CHILDRENS BOOKS

Operation BananaAs World War ll drags on, Susan sets out on a mission to cheer up her mum in this heartwarming wartime tale from award-winning historical fiction writer Tony Bradman.Susan is worried about her mum. She’s struggling with long hours at her job in the factory and it’s a long time since they’ve heard from Susan’s dad, who’s on the front line in North Africa.Everything is in short supply in London, but Susan decides she’s going to cheer her mum up by getting her a treat, and what could be more rare at that time than a sweet, delicious banana? But what lengths will Susan have to go to find one? Let Operation Banana commence!Particularly suitable for readers aged 9+ with a reading age of 7.

Bruno And Frida Friendship forms in the midst of war between a young German boy and a Russian bomber-dog, in this poignant and gripping historical adventure.East Prussia, Germany, 1945. War is raging across Europe, and as Russian soldiers close in across eastern Germany, Bruno and his mother must flee if they hope to survive.In the chaos of the attack, Bruno finds himself face to face with a huge black dog. He knows what she is: a weapon, strapped with explosives by the Russian army and sent into battle as a suicide bomber. But as Bruno's world begins to crumble around him, he soon realises that she is just as scared and alone as he is.Faced with a perilous journey across war-torn Germany, will their bond be enough to keep them alive?Particularly suitable for readers aged 9+ with a reading age of 8.

Anzac BoysOrphans Bert and Frank are tragically torn apart when they are sent away to the British colonies. But when the War calls on soldiers to storm Gallipoli, will the battlefield also serve as a reunion for the two brothers? A stunning WW1 tale inspired by a true story.When Bert and Frank Barker are taken from the Children's Home in London, the priests promise them a better life in Australia. But what really awaits is hard work, separation, and the realization that no one cares if they live or die.Then war breaks out, and fate brings the brothers together again – in a place more horrific than either of them could ever imagine.Particularly suitable for readers aged 9+ with a reading age of 8.

Running With IvanYearning to escape the new family he never wanted, thirteen-year-old Leo Arnold is transported to wartime Europe where he must draw on his courage to save himself and those around him. From award-winning author Suzanne Leal comes a gripping timeslip novel inspired by true stories.Thirteen-year-old Leo Arnold hates his life. He doesn't want a new school, a new house or a new family. And he definitely doesn't want to be sharing a room with his new stepbrother, Cooper. What Leo wants is to be somewhere else, far away. So when he uncovers an old music box and turns the key, he is astonished to find himself in Prague, surrounded by whispers and fears of a second world war. A war that ended decades ago.In Prague, Leo meets Ivan, a Czech boy, and the two become friends. But when World War Two finally erupts, the unimaginable becomes real and the boys are imprisoned. Fearing the worst, Leo and Ivan frantically search for an escape. A search that sends them running. Running against time. Running for their lives.PRAISE"... the very best tradition of the time slip, of one era seeping into another, one culture and dangerous set of events invading another" - Tom Keneally AO"... dramatic, big-hearted story" - Ursula Dubosarsky"... a moving exploration of courage, friendship and commitment" - Sophie Masson AM"... a remarkable feat of storytelling" - James Moloney"Immersive and sensitive historical fiction, Running with Ivan is perfectly pitched for readers 10 to 12; imagine The Messenger crossed with Playing Beatie Bow." - Books + PublishingAWARDSShortlisted - 2023 NSW Premier's History Awards (Young People's History Prize)Longlisted - 2024 Book Links Award for Children's Historical Fiction

