sky?A beautiful novel about finding the remarkable in the ordinary and celebrating the wonder of every day, from the award-winning author of Borrowed Light. 'Marvellous, mind-opening, and deeply moving. The best book yet from this irresistible author.' Morris Gleitzman'A beautifully written novel that encompasses such big things ... Frances, Kit and Picasso will stay with me for quite a while.' Karen Foxlee'I loved this book with my whole heart. It's truly beautiful. And a gift to readers, young and old.' Maryam Master'Push this into the hands of anyone who loved Storm Boy or Lenny's Book of Everything.' Books+Publishing

NOTABLE BOOK: 2025 CBCA Eve Pownall AwardGo on an extraordinary journey with Alison Lester and Coral Tulloch, two of Australia's most celebrated creators, as they share their reflections on Antarctica: sketches, writing, paintings, journal entries, their own and others'. This is a book for explorers and dreamers of all ages, and for anyone who wants to be inspired by the wonder of Antarctica.

Today, I am this and tomorrow I'm that.Today, I'm a tiger! Tomorrow, a bat.By Saturday, I will have been all of that. So ... who might you be? A lively story in which all the illustrations are tangrams; the well-known geometrical puzzle that is a square cut into seven pieces arranged to make various other shapes. It is also a delightful story about the imagination where the words and pictures combine to tell a deeper story about the idea of self, from the highly acclaimed creator of I See, I See.'A book that's visually captivating, a valuable resource for librarians and primary school educators, and a gentle introduction to poetic language ... Perfect for fans of Davina Bell and Allison Colpoys's All the Ways to Be Smart and Yamile Saied Méndez and Kate Alizadeh's What Will You Be?' Books+Publishing

WINNER: 2024 MARION ACT Book of the Year, Books for Older Readers WINNER: 2024 Readings Young Adult PrizeSHORTLISTED: 2024 NSW Premier's Literary Awards, Ethel Turner Prize for Young People's Literature SHORTLISTED: 2024 NSW Premier's Literary Awards, Indigenous Writers' PrizeNOTABLE BOOK: 2024 CBCA Book of the Year, Older ReadersSHORTLISTED: 2024 Prime Minister's Literary Awards, Young Adult Literature The thought comes to me: This is how I die. Dally is going to lose control and crash us into a pole or a house and we will be killed on impact. The justice system characterises Jamie Langton as a 'danger to society', but he's just an Aboriginal kid, trying to find his way through adolescence. Jamie lives in Dalton's Bay with Aunty Dawn and Uncle Bobby. He spends his downtime hanging out with his mates, Dally and Lenny. Mark Cassidy and his white mates - the Footy Heads - take every opportunity they can to bully Jamie and his friends. On Lenny's last night in town before moving to Sydney, after another episode of racist harassment, Jamie, Dally and Lenny decide to retaliate by vandalising Mark Cassidy's car. And when they discover the keys are in the ignition ... Dally changes the plan. Soon they are all in Mark Cassidy's stolen car cruising through town, aiming to take it for a quick spin, then dump it. But it's a bad plan. And as a consequence, Jamie ends up in the youth justice system where he must find a way to mend his relationships with himself, his friends, his family and his future. 'A lightning bolt to the soul. The Boy from the Mish announces a bold, necessary new talent.' WILL KOSTAKIS'This compelling coming of age story is told with a voice so authentic, it pulls the reader into another life. Main character, Jamie, makes all the mistakes of a teenager struggling with the pain of the past and the turbulence of the present, but his humour and honesty creates empathy for someone who would otherwise be misunderstood. Gary Lonesborough's use of language, including sections of verse, is so well done it described the indescribable. The pace kept the pages turning and the ending brought relief and hope for the future'. - Judges' comments, ACT Literary Awards

SHORTLISTED: 2025 Comic Arts Awards of Australia'Skillfully juggles superhero action, teen team drama, interesting and disgusting nature facts, and loads of funny gags.' Books+PublishingLetitia, Binky and Worried Norman are no ordinary teens. They are the superheroes better known as the Indefatigable EnviroTeens! Unluckily they have been space snorkelled - sucked up by giant tubes, teleported through the galaxy, stripped of their powers and squeezed out on ... Mars?! Forced to join the Great Snorkel Manufactory, the three teenagers overhear the evil Baron Kartuffelpoffen's plan to snorkel up all of Earth's water. It really sucks! Can their trusty sidekicks, Stuart the wobbegong and Beverly the sourdough starter, come to the rescue?An intergalactic quest filled with friends, fiends and friands that proves there's nothing like a tasty snack. A wacky adventure for fans of Dog Man and the Treehouse books from the award-winning Guardian Australia cartoonist, bandicoot enthusiast and national treasure.'I haven't read this book yet but it is the greatest book ever!' You (reader of this book)

