Recreation

Children’s New Titles July 2011 (arrived in June)

Audio Visual

Smitty [videorecording (DVD)], directed by David Mickey Evans.
Mischievous thirteen-year-old Ben is sent to his grandfather's farm for the summer, where he crosses paths with a lovable mutt. With help from the unlikely canine companion, Ben learns the importance of friendship, family, and responsibility. When life gets tough for Ben, a friendly paw is all it takes to pull him through.
Putumayo kids instrumental dreamland [sound recording]
Garfield fantasies [videorecording (DVD)].
A group of TV specials that were developed and aired on CBS. They focus around Garfield's vivid imagination and ability to
Fire & roses [sound recording], Fiona Dunbar.
Hey, I'm Kitty Slade. My life used to be pretty, well, normal. But it turns out seeing dead people is a big deal.
The dark dream [sound recording], Nigel Hinton.
In this fourth Beaver Towers adventure, Philip and old Mr. Edgar set off on their travels so that Philip can learn how to use his powers to fight evil. But while they are away, the island itself is under threat from a strange creature named Retson. This time it is up to Baby B, the little beaver and Nick, the hedgehog, to save the day.
Death bringer [sound recording], Derek Landy.
The sixth instalment in the historic, hysterical and horrific Skulduggery Pleasant series. Think you've seen anything yet? You haven't. Because the Death Bringer is about to rise! The Necromancers no longer need Valkyrie to be their Death Bringer, and that's a Good Thing. There's just one catch. There's a reason the Necromancers don't need her any more. And that's because they've found their Death Bringer already, the person who will dissolve the doors between life and death. And that's a very, very Bad Thing!
A fine summer knight [sound recording], Jan Mark.
Grace is treated like a baby by her over-protective and much older family, who won't allow her off the estate on her own. Then Grace spots a ghostly knight through her telescope. How can she persuade anyone to search with her?
The nine lives of Montezuma [sound recording], Michael Morpurgo.
From the moment of his birth, Montezuma is a survivor. From his encounter with a tin can to his fight with the farm's dog and on through his adventures as he roams the farmyard and the fields beyond, he changes, from fiery kitten to a tired old tom-cat.
Precious and the monkeys [sound recording], Alexander McCall Smith.
Well before Precious Ramotswe founded her Number One Ladies' Detective Agency, as an eight-year-old girl she was already solving mysteries. Here, in this delightful, enchanting tale for children, we find out just who has been stealing her schoolfriends' snacks and how the young Precious became the crafty and intuitive private investigator we all know and love!
The worst thing about my sister [sound recording], Jacqueline Wilson.
Being a sister isn't always easy but what's the very worst thing about your sister? Marty and her sister Melissa couldn't be more different. Marty loves her Converse trainers, playing football, hiding in her secret den and helping her dad with his DIY. But Melissa loves Justin Bieber and all things pink, girly and pretty. The sisters can manage to live together, despite their occasional scraps but then Mum tells them they have to share a room. For Marty, having to share her bunk beds and lose her private sanctuary turns out to be the very worst thing about having a sister. But the girls soon discover that being too close for comfort can have unexpected consequences, and when an accident happens, the sisters realise they are closer than they thought.
Summer in Enchantia [sound recording] ; Christmas in Enchantia, Darcey Bussell.
Summer in Enchantia. One summer's evening, Rosa is about to dance at an outdoor show when she feels a familiar tingling in her ballet shoes. Someone in Enchantia needs her. Rosa soon discovers that a band of pirates have stolen the King and Queen's treasure! Can she defeat the crew and win it back?
Christmas in Enchantia. It's Christmas, the most magical time of the year, and Delphie is really excited about taking part in her ballet school's special Christmas show! And just when Delphie thinks things can't get any better she is whisked away to Enchantia. Her friends there really need her help to make sure that this Christmas in Enchantia is the best one ever, despite King Rat's mischief making…
