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We're in August and many Author Pen Pals are out there already celebrating CBCA Book Week! Be sure to give your author and illustrator friends a high five and perhaps a healthy snack as they visit schools across the country. Also please help us celebrate the wonderful new releases from our Author Pen Pals in July! Congratulations to all. July Releases 2026Jess Galatola - The Witch Who Couldn’t Spell Illustrated by Lu Baker Published by Larrikin Press July 1st, 2026 Wanda is a gifted little witch at Spell Bright Academy … but when it comes to her spelling, she has trouble getting it right and things get chaotic! Born on a waning gibbous moon, Jess Galatola channels her magic into writing books for children. www.jessgalatola.com larrikinhouse.com.au
Melissa-Jane Fogarty - One Word Lothian Children's Books 7th July 2026 Inspired by Melissa's own experiences, One Word is one little girl's story about discovering her grandfather's first Aboriginal language, and his journey towards reclaiming that language. Melissa-Jane Fogarty, a Mununjali woman, is the author of Our Lands – an Indigenous history series about Australia's most iconic landmarks and the Country on which they are built, and the author/illustrator of the fiction picture book One Word. https://melissajanefogarty.com/ https://www.hachette.com.au/melissa-jane-fogarty/one-word Substack
Susea Spray- Frog's Tale: A Very Foggy Adventure Illustrated by Patricia Braga Published by Spray Publications July, 2026 In this rhyming adventure, when a mysterious falling object catapults Frog skyward, he wonders if he'll ever find peace, especially once a strange creature appears and chaos breaks loose below for Hog and Dog. Author of A Big Blue Boat, A Day on the Brine and Captain’s Cave, Susea loves playing with words, sharing her stories and sailing. https://suseaspray.com
Laura Roso – Jumbled up Jimmy Illustrated by Daniela Frongia Published by Aurora House July, 2026 Jimmy may be all jumbled up, but his unique way of seeing the world shows that true friendship and acceptance come from celebrating what makes us different. Laura Roso is an educator, performing arts specialist, and author who brings stories to life through humour, heart, and imagination. www.lauraroso.com https://aurorahouse.com.au/
Anna Battese - The Grey Beret's Guide to Surviving the Odds Illustrated by Erin Reeves Published by Simon and Schuster/Affirm Press 28th July, 2026 The Grey Beret's Guide to Surviving the Odds is a whimsical, calamity-filled and begrudgingly adventurous story about shipwrecks, survival and friendship in the midst of calamity ~ Prepare for the Worst ~ Anna Battese is a children's author who loves the ocean and cinnamon scrolls and like Odie, worries about a lot of things, most of the time. Anna Battese The Grey Beret's Guide to Surviving the Odds | Book by Anna Battese, Erin Reeves | Official Publisher Page | Simon & Schuster AU  Jade Goodwin - Sagittarius Rising Illustrated by Jade Goodwin, Written by Maxine Beneba Clarke Published by Hardie Grant 28th July, 2026 From a puppy in a cardboard box to a beloved member of the family, Sagittarius Rising is a warm and wonderfully chaotic adventure that will delight animal lovers of all ages. At its heart, Sagittarius Rising is a story about the magic that happens when a mischievous puppy finds exactly the family he was meant for. Jade Goodwin is a CBCA Notable and best selling illustrator bringing stories with warmth and heart to life. www.jadegoodwin.com.au https://publishing.hardiegrant.com/en-au/books/sagittarius-rising-by-maxine-beneba-clarke/9781761215278 Jade Goodwin - Harry's Secret Illustrated by Jade Goodwin, Written by Anita Heiss Published by Simon & Schuster 29th July, 2026 Harry’s got a secret: he loves to draw. Problem is, he's pretty sure everyone thinks art is Not Cool. So when Harry enters a local portrait competition, he must choose between staying hidden or being brave. Jade Goodwin is a CBCA Notable and best selling illustrator bringing stories with warmth and heart to life. www.jadegoodwin.com.au https://www.simonandschuster.com.au/books/Your-Next-Read-Gold-Harrys-Secret/Anita-Heiss/Your-Next-Read-Gold/9781761637360