HONOUR BOOK: 2024 CBCA Book of the Year, Younger ReadersSHORTLISTED: 2025 Russell Prize for Humour Writing for Young PeopleHuda yawns loudly and stretches out her arms. Almost like she's bored in science class and waiting for the bell to go for lunch. Except we're not at school, we're in police custody. Because of her stupid idea.When her dad loses his job as a security officer and has to work interstate, Huda convinces her brother Akeal to sneak out at night to make mischief, hoping to force their dad's bosses to hire him back. As their misdeeds escalate, will the daring duo be able to outsmart the authorities? How much are they willing to risk for family unity - and what else might they uncover along the way? A thoroughly entertaining story full of hijinks, courage and hilarity. Praise for the CBCA shortlisted Huda and Me:'An irresistible invitation to young readers to embrace a story that is wonderfully fresh.' RANDA ABDEL-FATTAH'Sparkling with mischief, adventure and family love, Huda and Me is a gem of a story.' KIRSTY MURRAY'Big adventure, big laughs and big heart.' NAT AMOORE

SHORTLISTED: 2025 Best Designed Children's Fiction Book, Australian Book Design AwardsSHORTLISTED: 2025 Readings Children's PrizeWith a whispery hiss, the spaceship touched down on the grass. A door opened. A ramp extended. An alien slid forward. 'TAKE. ME. TO. YOUR. LEADER.' Alex wants to win the National Young Cartoonist Competition. She's got the talent, but what should she draw? Along comes Hi, an alien from the Planet Wendy. Hi is also working on a project: he has three days to learn about Earth's leaders for his Earth Studies class. Maybe they could help each other? Soon, Hi's Earthly visit sets in motion a chain of extraordinary events, including a viral TikTok, a shoe-shop haunting and an astronomically wild rock concert. A cosmically funny story about leaders, followers and friendships that are out of this world.'A fabulously fun and quirky, out-of-this-world adventure that bubbles with imagination and pops with puns!' Eva Amores and Matt Cosgrove, bestselling creators of The Worst Week series'A wonderfully wacky sci-fi/comedy that will appeal to readers of Nat Amoore.' Books + Publishing

The night was frosty dark but we were snug and cosy in the kitchen. Then SNAP! The lights went out.In the dark of night, a neighbourhood becomes a new country to explore, and an ordinary winter evening turns into a family adventure.A reassuring story about finding comfort in community from the award-winning creators of Ella and the Ocean.

WINNER: 2024 Prime Minister's Literary Awards, Young Adult LiteratureNOTABLE BOOK: 2024 CBCA Book of the Year, Older Readers SHORTLISTED: 2024 Victorian Premier's Literary Awards, Prize for Young Adult WritingSHORTLISTED: 2024 NSW Premier's Literary Awards, Ethel Turner Prize for Young People's Literature SHORTLISTED: 2024 Queensland Literary Awards, Young Adult Book Award'The enormous heart of We Could Be Something beats with a rare, thrilling authenticity. Every funny, smart, tough word of it rings true. I loved this book.' - Patrick Ness, bestselling author of A MONSTER CALLS and the CHAOS WALKING series Part coming-out story. Part falling-in-love story. Part falling-apart story. Harvey's dads are splitting up. It's been on the cards for a while, but it's still sudden. Woken-by-his-father-to-catch-a-red-eye sudden. Now he's restarting his life in a new city, living above a cafe with the extended Greek family he barely knows.Sotiris is a rising star. At seventeen, he's already achieved his dream of publishing a novel. When his career falters, a cute, wise-cracking bookseller named Jem upends his world. Harvey and Sotiris's stories converge on the same street in Darlinghurst, in this beautifully heartfelt novel about how our dreams shape us, and what they cost us. 'Vivid and exquisitely written... Kostakis weaves a sparkling tale of hardship, heartbreak, identity and the universal struggle of finding your footing in the world.' - Books & Publishing

A day at the seashore can be full of surprise, wonder and excitement.Leap through the waves like a dolphin.Glide through the water like a fish.Soar along the sand with the seagulls.What will you do when you go to the beach?A lyrical story that celebrates the joy found exploring the coast from the bestselling author of Kangaroos Hop and the highly acclaimed illustrator of Bidhi Galing.

