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!

Rival Darling Fake datingHe falls first Cute, clean and wholesome fun vibesNever date a jock – it’s her one rule. He'll do whatever it takes to break it.When seventeen-year-old Violet is left heartbroken by the captain of her school’s ice hockey team, she vows to never date a jock again. But, in an attempt to prove she’s moved on, she turns to the most unlikely person—her ex’s biggest rival, the notorious captain of the Ransom Devils.Reed Darling is gorgeous, mysterious and intimidating, both on and off the ice. Wild rumors constantly circulate about him, and the only thing people love to talk about more than his hockey skills are his exploits as a ruthless heartbreaker and bad boy. Who better to serve as Violet’s fake boyfriend until her ex gets the message, right?But despite the intense rivalry between their two schools and Reed’s infamous reputation, Violet soon starts to wonder if there’s more to him than the gossip suggests. And while she tries her best to control their ‘relationship’ with a list of strict guidelines, Reed has other ideas. He’s set his sights on winning her over and is determined to show Violet he’s not the guy everyone thinks he is.She should have known better than to make a deal with a devil because this one is going to break all her rules.Rival Darling is a YA hockey rom-com with a HEA and no cliffhanger and the first in the Darling Devils series.????? You don't get how many times I had to stop just so I could contain my giggling. This book is a must!????? I fell in love with this book right away. The plot twists. The characters. The love story. Everything. A truly great book if you love romance!????? Read this in one day. So cute and wholesome!!! Loved the couple, and all the side characters. Can't wait for the next book!!!

A brand-new teen fantasy adventure series full of magic and romance by Connie Glynn, the globally bestselling author of The Rosewood Chronicles. Perfect for teen fans of the Twin Crowns series.Astrid glanced up at the looming manor house with all its spires and creeping ivy. A refuge, or just another cage?Astrid and Jonas have only ever had each other. As twins, they share a bond. But they also share something doctors have called twisted and demonic their entire lives- flowers whisper instructions, trees sing of their histories. The siblings are kept away from nature by their caretakers, but it still calls to them.Meanwhile, Gwen knows all about the shadow world of Bloom Bloods - people living among us who have magic running through their veins. They act under the instruction of the Queen, conserving fantastical creatures and studying the ancient melodies of magic to keep the mundane and mystic worlds in harmony. But Gwen failed her application to Fountains Abbey, the venerable school that trains up the next generation of Bloom Bloods, and she is determined to prove her worth.A mysterious evil is spreading throughout the world; unnatural monsters are appearing in hazardous places - monsters that weave discordant magic. When the twins and Gwen collide, their unique abilities are revealed. But will their combined powers be enough to stop what's rising in the darkness?

Sing with Your Baby Every Day is a collection of nursery rhymes and songs to share with your baby, illustrated with adorable hand-stitched embroidery art.

It's time for bed, baby! A first words book for Aussie babies by award-winning creator Tom Jellett.

It's time for dinner, baby! A first words book for Aussie babies by award-winning creator Tom Jellett.

Explore the fascinating world of an underwater volcano with award-winning picture book creators Claire Saxby and Jess Racklyeft.