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Cosy reads for June from more of our brilliant Author Pen Pals! Get yourself a warm beverage, put your feet up and enjoy. June Releases 2026Elizabeth Pulsford – Dresses are for Messes Illustrated by Janet Samuel Published by Five Mile Press 1st June, 2026 ‘Dresses Are for Messes’ is a bold, playful picture book about self-expression, challenging expectations and one fearless little girl who refuses to let clothes define the limits of her imagination. Elizabeth Pulsford is a picture book author, teacher and Mum who loves writing stories that combine giggles with grit and encourage children to imagine boldly, laugh loudly and dream up kinder worlds. https://fivemile.com.au/
Bethany Loveridge - Josie Mack and the MEGA Division Illustrated by Jade Goodwin Published by Wombat Books 1st June, 2026 Meet Josie Mack, a 9yo invited to join a secret society of eco-warrior animals called the FUN (Fellowship of Underground Nocturnals). Bethany Loveridge is a children's author and illustrator who loves animals and a romping great adventure! www.bethanyloveridge.com
Jess Galatola - Seasons of Clementine Illustrated by Jasmine Berry Published by Perentie Press 1st June, 2026 Clementine is a day dreamer who writes in her cloud journal to map out the changing seasons of her life. Jess is an award winning children’s author who writes stories to make readers smile and to tug at their heart strings. jessgalatola.com.au perentiepress.com
Stef Gemmill - The Ghost Horse of Snowy River Published by Wombat Books 6th June, 2026 Now 12-year old Georgie is back at the cattle station after a serious accident, she tries to overcome her fear of horse riding while trying to save the Ghost Horse and his brumby herd that are being hunted by a local horsewhipper. Award-winning author Stef Gemmill’s writing reflects her personal experiences from living in a foster home, with her books themes of ‘belonging’ and ‘the meaning of home’ delivered in a hopeful, kid-centric way. https://wombatrhiza.com.au/the-ghost-horse-of-snowy-river/ https://www.stefgemmill.com/
Melissa Garside - Lexie Moon and the Remote Control Catastrophe Illustrated by: Lauren Mullinder Published by: Riveted Press 16th June, 2026 Lexie Moon and the Remote Control Catastrophe is a fast, funny STEM-themed Australian junior fiction novel full of invention, problem-solving and remote-control mayhem. Melissa Garside is a children’s author and teacher, whose books draw on her passion for language and a deep understanding of what children love to read. www.melissagarside.com https://rivetedpress.com.au/bookshop/lexie-moon-and-the-remote-control-catastrophe
Marvelous May brought with it more wonderful releases from Author Pen Pals across Australia. Congratulations!! May Releases 2026Nicki Esler Gill - My Feelings, My Rules Illustrated by Kruti Desai Published by Scholastic Press 1st May, 2026 My Feelings, My Rules is a jubilant celebration of all feelings, reassuring children that the ebb and flow of emotions is healthy. Nicki Esler Gill is a best-selling children's author whose books facilitate big conversations—from body safety to neurodiversity, self-advocacy to mindfulness—in a way that is warm, engaging, and child-focused. www.nickieslergill.com
Lellie Lopter - Bella Grows A Bicycle Illustrated by Chiara Franceschetti Published by Five Mile Press 1st May, 2026 Bella Grows A Bicycle is a swapping adventure about a tiny seed and a big idea. Lellie Lopter’s books inspire people to think big, to feel deep, and to laugh out loud. www.lellielopter.com https://fivemile.com.au/products/bella-grows-a-bicycle-by-lellie-lopter?srsltid=AfmBOoonYiwQMG2_5xE_040K-RDCDck2FFcqI6cam_zzuZ4NqZ4H7Eot
Kitty Black - Everglade 2: The Lost Prince Published by Affirm Press/Simon & Schuster May 27th, 2026 Everglade 2: The Lost Prince is the humorous and exciting sequel to Rise of the Witch, it continues Wren’s journey as she uncovers the identity of the Everglade Witch and learns more about the dangers facing magic. Kitty Black is a children’s author from Perth who writes books brimming with humour and heart. https://www.simonandschuster.com.au/books/Everglade-2-The-Lost-Prince/Kitty-Black/Everglade/9781923022898