OUR RESISTANCE IS POWERMa's tears wet my neck as I backed into our hut. I slumped into Pa's chair. His smell curled around me. I breathed him in as my tears fell and anger bubbled under my skin. I was to be a Blood Moon Bride.Rehya is a hunter with uncanny magical abilities - and magic has long been outlawed in Mennama Valley. Every winter, on the night of the Blood Moon, young women enter forced marriages for the valley's advancement and prosperity. But this year Governor Kyra has decreed that girls of just fifteen must become Blood Moon Brides, making Rehya eligible.  When her Pa dies, Rehya's plans of escape evaporate and she is paraded in front of suitors on Show Day. And when she is chosen to be a bride, she lashes out. As punishment, she is sent to the Nest. There Rehya must decide: should she submit to the life of a Blood Moon Bride, or rebel - and risk everything to fight for justice?A powerful and fierce YA fantasy novel by the award-winning author of Living on Hope Street.'A richly realised and provocative fantasy, Blood Moon Bride shows that even in the midst of great hardship, magic can find a way.' - C.S. Pacat, New York Times Bestselling author of DARK RISE 'Richly folkloric and tragically timely, Blood Moon Bride is a visceral tale of fierce women and bright, raging hope, drenched with blood and the light of stars.' - Lili Wilkinson, author of A HUNGER OF THORNS and DEEP IS THE FEN'I read Blood Moon Bride in one breathless sitting. The story and writing were compelling. I trembled in dread with Rehya, I ran and fought with her. Her struggle was mine and so was her triumph.' - Isobelle Carmody, author of THE OBERNEWTYN CHRONICLES and COMES THE NIGHT

HONOUR BOOK: 2025 CBCA Book of the Year, Early ChildhoodIt was still dark when Mr Miller opened the gates of the old zoo, but he wasn't scared because he wasn't alone. He was with Jessie the elephant and together they were going to walk from Moore Park, through the city streets, to the ferry at Fort Macquarie. Jessie was moving to her spacious new home in the soon-to-be-opened Taronga Zoological Park.Jessie's surprising journey was unlike any other and it brought a little warmth to the city on that brisk September morning in 1916.The incredible true story of Jessie the elephant from the bestselling author of Anzac Girl: The War Diaries of Alice Ross-King and the highly acclaimed illustrator of Anzac Biscuits.

NOTABLE BOOK: 2025 CBCA Picture Book of the YearYou carry hope and future need With careful footprint, plant the seed. Breathe... Yes, breathe.Embark on a lyrical, meditative journey through nature's tapestry, where every step you take leaves a legacy of wonder and protection for the environment. Explore forests and mountains, cities and fields, and animals in their natural habitats as you ponder the footprint humans have left on the Earth.From CBCA award-winning creators Phil Cummings and Sally Soweol Han.

Mother Bird sat over her eggs. 'Not long now,' she said to Father Bird. Father Bird brought her worms and seeds. 'Not long at all.'When an extra egg appears in their nest and takes too long to hatch, Mother Bird and Father Bird must risk their lives to keep it warm. And as the freezing winter takes hold and it seems all hope is lost, only something miraculous will save them.A gorgeous and heartwarming picture book about love, commitment and discovery from an outstanding creative team: Sofie Laguna, acclaimed author of When You're Older, and Jess Racklyeft, award-winning illustrator of Iceberg.