Mother Goose [sound recording], Chris Emmett.
Jack and Jill are in love and want to get married. But Jack is the son of Mother Goose - who's desperately poor and in debt to Squire Bashem - and Jill just happens to be the Squire's daughter. With the help of a Fairy Queen, Mother Goose's wishes come true and she becomes rich thanks to a gigantic magical goose which lays golden eggs… Her debts cleared, will Mother Goose live happily ever after? And will Jack and Jill finally be able to marry with their parents' blessings?
Raging robots and unruly uncles [sound recording], Margaret Mahy.
The arrival of two single-minded robots convinces twin brothers, wicked Jasper and virtuous Jason, that their own children, who have run away, aren't so bad after all.
Whale rescue [sound recording] ; &, The Dark Queen's revenge, Sue Mongredien.
Whale rescue. The whales are missing from the Undersea Kingdom so Molly and her mermaid friend, Leila, set out to find them. But the Dark Queen's monsters capture Leila. Can Molly use the magical powers in her necklace to rescue Leila and save the whales?
The Dark Queen's revenge. Disaster! The mermaid palace is being attacked by the Dark Queen who wants to rule the oceans. Can brave Molly find a way to stop her and save the Undersea Kingdom?
Penny Dreadful is a magnet for disaster [sound recording] ; Penny Dreadful is a complete catastrophe, Joanna Nadin.
Penny Dreadful is a magnet for disaster. My name is not actually Penny Dreadful. It is Penelope Jones. The 'Dreadful' bit is my dad's JOKE. But I do not see the funny side. Plus it is not even true that I am dreadful. It's just that sometimes my BRILLIANT IDEAS don't work out completely brilliantly. Like, I didn't mean for my cousin to end up bald and covered in superglue, and I also didn't mean to steal our neighbour's dog and make him speak Russian… It is not my fault. I can't help it - I'm just a Magnet for Disaster.
Penny Dreadful is a complete catastrophe. My name is not actually Penny Dreadful. It is Penelope Jones. The 'Dreadful' bit is my dad's JOKE. But it is not even true that I am dreadful… honest. You see, the DISASTER with Rooney, our class rat, might not have been such a DISASTER if it wasn't for Cosmo Moon Webster and his Amazing Maze. AND it is utterly not my fault that the Patented Burglar Trap accidentally tripped Gran over, so her bone went snap. ALSO, I only took Barry the cat to the hospital so he could revive Gran with The Power Of Pets. How was I to know it would be a Complete CATastrophe?
Agatha Parrot and the mushroom boy [sound recording], Kjartan Poskitt.
Helloooo! This story is about the time I was watching Sing Wiggle and Shine on TV (the worst talent show ever WAHOO love it love it) but my evil brother James nicked the TV remote so he could watch football instead. Don't worry, I got my own back!
Frog freak out! [sound recording], Ali Sparkes.
Oh no! Mad scientist Petty Potts just turned up at Josh and Danny's Summer Camp, as the new camp counsellor. And she just happens to be hiding some bottles of extraordinary serum inside her raincoat… That can turn them into amphibians! Josh and Danny vow to stay away from Petty's SWITCH formula, but when their new friend Pippa gets into trouble, they know there's only one thing for it. Find Petty and get hopping! If everything goes to plan they should be back in plenty of time to perform in end of camp play… If the webbed feet EVER wear off!
A cat called Penguin [sound recording], Holly Webb.
Everyone thinks Penguin is a silly name for a cat, but Alfie thinks it's perfect. To Alfie, he's the best cat in the world.
More meerkat madness [sound recording], Ian Whybrow.
Mimi, Skeena and Little Dream are unhappy when Uncle invites a fluffy, female stranger to join the Really Mad Mob. So when Little Dream dreams that their missing mama is calling him, the kits set off to search for her. But a lost lion cub has other plans for them.
Gobbolino the witch's cat [sound recording], Ursula Moray Williams.
The adventures of a very special kitten and his search for a home.