Kristin Martin - Fearless Finn Illustrated by Lauren Mullinder Published by MidnightSun Publishing May, 2026 Fearless Finn is a heroic tale told in rhyme with a fire-breathing dragon and a cute highland cow. Kristin Martin is a poet, picture book author and primary school teacher from Adelaide, SA. https://midnightsunpublishing.com/ https://kristinmartin.net/
Did you spot these titles by our fabulous Author Pen Pal creators in the wild this April? Congratulations to all! April Releases 2026Katrina Germein - Girls Like Illustrated by Deb Hudson Published by New South Books 1st April, 2026 Bursting with energy, colour, and fun, Girls Like, is a joyous celebration of all the ways to be a girl. Katrina Germein is a best-selling author of award-winning picture books. https://katrinagermein.com/ https://newsouthbooks.com.au/books/girls-like/
Kim de Haan - Daisy and Bug Treehouse Troubles Published by Perentie Press 1st April, 2026 Daisy wants to build the BEST TREEHOUSE EVER - but with no tree and Daisy’s bad reputation for “good” ideas, Bug suspects things are about to get out of control. www.kimdehaan.com www.perentiepress.com
Nathan Luff - Fuzzball Paw Prints Illustrated by James Foley Published by Walker Books 1st April, 2026 When Luca’s mum and dad give him a special present for his birthday, he hopes it’s the pet dog he’s been waiting for but instead, he gets Fuzzball, a guinea pig. Nathan Luff is the author of Jungle Escape and The Nerd Herd and Family Disasters series. He is also the Children’s and YA programmer for Sydney Writers’ Festival. http://www.nathanluff.com.au https://www.walkerbooks.com.au
R. A. Stephens - Connected Illustrated by Tamlyn Teow Published by Wombat Books 1st April, 2026 Demonstrated using mathematics this picture book shows us that we are all connected. R. A. Stephens is an author, maths and science teacher and publisher who loves to tell stories with an educational edge. www.rastephens.com
Janeen Brian - Somewhere You Can Dream Illustrated by Hilary Jean Tapper Published by Allen & Unwin 1st April, 2026 Written in rhyme, Somewhere You Can Dream is about that special place where you can be yourself, where you’re filled with enjoyment and contentment and your mind can wander and dream. Janeen Brian is an award-winning, best selling author and poet who writes in most genres but especially loves the challenge and joy of picture books. www.janeenbrian.com
Hayley Gannon – Luna’s World 3: Camp Chaos Illustrated by Michelle Conn Published by Affirm Press 1st April, 2026 Luna discovers school camp isn't all toasted marshmallows and fun activities: being away from home is an adventure in itself. Hayley Gannon is both an author and teacher librarian who adores children’s literature! https://www.simonandschuster.com.au/authors/Hayley-Gannon/237063108
Sharon Giltrow - Samara Rubin and The Utility Belt and Toby King and The Utility Belt Illustrated by Thu Vu Published by GiltWrote Publishing 11th and 22nd April, 2026 Samara Rubin and The Utility Belt is a speculative junior fiction book about finding the courage to stand up for yourself, with magical tools, a cute sidekick, a 'super' family it has something for everyone. Toby King and The Utility Belt is a speculative junior fiction book about the true meaning of friendship, with magical tools, a cute sidekick, a 'super' family it has something for everyone. An award-nominated children's author, Sharon writes stories that bring joy, laughter and connection to families everywhere. https://www.sharongiltrowauthor.com/
Emma Bowd - Time to Go to the Park Illustrated by Leila Rudge Published by HarperCollins Children's Books 28th April, 2026 Time to Go to the Park is a fun, feel-good book for preschoolers that captures the everyday joys of childhood and family life. Emma Bowd is an internationally published, bestselling and award-winning author, and a dedicated literacy and disability advocate. https://emmabowd.com/ https://www.harpercollins.com.au/9781460767245/time-to-go-to-the-park-a-beautifully-illustrated-keepsake-picture-book-to-inspire-joyful-family-adventures-in-nature/