NOTABLE BOOK: 2025 CBCA Eve Pownall AwardA 2025 EUREKA! Nonfiction Children's Book Awards Silver Winner • An Indigo Heather's PickThere's been a mix-up at the Museum - some of the displays from the Myths and Legends exhibit have snuck into the Natural History wing. We have to sort it out, but how can we tell fact from fiction? Animal from apparition? Megafauna from monster? Kids will have fun guessing which animals and plants are real and which are fake in this extraordinary exhibition of the strange and wonderful animals and plants that inhabit our world ... and our imaginations. A brilliant guide to help us know what to look for when tracking down truths. An enthralling exploration of all the weird and wonderful creatures that may (or may not!) inhabit our world-all packed into an engaging, informational picture book perfect for helping kids build critical thinking skills. *A Junior Library Guild Gold Standard Selection

SHORTLISTED: 2026 CBCA Book of the Year, Older ReadersSHORTLISTED: 2026 Ethel Turner Prize for Young People's LiteratureLONGLISTED: 2026 Indie Book Awards, Young Adult AwardTwo things that are true and one that is a lie:I think my mother is dead and alive. I think if I work hard I will be very good at something. I've tried to please my dad but I don't think I ever will. Thirteen-year-old Morgan lives with his dad and his older brother, Mitch. He hasn't heard from his mum since she left when he was two. He works hard on his football skills, striving to meet his father's high expectations and 'be a man'. But what that means isn't always clear-cut. When Morgan makes a friend at school, gets injured in a game, and his long-lost mum turns up, everything changes. Then, when he meets an old woman in need of help, Morgan must decide what kind of man he wants to be. Shining a timely and much-needed light on different kinds of masculinity, Darkest Night, Brightest Star is a unique and compelling novel from a masterful storyteller.

When you think of AI, you might imagine a walking, talking robot or you might think of a giant computer that wants to take over the world, but the reality is that AI is a brilliant human invention that can be found in nearly every modern device from our computers to our cars. AI can seem scary at times, so working out where we use AI and why is an important part of making the best of this exciting technology. So, what is an algorithm and can it help you choose pizza? Can ChatGPT do your homework? And when you watch TV, is it watching you back? All these questions and more about AI are answered in a fun, funny and engaging way.Dr Matt Agnew has a Doctorate in Astrophysics and a Masters in Artificial Intelligence, and believes in making STEM accessible for everyone.Perfect for: - Independent readers aged 8+ - Curious kids wanting to know how current technology works - Parents, teachers seeking fun and accessible STEM resources for the home or classroom - Parents who want to help their kids understand how social media works - Anyone who wants AI explained Reviews: -'A must-have guide for tech-challenged parents (like me) and their better-informed kids!' Jessica Rowe - 'Should be compulsory reading in every school across the country.' Tracey Spicer AM

SHORTLISTED: 2025 Speech Pathology Awards, Birth to Three Years Category Searching for treasure on the high tide line.One step, two steps, what can you find? A walk on the beach becomes a joyous, creative adventure. What has the sea washed up? Can you find its hidden treasures? Find sea urchins and shark's eggs, ghost crabs and cuttlefish, limpets and barnacles and so much more. From award-winning creators Johanna Bell and Emma Long, this magnificent read-aloud tale celebrates the joy of discovery.

SHORTLISTED: 2025 NSW Premier's Literary Awards, Ethel Turner Prize for Young People's LiteratureSHORTLISTED: 2025 Victorian Premier's Literary Awards, Writing for Young AdultsSHORTLISTED: 2024 Queensland Literary Awards, Young Adult Book AwardI don't know about love. I suspect the emotion that others apparently feel all the time is just . . . absent from me. Like there's an ingredient missing from the recipe. The possible exception is Gran.Grace cares about only two things: performing magic and her cantankerous gran. Gran shares her prickly personality and spiky sense of humour, and she's the only one Grace lets into her tightly locked heart - until she meets Simon, a schoolmate who promises to help her turn her magic tricks into a small business and social media stardom.When Gran is diagnosed with a terminal illness, Grace moves in to become her primary carer. With the help of Simon and some sleight of hand, Grace is determined to bring joy back into their lives. And when she confronts her worst fear, she realises maybe her heart doesn't need to stay locked away after all.A funny, compelling and fresh story from the author of the bestselling books My Life As An Alphabet and A Song Only I Can Hear.'Smoke & Mirrors is fantastic sleight of hand and heart; at once tender and humorous.' - Danielle Binks'A portrait of grief and growth, with a touch of spectacle. This is more than magic... It's a miracle.' - Will Kostakis