Alias AnnaA Sydney Taylor Book Award 2023 Middle Grade Notable! A Jewish Book Council Award Middle Grade Finalist! The moving true story of how young Ukrainian Jewish piano prodigies Zhanna (alias “Anna”) and her sister Frina outplayed their pursuers while hiding in plain sight during the Holocaust. A middle grade nonfiction novel-in-verse by award-winning author Susan Hood with Greg Dawson (Zhanna’s son).She wouldn’t be Zhanna.She’d use an alias.A for Anna.A for alive.When the Germans invade Ukraine, Zhanna, a young Jewish girl, must leave behind her friends, her freedom, and her promising musical future at the world’s top conservatory. With no time to say goodbye, Zhanna, her sister Frina, and their entire family are removed from their home by the Nazis and forced on a long, cold, death march. When a guard turns a blind eye, Zhanna flees with nothing more than her musical talent, her beloved sheet music, and her father’s final plea: “I don’t care what you do. Just live.”This incredible true story in-verse about sisterhood, survival, and music is perfect for fans of Lifeboat 12, Inside Out and Back Again, and Alan Gratz.Includes extensive back matter with original letters and photographs, additional information, and materials for further reading.- A NERDY BOOK CLUB 2022 BEST NOVEL-IN-VERSE BOOK!- A NEW YORK PUBLIC LIBRARY 2022 BEST BOOK FOR KIDS!- A CHICAGO PUBLIC LIBRARY BEST INFORMATIONAL BOOKS FOR YOUNGER READERS OF 2022!

When Hitler Stole Pink Rabbit This sem-autobiographical classic, written by the beloved Judith Kerr, tells the story of a Jewish family escaping Germany in the days before the Second World War. This beautiful new edition celebrates the fifty-year anniversary of an adventure that Michael Morpurgo called “The most life-enhancing book you could ever wish to read.”Suppose your country began to change. Suppose that without your noticing, it became dangerous for some people to live in Germany any longer. Suppose you found, to your complete surprise, that your own father was one of those people.That is what happened to Anna in 1933. She was nine years old when it began, too busy with her schoolwork and tobogganing to take much notice of political posters, but out of them glared the face of Adolf Hitler, the man who would soon change the whole of Europe – starting with her own small life.Anna suddenly found things moving too fast for her to understand. One day, her father was unaccountably missing. Then she herself and her brother Max were being rushed by their mother, in alarming secrecy, away from everything they knew – home and schoolmates and well-loved toys – right out of Germany…Perfect for fans of Julia Donaldson, Shirley Hughes, and David McKee!

A contemporary classic, Good Night Stories for Rebel Girls reinvents fairy tales, inspiring girls with the stories of 100 heroic women\"My favourite part of Good Night Stories for Rebel Girls is how many extraordinary women Rebel Girls have opened up to me and my two daughters. There are so many women and girls who have inspired us. I am honoured to be a part of the Rebel Girls community.\"-Drew Barrymore, actress and entrepreneurThe New York Times bestseller is back with a brand-new, updated edition featuring 22 new stories written by best-selling author-and original Rebel Girl-Elena Favilli. With a new foreword from Melinda French Gates, philanthropist and founder.Good Night Stories for Rebel Girls (New Edition) features 110 empowering stories about women and girls who have done extraordinary things. Readers will marvel at the accomplishments of well-known women like Cleopatra, Amelia Earhart, Rosa Parks, Ruth Bader Ginsburg, and, Frida Kahlo and they'll discover the powerful stories of Colombian spy Policarpa Salavarrieta, Afghani rapper Sonita Alizadeh, Sierra-Leonean ballerina Michaela dePrince, Mexican doctor Matilde Montoya, and American surgeon Mary Edwards Walker.This revised edition will feature 22 new stories about women such as-- Greta Thunberg, environmental activist- Judy Blume, author- Michelle Yeoh, actor- Taylor Swift, singer- Melanie Perkins, entrepreneurEach story in this gifty collection is written in the signature Rebel Girls style of storytelling- a biographical, real-world fairy tale, where women are the heroes of their own stories.Good Night Stories for Rebel Girls ignited a publishing movement when it was first published in 2016. The book is now published in 50 languages and found in more than 110+ countries.

A stunning showcase of the world's butterflies, from one of the UK's finest natural history illustratorsButterflies and moths are some of the most amazing creatures in nature. There are over 180,000 different kinds and they can be found on every continent except the Antarctic. From Monarchs to swallowtails, Blue Morphos to birdwings, the intricate beauty of butterflies spans the globe and yet also settles close to home in a child's garden, local park or window box.Sensational Butterflies brings the vibrancy and ecosystem of butterflies to life with simple text and gorgeous illustrations, covering the key butterfly and moth families and including scores of fascinating facts. Learn the unique way that butterflies see, or be amazed by the multiple double-page spreads showing wingspans in sensational detail.With Ben Rothery's obsessive attention to detail, this book heralds the arrival of a major new talent in non-fiction publishing, exclusive to Ladybird.