Emily Gale - The Wild Unknown Published by Text Publishing 28th April, 2026 The Wild Unknown is a gripping adventure set in a near-future world where the truth can be difficult to find and where real friends will always be better than the smartest tech. Emily Gale’s other middle-grade novels are The Other Side of Summer, Elsewhere Girls and Outlaw Girls (co-written with Nova Weetman), and The Goodbye Year, which have all been shortlisted for a number of Australian awards. https://www.textpublishing.com.au/books/the-wild-unknown https://emilygalebooks.com/
Anita Sachlikidis - Coby and the Magical Escape (Dragon Pets #5) Published by Clucky Feathers Books 2026 Join Coby and his Dragon Pet Capri on their exciting adventure in the magical world – can they track down the cheeky escapees before they get into serious trouble? Anita Sachlikidis creates vivid, entertaining stories for children in Cairns, Australia with her husband, two high-energy children and a flock of pretty, opinionated chickens. https://anitasachlikidis.com/
Marvellous March. Look at all these wonderful books from our Author Pen Pals released in March! Our warmest congratulations on sending these new stories into the world. March Releases 2026Bianca Richardson and Kristin Martin - Belle and Bea's Beautiful New Home Published by Wakefield Press March 2026 Belle and Bea's Beautiful New Home is the third book in the Easter Bilby's Friends series, which explains to children how introduced wild rabbits affect the native plants and animals in the area, and what they can do to help. Bianca Richardson is a graphic designer and illustrator with a love for wonky hand-drawn lines who lives in the beautiful Limestone Coast region of South Australia. Kristin Martin is a poet, picture book author and primary school teacher. https://justdrawmorebianca.com/ https://kristinmartin.net/ https://www.wakefieldpress.com.au/product/belle-and-beas-beautiful-new-home/
Jayne McIntyre - The Feathers of Farwood and The Gripps Curse Published by Riveted Press 17th March, 2026 The Feathers of Farwood and The Gripps Curse is the first in a magical middle grade trilogy following the journey of Eva Feather, whose father has been turned into an owl by the dreaded Gripps. Jayne McIntyre is a children's author and when she isn’t dreaming up characters or plotting her next twist, you will find her jogging, reading, or spending time with her husband and two children. https://jaynemcintyre.com/
Susea Spray - Captain's Cave Art by St Patrick’s School Asquith 27th March, 2026 When Captain slips away, adventure-bound, a fleeting glimpse of a mysterious tail leads her and Dad into a magical cave world filled with strange and wonderful creatures. Retired teacher and photographer, Susea’s writing inspiration for her writing from sailing adventures that took her half-way around the world. https://suseaspray.com
Liv Lorkin - Gnoming About: Tree Mail Adventure 30th March, 2026 Gnoming About: Tree Mail Adventure is a whimsical black and white graphic novel with heart and nature-loving adventure. Liv Lorkin is a heart-led children's book author, illustrator and visual storyteller. www.livlorkin.com
Melissa-Jane Fogarty - Narm-Jaap: A Flinders Street Station History Illustrated by Dylan Finney Published by Lothian Children's Books 31st March, 2026 Narm-Jaap: A Flinders Street Station tells the history of Flinders Street Station and the land on which it is built, while centering its ongoing significance to the Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung. Melissa-Jane Fogarty, a Mununjali woman, is the author of Our Lands, which is an Indigenous history series about Australia's most iconic landmarks and the Country on which they are built. https://melissajanefogarty.com/ https://www.hachette.com.au/melissa-jane-fogarty-dylan-finney/narm-jaap-a-flinders-street-station-history
Seetha Dodd - Myra in the Middle Illustrated by Peter Cheong Published by UQP 31st March, 2026 A junior novel about finding your place in your family - and on the soccer field. Seetha Dodd is a Malaysian-born, Sydney-based author who writes stories that empower children to challenge stereotypes and celebrate uniqueness in all forms. www.seethadodd.com www.uqp.com.au/books/myra-in-the-middle
