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Feature Books

 

 

Feature Books

Early Childhood

Young Readers

Older Readers

Art + Craft Books

Indigenous Books

Ann James Books

1

Louie the Pirate Chef

Author Simon Mitchell

Illustrator Ben Wood

Publisher Working Title Press, 2010

Price $24.95

This is a funny, light-hearted story of Louie who would rather be a chef than a pirate, much to the dismay of his seafaring parents. When Captain Blackheart and his crew are busy raiding another pirate ship, Louie can only think about herb-crumbed fish fillets, and lemon jelly cheesecake. When Bloodthirsty Pete and No-Legged Bruce are plundering a far eastern seaport Louie is dreaming of Peking duck, soft rice noodles and deep-fried ice cream. No one is very impressed with Louie, until they find themselves deserted on an island with plenty of treasure and no food. Ben Wood`s warm and amusing illustrations make this a book to be enjoyed by the whole family.

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1

Harry & Hopper

Author Margaret Wild

Illustrator Freya Blackwood

Publisher Scholastic, 2009

Price $24.95

When the puppy came to live with Harry and Dad, he was as jumpy as a grasshopper. So that's what Harry called him. Hopper. Harry and Hopper do everything together. Hopper helps Harry with his homework and Harry helps Hopper escape from his weekly bath. At night, Hopper sneaks past Dad and goes to sleep in Harry`s bed. One day, Harry comes home from school and his dog isn't there to greet him. Harry will never know the feel or the smell of Hopper again. But love is strong, and Hopper will stay with Harry as long as he needs him . . .

Margaret Wild text and Freya Blackwood’s illustrations meld beautifully to create an evocative and emotionally charged story which will touch the hearts of children and adults.

Winner of the 2010 Kate Greenaway Medal.

Limited Edition prints available.

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1

The Return of the Word Spy: A funny and fantastic voyage into language, grammar and beyond...

Author Ursula Dubosarsky

Illustrator Tohby Riddle

Publisher Penguin, 2010

Price $24.95

Packed with cartoons, games, facts and puzzles, The Return of the Word Spy continues the WORD SPY`s fascinating journey through the English language.

From the beginning of time, the WORD SPY has been creeping down hallways, hiding in shadows and journeying through different lands to discover everything there is to know about the English language. In her first book, The Word Spy, she shared with us the secrets she`d learnt about English, from the first alphabet in 4000 BC right up to the tricks of modern texting. In The Return of the Word Spy she continues the fascinating journey through language, with chapters on language families, how we learn to speak, grammar and written forms of communication. In an accessible, engaging style, the WORD SPY explains the meaning of nouns, verbs, pronouns, `dead` languages, word origins and other wordy wonders.

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1

Yellow is My Favourite Colour

Author Judy Horacek

Illustrator Judy Horacek

Publisher Penguin, 2010

Price $14.95

From the acclaimed cartoonist and illustrator of Where is the Green Sheep? comes this joyous celebration of colours in a board book for preschoolers.

The rhythmic rhyming text is brought to life by the bright and lively illustrations of children engaged in fun activities that they all love to do.

The story is told from the point-of-view of a child whose favourite colour is yellow.

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1

There`s a Hippopotamus on Our Roof Eating Cake: 30th Anniversary Edition

Author Hazel Edwards

Illustrator Deborah Niland

Publisher

Price $24.95

`My daddy says there's a hole in our roof. I know why there`s a hole. There's a hippopotamus on our roof eating cake.`

This classic story about one of the largest and most famous imaginary friends has been delighting children around the world now for 30 years. To celebrate the 30th anniversary the original hippo story has been republished in a hardback gift edition with a special sparkly hippo on the cover, ready to delight a whole new generation of children.

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1

Fox

Author Margaret Wild

Illustrator Ron Brooks

Publisher Allen & Unwin, revised edition, 2010

Price $27.99

A revised edition of this classic Australian Picture book.

Dog and Magpie are friends, but when Fox comes into the bush, everything changes.