Into Reading

Five days till summer, Kate McMullan ; illustrated by R.W. Alley.
Even though summer vacation starts in five days, Pearl and Wagner, a rabbit and a mouse who are best friends, worry about next year's teacher, mean Ms. Bean.
Flora the fancy dress fairy, Daisy Meadows.
Kirsty and Rachel are attending a grand costume party at McKersey Castle. But Jack Frost thinks the castle should be hosting his party instead, and steals Flora the Fancy Dress Fairy's magic items to further his naughty plan! It's up to Rachel and Kirsty to set things right in this abridged, simplified version of the bestselling Rainbow Magic story.
Horrid Henry's author visit, Francesca Simon ; illustrated by Tony Ross.
It is Book Week at Horrid Henry's school, and TJ Fizz, Henry's favourite author in the whole world, is coming in to talk to his class. So he can't believe his rotten luck when he is sent to listen to the Happy Nappy song with the Infants instead. He has to escape but how?

Non-Fiction

What we wear : dressing up around the world, Maya Ajmera, Elise Hofer Derstine, Cynthia Pon.
Uses colourful photographs to show the clothing and dress of children from places around the globe, including Peru, Uganda, and Sweden.
The wise fool : fables from the Islamic world, Shahrukh Husain, Micha Archer.
A retelling of twenty-two Middle Eastern folktales about Mulla Nasreddin Hoca, a wise man remembered for his insightful and humorous stories.
Inside earthquakes, Melissa Stewart ; illustrations throughout by Cynthia Shaw.
Examines why earthquakes strike, where they are most likely to occure, and what's it like tho live through
What's up with Beth? : Medikidz explain cystic fibrosis, authors, Kim Chilman-Blair & Shawn deLoache ; peer reviewed by Ian Balfour-Lynn & Girish-Sharma.
Putting on the brakes : understanding and taking control of your ADD or ADHD, Patricia O. Quinn and Judith M. Stern.
Self-help guide and resource for preteens with attention deficit disorder (ADD) or attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Includes strategies to manage disorder and practical ways to improve organization, focus, studying, and homework skills. Also tips for making friends, controlling emotions, and being healthy.
Where's Wally? : the search for the lost things : a compendium of puzzling puzzles, Martin Handford.
Wally and his friends invite you on an extraordinary journey to find their most precious possessions. Hours of fun and things to do! Sensational! Help Wally find his misplaced key, Wenda find her camera, Woof dig up his bone, Wizard Whitebeard locate his scroll and Odlaw hunt for his binoculars, completing all the activities on the way. This stupendous compendium features over a hundred pages of searches, puzzles, spot-the-differences, mazes, word games, doodles, riddles, matching games and much more. Wow! "Where's Wally?" celebrates its 25th anniversary in 2012 and has become a global phenomenon. The series has sold over 50 million copies worldwide in 30 languages. Wally has reached celebrity status! He has appeared in the primetime American TV shows "Frasier", "The Simpsons and Friends"; on the 1000th anniversary cover of "Rolling Stone" magazine as a cultural Icon of the last 40 years; and, on Google Earth.
The night before Christmas : or, A visit from St. Nicholas : the classic edition, Clement C. Moore ; illustrated by Charles Santore.
Presents an illustrated version of the well-known poem about an important Christmas visitor.
Life in the ocean : the story of oceanographer Sylvia Earle, Claire A. Nivola.
A picture book biography tells the story of Sylvia Earle's growing passion for the wonders of the sea and how her ocean exploration and advocacy have made her known around the world.
Liberia, Robin S. Doak.
This book briefly examines the history, people, and environment of the country of Liberia.