Susan Joy Lu - What Can I Get For Mother’s Day? Written by Renae Hayward Published by Larrikin House March, 2026 Choosing the perfect Mother’s Day gift can be quite the challenge, the only certainty is that there are no boring gifts allowed because all mothers deserve an AWESOME Mother’s Day! Originally from Belfast (Northern Ireland), Susan Joy Lu is an Artist, Author and Illustrator who now lives in Perth (Western Australia) where she spends her days creating nostalgic and colourful illustrations, full of joy. www.susanjoylu.com
The fabulous new books keep coming from our talented Author Pen Pals! Here are the February 2026 releases (along with one January title that hopped on in!) January ReleaseJaneen Brian - Are you the Easter Bunny? Illustrated by Lucinda Gifford Published by Harper Collins 28th January, 2026 A little desert bird asks the question and it’s answered by a wonderful, but endangered Australian marsupial, the bilby! Janeen Brian is a best-selling, internationally published and award-winning children’s author and poet with over 110 books published. www.janeenbrian.com
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Sally Barton - Something Terrible: Sam Stop Your Frowning
Illustrated by Christopher Nielsen
Published by Walker Books
1st February, 2026
When a frowny Sam Crisp is caught in the Changing Wind, the only way to get back his smile is with the help of meteorologist Dr Weatherbee, and a surprising trip to Easter Island.
Sally is a tutor and children's book writer who loves silly stories, cats, libraries, words, and did she say cats?
https://www.walkerbooks.com.au/
https://www.sallybeewrites.com/
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Sharon Dalgleish - Saving Shark Pup
Illustrated by Amandine Thomas
Published by Allen and Unwin
3rd February, 2026
The true story of a great white shark pup who washed up on the beach and was rescued by the local community.
As a librarian and teacher for many years, Sharon Dalgleish read a lot of books — now she also gets to write them.
https://www.allenandunwin.com/browse/book/Sharon-Dalgleish,-illustrated-by-Amandine-Thomas-Saving-Shark-Pup-9781761182013
https://www.sharondalgleishbooks.com/
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Adelle Frittitta - My Nonna Loves
Illustrated by Cluadia Frittitta
Published by Hardie Grant
24th February, 2026
My Nonna Loves celebrates the quiet, everyday ways a grandmother fills a child’s world with love.
Adelle Frittitta is a Melbourne-based art teacher and children’s author who loves creating warm, heartfelt stories inspired by family, childhood memories, and everyday moments.
https://adellefrittitta.com
instagram.com/adellefrittitta
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Bethany Loveridge - Genie Snail
Illustrated by Chris Kennett
Published by Little Book Press
24th February, 2026
Genie Snail is a funny tale full of clever rhymes, silly surprises and one tiny plot twist ...
Bethany Loveridge is a Queensland-based author and illustrator who creates for children of all ages and loves, 'art, books and coffee' (quote supplied by daughter).
www.bethanyloveridge.com
https://littlebookpress.com.au/products/genie-snail
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Alysia Kelly - Celebration Festival
Illustrated by Ruth Mary Smith
Published by Larrikin House
February, 2026
Join Evie, and her cheeky pup, Biscuit as they attempt to choose the winner of the grand celebration festival!
Alysia Kelly is a children’s author and Junior Primary teacher who loves writings stories filled with humour, heart and hope.
Alysiakelly.com
Larrikinhouse.com.au
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We’ve already had a bumper crop of new releases from our amazing Author Pen Pals so far this year. Please join us in congratulating them on their beautiful new books and stay tuned for more to come!
January Releases
Josie Montano - Casa Mia
Illustrated by Kristen Willis
Published by IP Kidz
1st January, 2026
Casa Mia is a heartwarming children's picture book about family, memory, and the power of home.
Josie’s an international award-winning author & screenwriter with 27 years and 70 resources within the industry, and is a storyteller who strives to advocate and who celebrates diversity.
www.booksbyjosie.com.au
Illustrated by Kristen Willis
Published by IP Kidz
1st January, 2026
Casa Mia is a heartwarming children's picture book about family, memory, and the power of home.
