Many titles have full reviews and additional images that can be accessed by clicking on the book covers.
The Tin Forest
In a cold and desolate place stood a house that looked out on the gloom and rubbish. Inside the house lived a man who spent his days cleaning and tidying. The man had a dream that one day he would be surrounded by trees and flowers and animals. One day everything changed…
Page Count: 32
Genre: Fantasy, adventure Themes: Hope, environment, nature, animals 'a word about books' says…”Where there is a dream, there is hope and possibility. Shows what can be achieved through reusing what you have and highlights the importance of looking after the environment.”
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Voices In the Park
On a visit to the park a well-to-do mother, her son and their pet labrador cross paths with a down-on-his-luck unemployed father, his daughter and their black and white mongrel. All had a very different experience of the park. These are their personal recounts of what happened that day...
Page Count: 32
Genre: Adventure Themes: Inclusive, family, friendship, relationships, personal & social issues 'a word about books' says…”Full of intrigue and incredibly smart. Told from four different view points, this is a fascinating look at how the same events are experienced and viewed completely differently.”
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War Horse
Albert and Joey were the best of friends. But then the war came. Struggling for money and the prospect of losing the family farm, Albert’s father secretly sells Joey to the army. Distraught and angry, Albert does the only thing he can do, he signs up to the army. With war raging, he begins an epic battle all of his own to find his beloved horse and bring him safely back home…
Page Count: 48
Genre: Historical Themes: War, animals, family, friendship, bereavement 'a word about books' says…”A beautiful picture book filled with courage, bravery and never-ending hope."
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We Are Water Protectors
For years, the Indigenous tribes people of America have talked about a black snake that will spoil the water, poisoning everything. When it finally arrives, a young girl is determined to take action. The black snake must be kept out for water is a most precious gift that is worth fighting for…
Page Count: 48
Genre: Everyday life Themes: Indigenous, community, environment 'a word about books' says…”With its timely messages on conservation and activism, We Are Water Protectors will appeal to many children who care about the planet and want to learn more about the challenges that others face. We can all be, and need to be, ‘water protectors’.
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The Whale
For the past fifty years, rumours have circulated of a Great Spotted Whale living in the ocean. But it’s only witnesses all that time ago...two young children and a fuzzy picture as evidence. Can new explorers equipped with a camera and sound equipment separate myth and fact…
Page Count: 32
Genre: Adventure Themes: Animals, seaside 'a word about books' says…”This wordless picture book filled with pencil sketches depicts a cracking ocean adventure.”
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Wilam: A Birrarung Story
From its source to its mouth, Birrarung is alive with life. Plants and animals call it their homes, for others it is a fleeting visit - maybe to nest, to roost, to hibernate, to search for food. This is a day in the life of the Birrarung…
Page Count: 40
Genre: Culture Themes: Nature, animals, plants, environment, indigenous, historical, geographical 'a word about books' says…”A wonderful journey along the Yarra River. The pages are filled with poetic text and the lush artwork is drenched in fauna and flora."
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Wisp
The only life Idris has ever known is one of fences and tents. But others in the camp have known different and when mysterious Wisps turn up they reawaken memories of better pasts. When a Wisp turns up for Idris it has no memories to share. But it can share a dream about a future…
Page Count: 32
Genre: Fantasy Themes: Refugees, asylum, war 'a word about books' says…”The refugee crisis is awful and more must be done but this story is a read full of hope and strong memories about better times, and for Idirs, hopefully the times yet to come.”
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Wolves
Rabbit has borrowed a book from the library to learn all about Wolves. It is full of interesting information on appearance, habitat and diet of a wolf. On his way back to the burrow he becomes so involved in his reading that he is oblivious to the presence of the real thing…
Page Count: 40
Genre: Humour Themes: Animals 'a word about books' says…”Great fun unless you are a rabbit. Gravett is an incredible illustrator creating innovative and unique pages. Oh, and this has one of the funniest alternative endings to a book, ever.”
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A World of Your Own
When Laura Carlin looks at the world she doesn’t just see it as it is, she sees possibilities and opportunities. The rules of the normal world do not apply in her imagination. Her world can be anything she imagines and she wants you to join her on a journey of imagination and creativity...
Page Count: 48
Genre: Fantasy Themes: Everyday life, imagination, creativity 'a word about books' says…”Carlin turns the everyday into the incredible and it is brilliant. She invites readers into her world, a world of wonderful creations and infinite possibilities. A world of her design and it is wonderfully imaginative and imaginatively wonderful."
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Zoo
A family trip to the zoo has everyone excited. But no-one enjoys sitting in the traffic jam and the ticket prices are ridiculous. Surely the animals will cheer everyone up? But after seeing everything the family leave feeling worse than when they arrived...
Page Count: 32
Genre: Adventure Themes: Animals, family, nature 'a word about books' says…”Another Anthony Browne classic. A read which provides plenty of food for thought and raises issues around zoos and animal welfare. Much more than just a family day out to the zoo.”
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Yahoo Creek
Newspaper reports tell that for many years a creature lurked in the Great Dividing Ranges. Spotted by many, this nine-foot creature had the power to move logs, struck fear into hunting dogs and produced a terrible noise. Was it myth or truth? You can draw your own conclusions…
Page Count: 32
Genre: Historical, non-fiction narrative Themes: Myths, legends, culture, mystery 'a word about books' says…"A dark and brooding picture book that sweeps the reader away into a land of myth, legend and mystery. Spine-tingles and goosebumps are guaranteed from a read that will leave you with many more questions than it does provide answers."
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