This breathtaking story has won acclaim around the world: CBCA Picture Book of the Year; two Premiers` literary awards; honours in Germany, Brazil, Japan; a shortlisting for the prestigious Kate Greenaway Medal in the UK, and more.

`A publishing landmark.` Magpies

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1

Nobody owns the Moon

Author Tohby Riddle

Illustrator Tohby Riddle

Publisher Penguin, 2008

Price $24.95

Limited Edition prints available.

A wacky picture book with heart!

Clive Prendergast is a fox with a regular job and a place to call home. His friend Humphrey is a struggling donkey with no fixed address. Life in the city is a mixed bag for these two, but a special-looking blue envelope is about to change everything - at least for one wonderful night.

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1

Eric

Author Shaun Tan

Illustrator Shaun Tan

Publisher Allen & Unwin, 2010

Price $9.99

The story of Eric (the foreign exchange student who preferred to sleep in the pantry) was originally published in Tales from Outer Suburbia. This new edition is a delightful small hardback.

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1

My Country

Author Dorothea Mackellar

Illustrator Andrew McLean

Publisher Omnibus, 2010

Price $27.00

My Country is widely regarded as the universal statement of why Australians love their country. First published in 1908, this edition with Andrew McLean`s sympathetic yet powerful illustrations, gives this patriotic poem a new lease of life for a new audience.

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1

Ned Kelly and the Green Sash

Author Mark Greenwood

Illustrator Frane Lessac

Publisher Walker Books, 2010

Price $27.95

This beautifully produced narrative non-fiction picture book provides a window into the character of a poor boy, once honoured for his bravery, who grew up to become Australia`s most notorious bushranger.

The text includes brief biographies and fact files on the Kelly Gang, the true story behind the green sash and a detailed list of sources.

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April Underhill, Tooth Fairy

Author Bob Graham

Illustrator Bob Graham

Publisher Walker Books, 2010

Price $27.95

High in the sky above Parkville, toothfairies April and Esme Underhill are on their way to collect their very first tooth¨April and Esme have never collected a tooth before.

Mum and Dad always do it. But tonight it`s their turn. So, equipped with a bag, a coin and a mobile phone, the sisters head for Daniel Dangerfield`s house, and a very unusual first tooth visit!"

Another warm Bob Graham picture book that will delight all ages!

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1

Can I cuddle the Moon?

Author Kerry Brown

Illustrator Lisa Stewart

Publisher Scholastic, 2010

Price $15.99

A gorgeous, fluffy baby owl is looking for someone to cuddle. While he makes some unusual suggestions-the sun, the stars, the moon-wise mother owl looks on, offering advice.

A gentle, playful story that concludes with the very best type of cuddle-one from Mum!

Lisa Stewart's stunning collage illustrations make this a book to be treasured.

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1

There`s a goat in my coat

Author Rosemary Milne

Illustrator Andrew McLean

Publisher Allen & Unwin, 2010

Price $25.00

Rosemary Milne and Andrew McLean have captured the exuberance of childhood in this lively collection of rhymes - perfect for play and for developing children`s language.

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1

The Great Bear

Author Libby Gleeson

Illustrator Armin Greder

Publisher Walker, 2010

Price $16.95

A heartfelt story of a cruelly treated dancing bear who finds the courage to stand up for herself.¨

The circus bear spends her days in a cage and her nights performing for a crowd. The crowd taunts her as she dances - poking her with sticks or throwing stones. Can she ever break free?

From the award-winning team of Libby Gleeson and Armin Greder comes a story with a powerful visual narrative.¨ The Great Bear, published by Scholastic in 1999, was Short-listed for CBCA Picture Book of the Year 2000 and winner of the Bologna Ragazzi Award, Fiction for Infants category 2000.

This edition is part of the Walker Classics series- new editions of classic Australian and New Zealand picture books.

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1

Phoebe`s Book of Fairy Stories - in three volumes

Author J E Banks Smith

Illustrator June Evelyn

Publisher J.E.B.S. Publications, 2004

Price $12.00

Charming and nostalgic, gentle and whimsical, these three pretty volumes feature stories about Australian fairies, bush sprites and sea elves.