Josie’s an international award-winning author & screenwriter with 27 years and 70 resources within the industry, and is a storyteller who strives to advocate and who celebrates diversity.
www.booksbyjosie.com.au
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Lawrey Goodrick - Half-Life: The AA Battery Adventure
Published by Hawkeye Books
24th January, 2026
Half-Life: The AA Battery Adventure is a STEM-infused coming-of-age adventure that follows two AA batteries seeking freedom from powering electronic devices and escape from the oppression of the Electrician overlords (humans).
Lawrey Goodrick writes whimsical, witty and outrageous stories that reflect his hyperactive and animated imagination, stories constructed from complex subject matter, simplified into thought-provoking perspectives for middle grade readers.
https://hawkeyebooks.com.au/collections/new-release/products/half-life
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Dr Helen Edwards - A Light on the Rocks
Published by Riveted Press
28th January, 2026
Set across two timelines, connected by place, mystery, and magic, A Light on the Rocks is a haunting tale about survival, self-belief and the wild beauty of the sea.
Dr Helen Edwards is an award-winning author and speaker who writes stories of nature, history and magic.
www.helenedwardswrites.com
www.rivetedpress.com.au
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Gemma Creegan - The Little Mushroom Village
Published by BookSpring
January 2026
My debut picture book is written and illustrated by me and explores a whimsical mushroom village through the changing seasons.
I'm a British-Australian children's writer and illustrator who is inspired by nature, books and travel.
Bilingual Children's Book About Mushrooms and Mice Overview - BookSpring
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December Release!
Congratulations Author Pen Pal, Sharon Giltrow on the release of your new book.
Sharon Giltrow - Toby King and the Utility Belt
Toby King and the Utility Belt is Book 2 in Sharon's early MG series THE UTILITY BELT.
https://t.ly/PMNn7
Toby King wants his life to change. He is lonely and wishes he had friends. Lots of friends. Toby has watched Samara Rubin use her mysterious, magical utility belt. Why doesn’t Toby’s identical belt work? Book 2 of an engaging new adventure series.
Illustrated by: Thu Vu
Published by: Clear Fork Press
https://t.ly/PMNn7
Toby King wants his life to change. He is lonely and wishes he had friends. Lots of friends. Toby has watched Samara Rubin use her mysterious, magical utility belt. Why doesn’t Toby’s identical belt work? Book 2 of an engaging new adventure series.
Illustrated by: Thu Vu
Published by: Clear Fork Press
November Releases!
Congratulations to all our Author Pen Pals on your November releases!
Julie Murphy - Dog Beach
Julie Murphy – Dog Beach
Illustrated by Annie White
Published by NLA Publishing
Publication date 1 November 2024
Look who’s at the dog beach!
Strong dogs, long dogs,
Playing dogs, staying dogs,
Black dogs, brown dogs, go-to-town dogs…
Going to the beach is a big part of Australian culture and, for many people, so are dogs! This book doubles the fun, celebrating all of the different types of dogs that we Aussies love.
With joyful illustrations by Annie White, a short, rhythmic story, and educational backmatter about guide dogs, farm dogs, story dogs and more.
www.juliemurphybooks.com
Illustrated by Annie White
Published by NLA Publishing
Publication date 1 November 2024
Look who’s at the dog beach!
Strong dogs, long dogs,
Playing dogs, staying dogs,
Black dogs, brown dogs, go-to-town dogs…
Going to the beach is a big part of Australian culture and, for many people, so are dogs! This book doubles the fun, celebrating all of the different types of dogs that we Aussies love.
With joyful illustrations by Annie White, a short, rhythmic story, and educational backmatter about guide dogs, farm dogs, story dogs and more.
www.juliemurphybooks.com
Verity Croker - ALBA Hidden Secrets
Cover designer: Fiona Suherman; Publisher: GenZ Publishing, USA.