Encyclopedia of BirdsCalling all budding birdwatchers - this first reference book is the perfect gateway to the world of feathered friends. It's the perfect companion for kids eager to explore the wonders of birdwatching in the great outdoors.Packed with over 300 species of bird, this beautiful encyclopedia will take you on an incredible journey through the world of birds, helping you find out about the amazing feathered creatures that share our planet. From tropical parrots and toucans to sea birds and eagles, find out all about birds with this informative first guide and reference book.Handsome enough to treasure in a beloved home library and thorough and rigorous enough to be returned to in the classroom or school library again and again, this encyclopedia is a perfect reference book and companion for families to look at after long walks or while spotting things in the garden. This is just the thing to help children decode the skies and hedgerows aflutter with feathered wildlife.

‘Heartbreaking but essential …  a fitting tribute and reminder of why we must never forget the sacrifices made by ordinary young Australian men and women and their families to secure the freedom we enjoy today.’ During World War I, over 330,000 Australians served their country on battlefields far from their homeland, more than 60,000 of them died. Â This is the story of the Marlow brothers, five young volunteers – three of whom were destined to never return home – a heart-breaking tale of courage, mateship and sacrifice. Read the letters the brothers wrote from the trenches, trace their footsteps and commemorate all those who have served to defend our freedom and way of life. Â Compiled by the granddaughter of a surviving brother from a primary source collection of over 500 letters, postcards and photos, this is the ideal tool for developing understanding of Australia’s major days of commemoration – Anzac Day and Remembrance Day. ‘… easy to understand and quite fascinating to read … it offers a very personal and relatable perspective on the impersonal statistics of war.’  Â ‘A beautifully presented picture book … a must have for any classroom and many homes.’ First released in 2015, a CBCA notable book and ABIA shortlisted, this updated edition now includes teaching activities.

At the going down of the sun and in the morning we will remember them. Â Every year, Australia remembers the brave people who have fought to keep our country safe and free. On 25 April, we commemorate Anzac Day, and on 11 November, we observe Remembrance Day. These significant days of commemoration remind us of the Anzac spirit and the importance of honouring those who have sacrificed so much for our way of life. Â Australia Remembers offers a vivid and engaging exploration of the origins and traditions of Anzac Day, Remembrance Day and war memorials, delving into their deep connections and significance for young Australians today. With colourful descriptions and accessible language, Australia Remembers: Anzac Day, Remembrance Day and War Memorials ensures that the next generation understands and honours the history and traditions of these pivotal occasions in our national story. Â … a superb contribution to the collection – Barbara Braxton, The Bottom Shelf Â … the pure informational text with colour, variety, well-designed layout and age-appropriateness of Australia Remembers truly stands out like one of the tallest poppies in its field – Romi Sharp, Just Kids Lit Â  .. a powerful, exceptional resource that will have a high engagement of interest for anyone – Julieanne Wallace, Books, Teacups and Cupcakes                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Â ... Paterson understands the needs of her audience and pitches perfectly to self-readers from the age of 6 to 12 ... I for one, wish that I had had such a book when I was at school – Brydie Wright, By the Book

The ultimate guide to ancient Egypt, from everyday life to the afterlife How do you read hieroglyphics? Which Egyptian god made the Sun rise and set? What games did children enjoy playing? Why did both male and female pharaohs wear false beards? Find out in this ultimate guide to ancient Egypt. Explore the everyday lives of ancient Egyptians, from farming alongside the mighty River Nile to worshipping powerful gods and goddesses. Discover why cats were seen as sacred animals, how magnificent tombs were protected from robbers, and why the elite of Egyptian society wore wigs. Pore over breathtaking images, incredible artefacts, and unique illustrations, and travel back in time to this incredible civilization.

Arcturus have sold over 1 million children's encyclopedias worldwide!

Arcturus has sold over 1 million children's encyclopedias worldwide!