Their adventures all in Australian settings, are brought to life in June Evelyn`s magical watercolour paintings.

Perfect read-aloud stories for older people to share with the very young, especially if you love and believe in fairies!

These books, signed by artist June Evelyn, can be purchased singly, or as a set.

Prints of some of the book illustrations are available.

Prints: $150 framed, $95 unframed

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Volume Number

1

Running with the Horses

Author Alison Lester

Illustrator Alison Lester

Publisher Penguin Books, 2009

Price $29.95

Alison Lester is one of Australia`s most-loved picture book creators.

Her latest picture book Running with the Horses was fifteen years in the making and features an interesting change in her style of illustration.

The story, about a young girl`s faith in an extraordinary old horse, makes this an unforgettable story of courage, adventure and friendship.

Ten year old Nina lives with her father above the palace stables at the Royal Academy of Dancing Horses. She loves watching the famous white stallions as they parade for the crowds, but her favourite horse is an ordinary mare called Zelda - an old cab horse Nina often pats on her way home from school.

When Nina`s world changes dramatically, she and her father have to flee from the city. Their journey over the mountains with Zelda and the stallions seems impossible, with danger at every turn . . .

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1

The Peasant Prince

Author Li Cunxin

Illustrator Anne Spudvilas

Publisher Viking, 2007

Price $29.95

The true story of Li Cunxin`s extraordinary life. Based on his internationally best-selling memoir `Mao's Last Dancer`, in this remarkable picture book Anne Spudvilas`s illustrations have captured the essence of one of the most inspiring stories to come from China in many years.

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Chester & Gil

Author Carol Faulkner

Illustrator Ann James

Publisher Omnibus books, 2009

Price $26.99

Chester and Gil live in the same goldfish bowl. While Gil just floats around the same old place, Chester knows he can save the world. His motto, 'Life is what you make it', takes on epic dimensions in this fumy story of a fishy odd couple and the power of thinking big.

Ann James watercolour illustrations are fishily dramatic and humorous

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1

Mannie and the Long Brave Day

Author Martine Murray

Illustrator Sally Rippin

Publisher Allen & Unwin, 2009

Price $29.95

Two talented picture book makers Martine Murray and Sally Rippin have created a magical story that celebrates friendship, courage and the wonder of a child`s imagination.

Mannie is going on an adventure. She is taking Lilliput and Strawberry Luca. And she hasn`t forgotten her special box of secret things, just in case the adventure gets adventurous...

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1

Wendy

Author Gus Gordon

Illustrator Gus Gordon

Publisher Penguin Books, 2009

Price $24.95

Gus Gordon's first picture book is a treat!

Wendy doesn't want to be just any old chicken. She wants ADVENTURE, she wants EXCITEMENT. She wants TO BE A STAR!

And then a travelling circus comes to town . . .

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1

Dog & Bird water the Garden

Author Tohby Riddle

Illustrator Tohby Riddle

Publisher Penguin, 2009

Price $14.95

A picture book for the very young by well known author/illustrator Tohby Riddle.

Slosh! Slosh! When Dog and Bird fill up their watering cans they're ready to water the garden. But not everything will need watering.

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1

The Cloudchasers - Book 1

Author Steven Hunt

Illustrator David Richarson

Publisher ABC Books, 2008

Price $39.95

These two Illustrated books for older readers are stunningly designed. The digital illustrations are compelling and the stories engaging.

In the grey streets of Bankertown, where children are threatened with the horror of the Institute, a young girl called Alice dares to rebel. Pursued by the vermin-infested Catcher, Alice, her friend Spinner and the unwilling Thomas, escape beyond the clouds in a hot air balloon...

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The East Wind - The Cloudchasers - Book 2

Author Steven Hunt

Illustrator David Richarson

Publisher ABC Books, 2009

Price $39.95

On their quest to restore freedom and imagination to the bleak world of Bankertown, Alice, Thomas and Spinner's search takes them to terrifying and fantastic lands.

The thrilling conclusion to the Cloudchasers saga.