While mourning the loss of her boyfriend in tragic circumstances, sixteen-year-old Rebecca and her late boyfriend's brother Calum discover a buried suitcase in an icehouse in Scotland, and grow closer as they attempt to solve the mystery behind it.
https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/B0DHZ7K9M3
Andrea Rowe - Amid the Sand Dunes
Illustrator: Hannah Sommerville
Publisher: Hardie Grant Children’s Publishing
Little people love to explore little worlds! Explore the hidden spaces and sounds across the sand dunes with this beautiful board book for our smallest nature-lovers, from the CBCA award-winning creators of In the Rockpool and Jetty Jumping, Andrea Rowe and Hannah Sommerville.
https://www.hardiegrantgift.com.au/books/amid-the-sand-dunes-9781761213786
Publisher: Hardie Grant Children’s Publishing
Little people love to explore little worlds! Explore the hidden spaces and sounds across the sand dunes with this beautiful board book for our smallest nature-lovers, from the CBCA award-winning creators of In the Rockpool and Jetty Jumping, Andrea Rowe and Hannah Sommerville.
https://www.hardiegrantgift.com.au/books/amid-the-sand-dunes-9781761213786
October Releases!
Congratulations to all our Author Pen Pals who have had October releases.
Helen Edwards - Legend of the Lighthouse Moon
It’s the 1970s and on Kangaroo Island, Mona McKenna and her brother Albert live with their grandparents at Cape Willoughby Lighthouse. For five long years they have mourned their mother and longed for their missing father to return. Since being diagnosed with type 1 diabetes a year earlier, Mona has been increasingly acting in ways that make her hate herself. While she loves the rugged beauty of their isolated sanctuary—and dearly loves her grandparents—she yearns for her parents and finds her diabetes frightening and confusing. Mona finds solace in the treasures she collects along the island's shores. But when she encounters a mysterious sea lion pup, Neo, the world as she knows it is forever changed. The two siblings embark on a journey that leads them to uncover secrets hidden within their family's past. As they bond with Neo, Mona and Albert's quest for truth takes them deeper into the heart of Kangaroo Island. With the fate of their beloved lighthouse hanging in the balance, they must summon courage and resilience to protect their home and the endangered sea lions who call it their own. Rich with folklore and brimming with adventure, Legend of the Lighthouse Moon is a dazzling tale of family, resilience, and the enduring magic of the sea. Join Mona on a journey of self-discovery where the whispers of the past guide her towards a future filled with hope, love, and legends brought to life.
Published by Riveted Press
https://www.simonandschuster.com.au/books/Legend-of-the-Lighthouse-Moon/Helen-Edwards/9781763526013
Published by Riveted Press
https://www.simonandschuster.com.au/books/Legend-of-the-Lighthouse-Moon/Helen-Edwards/9781763526013
Kirsten Ealand - Like A Gannet
Cheer on little Francie as she goes through the excitement and apprehension of her first time on the diving board in this celebration of summer days at the pool, cousins and one little fledgling who wants to be a gannet.
https://www.kirstenealand.com/#/like-a-gannet/
https://www.kirstenealand.com/#/like-a-gannet/
Rebecca Fung - Septopus
illustrated by Kathy Creamer
Stanley is a septopus – a seven-tentacled octopus. Life can be difficult when the octopus world is built for the eight-tentacled. Games don’t work the way you expect, clothes don’t fit and even things like preparing a meal are a challenge.
What’s worse, Stanley’s parents worry about him so much that they’re scared to let him do anything fun. His sister and brothers tease and bully him. All Stanley wants is a chance to live a normal life in the ocean … and to find some friends. Is that too much for a septopus to hope for?
Suitable for children aged 8 -12 years
https://www.rebeccafung.com/
Stanley is a septopus – a seven-tentacled octopus. Life can be difficult when the octopus world is built for the eight-tentacled. Games don’t work the way you expect, clothes don’t fit and even things like preparing a meal are a challenge.
What’s worse, Stanley’s parents worry about him so much that they’re scared to let him do anything fun. His sister and brothers tease and bully him. All Stanley wants is a chance to live a normal life in the ocean … and to find some friends. Is that too much for a septopus to hope for?
Suitable for children aged 8 -12 years
https://www.rebeccafung.com/
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