WINNER: 2025 CBCA Book of the Year, Older Readers SHORTLISTED: 2025 Victorian Premier's Literary Awards, Indigenous Writing'A moving coming-of-age story with so much heart. For readers who enjoyed Heartstopper.' BOOKS & PUBLISHINGFootsteps approach behind me. I turn and see an Aboriginal boy arriving at the doorway. He's tall, taller than me. He's got curly hair. His body is fit. His chest is chiselled and bare and he's wearing only football shorts.When 17-year-old Jonah arrives in a new town - Patience - with his dad and younger brothers, it feels like a foreign place. A new town means he needs to make new friends - which isn't always easy. Especially when he's wrestling with his body image, and his memories of his mother.When he joins the local footy team so he can spend more time with his new crush, Harley, he feels like he's moving closer to something good. But even though he knows what he wants, it doesn't mean he's ready.Emotionally compelling, honest and warm, I'm Not Really Here is a beautiful novel about navigating family and friendships, and finding a way through grief towards love, from an internationally acclaimed bestselling First Nations author.Praise for Gary Lonesborough'What a revelation this young writer is. He is doing something no other male First Nations novelist has attempted: the YA Blak queer genre that is a glimpse into another world view, at once confronting yet heartwarming.' - AUSTRALIAN BOOK REVIEW [We Didn't Think it Through]'A lightning bolt to the soul. The Boy from the Mish announces a bold, necessary new talent.' WILL KOSTAKIS

WINNER: 2024 Best Children's Fiction, Aurealis AwardsSHORTLISTED: 2025 Esther Glen Award for Junior Fiction, New Zealand Book Awards for Children and Young Adults SHORTLISTED: 2025 Fiction Prize, Environment Award for Children's LiteratureSHORTLISTED: 2025 Children's Book of the Year, WA Premier's Book AwardsThat's what my photos are. Little moments. All the good moments, the kind moments, the moments of care and love that, if you add them all together, make a life sweet.Bastienne Scull is a young orphan who lives with the local Witnesser of Miracles, Lodyma Darsey, who investigates 'miraculous events' and spins them into stories she tells at the night markets. After Lodyma's husband and elder son died of a sickness that continues to sweep the land, she sent her teenage son Osmin into the hills to live with the mountain men. That was ten years ago, and Lodyma doesn't know if he's alive or dead. And she's taken Bastienne as an apprentice to fill the void of her lost family. One day, two young boys arrive in town asking Lodyma to go on a mysterious mission to a monastery. And when Lodyma and Bastienne arrive, what they discover will change their lives.A wonderful novel, full of hope, courage, resilience and family.'A classic MacDibble: young Basti is a delight as she searches for her strength and a family in a post-apocalyptic world, leaving us with a glimmer of hope for her future and our own.' - Wendy Orr'Bren MacDibble has become well-known for her unique and heartfelt adventure novels ... and The Apprentice Witnesser, is no exception... She is particularly astute at writing timely and inventive stories exploring the impacts of climate change. [There are] plenty of twists for younger readers who enjoy a good dash of marvel and intrigue with their adventure stories. MacDibble's use of language is unparalleled, and she illustrates hope and resilience through her characters.' - Books & Publishing

I have more cousins than I can count on my fingers and toes.Quiet cousins and loud cousins. Dark cousins and fair cousins. Young cousins and old cousins.I have cousins who are near. And some who are far. But even those who are far feel near. Because memories of them surround me, wrapping me up like a warm blanket. From wild campouts to boisterous family gatherings, the adventures and experiences that bind cousins together are rich and lifelong. They are our first friends, and our forever friends. A joyful celebration of family from debut author Sharara Attai, gloriously illustrated by CBCA award-winning illustrator Michelle Pereira.

Otis Ottley lives in the shadow of the Manor School for Magic. Literally. It's an island hovering over his town, and he's determined to reach it.While many kids dream of roaming the prestigious institution's halls, casting spells and conjuring spectacles, Otis has a very specific mission: to seek magical help remembering something very, very important. The odds are stacked against him, but Otis will break into magic school. Or at the very least, he will break a few rules trying. A wonderful middle-grade novel, brimming with magic, from a much-loved Prime Minister's Literary Award-winning author. 'Hilarious and heartwarming . . . Otis and his friends and family are an absolute delight.' - JACLYN MORIARTY 'Kostakis writes with seamless charisma and wit, infusing Otis's voice with an infectious energy that will keep kids reading (and laughing).' - BOOKS & PUBLISHING Perfect for: - Readers aged 9+ seeking an entertaining read with a touch of magic - Young readers who wish they could go to magic school - Teachers and librarians seeking a fun and heartwarming middle grade fiction novel with meaningful themes for upper primary, lower secondary