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1

Fox and fine Feathers

Author Narelle Oliver

Illustrator Narelle Oliver

Publisher Omnibus Books, 2009

Price $27.99

Narelle Oliver's latest picture book features stunning illustrations reproduced from her hand-coloured lino prints. The story is a timeless fable with a contemporary twist.

Lyrebird, Coucal, Pitta and Nightjar are birds of the forest floor.

Although as different as it is possible to be from one another, they always look out for danger and warn each other. But one day, only Nightjar is watching. Can he warn the others in time?...

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1

Simpson and his Donkey

Author Mark Greenwood

Illustrator Frane Lessac

Publisher Walker Books 2009

Price $27.95

This is the heroic story of the one man and a donkey and a strange twist of fate that brought two boyhood friends together one last time.

This telling is thoroughly researched and accessible to children.

The illustrations are suprising in their detail, viewpoint and colour and give a sense of the place and the feeling of war.

Simpson and his Donkey is an honour book in the Eve Pownall Award for information Books in the 2009 CBCA Book of the Year Awards.

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1

Leaf

Author Stephen Michael King

Illustrator Stephen Michael King

Publisher Scholastic, 2008

Price $19.99

Stephen Michael King's books include Mutt Dog, The Man who loved Boxes, Henry and Amy and Emily loves to Bounce.

Leaf is his most playful, moving and beautiful picture book to date.

It's small format makes it a book for that special gift.

Leaf is an honour book in the 2009 CBCA Book of the Year Awards.

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1

How to heal a broken Wing

Author Bob Graham

Illustrator Bob Graham

Publisher Walker Books, 2008

Price $27.95

When Will sees a fallen bird on the crowed city pavement, he stops and looks - and reaches down to help...

A simple story masterfully told by one of Australia's most well loved creators of picture books.

How to heal a broken Wing is winner of the 2009 Charlotte Zolotow Award in the USA, shortlisted for the 2009 Kate Greenaway Medal and winner of the Early Childhood category in the 2009 CBCA Book of the Year Awards.

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1

Mr Chicken Goes to Paris

Author Leigh Hobbs

Illustrator Leigh Hobbs

Publisher Allen & Unwin, 2009

Price $24.99

Mr Chicken has taken up his friend Yvette`s invitation to visit Paris. As they journey together through the City of Love, Mr Chicken is overcome by the magic of all the city has to offer - and the inhabitants of this most stylish city don`t quite know what to make of him. Mr Chicken will delight children of all ages.

Leigh is also the creator of Old Tom, Horrible Harriet and Fiona the Pig. His distinctive style has attracted critical acclaim in Australia and internationally.

`The world`s most beautiful city meets the world`s most startling chicken... Not since Quasimodo has Paris been host to a monster of such charm. In typical exuberant style, Hobbs takes us abroad with the gentlemanly Mr Chicken, who tours the magnifique sights of Paris unaware that his enormous top-hatted self is the most astonishing spectacle of all. Joyously colourful, brilliantly observed, hilariously wry, Mr Chicken Goes to Paris is Leigh Hobbs' masterpiece.`

Sonya Hartnett

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1

Tales for Outer Suburbia

Author Shaun Tan

Illustrator Shaun Tan

Publisher Allen & Unwin, 2008

Price $35

In this collection of illustrated short stories Shaun Tan, creator of award winning books including The Arrival, the Lost Thing and The Red Tree reveals the mysteries of everyday life: homemade pets, dangerous weddings, stranded sea animals, tiny exchange students and secret rooms filled with darkness and delight.

Tales from Outer Suburbia is the winner of the Older Readers Category of the 2009 CBCA Books of the Year Awards.

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The Arrival

Author Shaun Tan

Illustrator Shaun Tan

Publisher Lothian Books

Price HB $39.99

The Arrival is a migrant story told as a series of wordless images that might seem to come from a long forgotten time. A man leaves his wife and child in an impoverished town, seeking better prospects in an unknown country on the other side of a vast ocean. He eventually finds himself in a bewildering city of foreign customs, peculiar animals, curious floating objects and indecipherable languages. With nothing more than a suitcase and a handful of currency, the immigrant must find a place to live, food to eat and some kind of gainful employment. He is helped along the way by sympathetic strangers, each carrying their own unspoken history: stories of struggle and survival in a world of incomprehensible violence, upheaval and hope.

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The Lost Thing

Author Shaun Tan

Illustrator Shaun Tan

Publisher Lothian Books, 2000

Price HB $28.99 PB $17.99

The Lost Thing is a humorous story about a boy who discovers a bizarre-looking creature while out collecting bottle-tops at a beach. Having guessed that it is lost, he tries to find out who owns it or where it belongs, but the problem is met with indifference by everyone else, who barely notice it`s presence. Each is unhelpful in their own way; strangers, friends, parents are all unwilling to entertain this uninvited interruption to day-to-day life. In spite of his better judgement, the boy feels sorry for this hapless creature, and attempts to find out where it belongs.

The Lost Thing received an Honourable Mention at the Bologna International Book Fair, Italy, was named an Honour Book at the CBCA Awards, won an Aurealis Award and a Spectrum Award for illustration in the United States. Original illustrations from the book were exhibited at the Itabashi Art Museum in Tokyo.

A London-based film production company, Passion Pictures, is currently adapting The Lost Thing as a short animated film, and the Canberra-based youth theatre company Jigsaw has staged a multi-media adaptation of the story at the National Gallery of Australia in October 2004.

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The Viewer

Author Shaun Tan

Illustrator Shaun Tan

Publisher Lothian Books, 1997

Price PB $16.99

Written by acclaimed horror writer Gary Crew, The Viewer tells the peculiar story of a boy whose obsession with curious artefacts leads him to discover an strange box at a dump site. It proves to be an ancient chest full of optical devices, one of which captures his interest; an intricately mechanical object which carries disks of images; scenes of destruction, violence and the collapse of civilisations throughout time. The boy is afraid, but also cannot help but look into the machine time and time again as the images shift and change...

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The Red Tree

Author Shaun Tan

Illustrator Shaun Tan

Publisher Lothian Books, 2001

Price HB $28.99 PB $17.99

The Red Tree is a story without any particular narrative; a series of distinct imaginary worlds as self-contained images which invite readers to draw their own meaning in the absence of any written explanation. As a concept, the book is inspired by the impulse of children and adults alike to describe feelings using metaphor - monsters, storms, sunshine, rainbows and so on. Moving beyond cliché, I sought painted images that might further explore the expressive possibilities of this kind of shared imagination, which could be at once strange and familiar. A nameless young girl appears in every picture, a stand-in for ourselves; she passes helplessly through many dark moments, yet ultimately finds something hopeful at the end of her journey.

The Red Tree won the Patricia Wrightson prize in the NSW Premie`s Book Awards, and was awarded the 'le Prix Octogones 2003' prize by the Centre International d'Etudes en Litterature de Jeunesse, following it`s translation into French. It is also published as Chinese, Korean, Japanese, Spanish and Canadian/US editions.

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Child of Tibet - a lost innocence

Author Shane Marden

Illustrator

Publisher

Price $60

I enjoy telling stories and there are just so many stories to tell in the world. There is nothing I enjoy more than to interpret the world through visual exploration. One image has the power to influence change, and change is the seed for progress. This motivated my direction towards photography and the still image. 

I am also passionate about freedom. Freedom to think; to feel; to communicate, and freedom to believe. The freedom to find happiness in the small portion of time we have. I am fortunate. I live in a free country so I feel somewhat responsible to help those who are less fortunate.

Upon learning about the plight of Tibetan people and their slow, painful, systematic evaporation into the sands of history, I felt a need to visit this ancient mystical land and experience the place for myself. To photograph the hope and joy and the future that remains for Tibet.

So I decided to photograph the children. With the ambition to raise awareness about the beauty of Tibet but also their turbulent history and current oppression, and from sales, help raise funds for an established charity involved in the cause.

In Buddhism there is a saying that a bird needs two wings to fly - wisdom and compassion.

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