Older Fiction

Crusade in jeans, Thea Beckman.
Thinking he is going to a tournament of knights in the Middle Ages, fifteen-year-old Rudloph volunteers to test the time machine--but computer error strands him in the Rhineland at the exact time the Children's Crusade is passing through. Alone and disoriented, Rudolf joins the immense children's army. The dreadful conditions he encounters compel him to use his twentieth-century knowledge to try to create order out of chaos, and in spite of himself he becomes a leader and an organizer through, though he knows that the great undertaking is doomed to failure.
The drover's quest, Susan Brocker.
"Rumour is flying around the West Coast gold fields that Tom McGee has struck it rich and found a nugget of gold as big as a man's fist. So no one is surprised when next his campsite is found wrecked and abandoned. Men have been killed for a lot less on the tough goldfields on the 1860s New Zealand. But one person is convinced Tom is not dead, his headstrong daughter, Charlotte. Solving the mystery is not her first task, through. First, she must get to the coast. A skillful horse rider, she disguises herself as a boy and joins a cattle drove across the Southern Alps. To survive the dangerous drove over Arthur's Pass, and to keep her identity hidden from vicious trail boss, she'll need the help of her dog, her horse, and her father's friend, Tama. She knows she can do it - she has to - but what will she find? And will her new American friend, Joseph, help or hinder her quest? Charlie is in for the ride of her life - and the stakes couldn't he higher"--Supplied by publisher. Suggested level: primary, intermediate.
Laddertop. Volume 1, Orson Scott Card, Emily Janice Card with Zina Card ; illustrated by Honoel A. Ibardolaza.
Twenty-five years after humanity received a new technology from aliens called the Givers, Robbi and Azure, eleven-year-old candidates for the Laddertop Academy, become entangled in a mystery that may be linked to the aliens' disappearance.
A face like glass, Frances Hardinge.
In the underground city of Caverna the world's most skilled craftsmen toil in the darkness to create delicacies beyond compare wines that can remove memories, cheeses that can make you hallucinate and perfumes that convince you to trust the wearer, even as they slit your throat. The people of Caverna are more ordinary, but for one thing: their faces are as blank as untouched snow. Expressions must be learned, and only the famous Facesmiths can teach a person to show (or fake) joy, despair or fear at a price. Into this dark and distrustful world comes Neverfell, a little girl with no memory of her past and a face so terrifying to those around her that she must wear a mask at all times. For Neverfell's emotions are as obvious on her face as those of the most skilled Facesmiths, though entirely genuine. And that makes her very dangerous indeed.
Apocalypse moon, M.G. Harris.
Something is very wrong with the 2012 Plan. Is it really on course to save the planet from the gigantic Electro-Magnetic Pulse that's due to shatter civilisation at the end of the year? After a narrow escape from US government agents Josh decides to risk his own life on a daring mission a leap forward in time to discover the truth about 2012. He's jumped ahead far enough to glimpse a post-apocalyptic world in collapse. And to realise it could be his destiny to stay.
Hero on a bicycle : a novel, Shirley Hughes.
This is a gripping and moving first novel by one of the world's best-loved writers for children. In extraordinary circumstances, people are capable of extraordinary things. It is 1944 and Florence is occupied by Nazi German forces. The Italian resistance movement has not given up hope, though and neither have Paolo and his sister, Constanza. Both are desperate to fight the occupation, but what can two siblings do against a whole army with only a bicycle to help them? This is a beautifully jacketed edition. It has linked website with historical details about the Second World War in Italy, including period photographs, videos and music, as well as interviews with the author, extra illustrations and much more. This is a wonderful first novel from the internationally revered Shirley Hughes; a modern classic in the making.
The secret of the old clock, Carolyn Keene.
Nancy Drew solves her first mystery when the accidental rescue of a little girl who lives with her two great-aunts leads on an adventurous search for a missing will.
Red Rocks, Rachael King.
"While holidaying at his father's house, Jake explores Wellington's wild south coast, with its high cliffs, biting winds, and its fierce seals. When he stumbles upon a perfectly preserved sealskin, hidden in a crevice at Red Rocks, he's compelled to take it home and hide it under his bed, setting off a chain of events that threatens to destroy his family. Red Rocks takes the Celtic myth of the selkies, or seal people, and transplants it into the New Zealand landscape, throwing an ordinary boy into an adventure tinged with magic"--Publisher information. Suggested level: intermediate, junior secondary.
Chi's sweet home. 1, Konami Kanata ; [translation, Ed Chavez].
Chi is a mischievous newborn kitten who, while on a leisurely stroll with her family, finds herself lost. Overcome with loneliness she breaks into tears in a large park meadow, where she is rescued by a young boy named Yohei and his mother. The little kitty is then quickly and quietly whisked away into the warm and inviting Yamada apartment where pets are strictly not permitted.
Chi's sweet home. 2, Konami Kanata ; [translation, Ed Chavez].
The apartment manager has seen a cat around the building and wants it found and removed. Is it Chi?
Chi's sweet home. 3, Konami Kanata ; [translation, Ed Chavez].
Kitten-rearing is something, but raising a street-smart feline in a building with a strict no-pets policy is another story altogether. When mentoring a curious kitty, tactful tabbies must teach with patience and a firm paw. Remember, cats are a special breed. While we can survive well enough on instinct, those same feline responses can lead to unwanted attention. This long-whiskered one recommends spending lots of time with your little furballs, for they will instinctively look for mischief unless thoroughly entertained.
Chi's sweet home. 4, Konami Kanata ; [translation, Ed Chavez].
Follows the adventures of Chi, a mischievous kitten who is adopted by Yohei and his family, the Yamadas, even though their lease explicitly states pets are not allowed in their building.
Chi's sweet home. 5, Konami Kanata ; [translation, Ed Chavez].
Follows the adventures of Chi, a mischievous kitten who is adopted by Yohei and his family, the Yamadas, even though their lease explicitly states pets are not allowed in their building.
Chi's sweet home. 6, Konami Kanata ; [translation, Ed Chavez].
Follows the adventures of Chi, a mischievous kitten who is adopted by Yohei and his family, the Yamadas, even though their lease explicitly states pets are not allowed in their building.
Chi's sweet home. 8, Konami Kanata ; [translation, Ed Chavez].
Kittens, at one point or another, have to set forth and explore the world. Chi goes wandering and learns the dangers of doing so, but it is also a point of feline growth.
Crush : the theory, practice, and destructive properties of love, Gary Paulsen.
Afraid to actually ask Tina Zabinski for a date, eighth-grader Kevin spends most of his time theorizing about love and romance and observing and analyzing male/female interaction.
Operation Trinity, Clifford Riley.
Chronicles the first Vesper attack on Jan van Eyck's altarpiece at Ghent in the 1600s, then jumps to WWII and young Grace Cahill's desperate bid to save the masterwork from the Nazis.
Deadweather and Sunrise, Geoff Rodkey.
Thirteen-year-old Eggbert, a planter's son on a pirate-infested Caribbean island chain, is on the run from a wealthy and powerful villain trying to kill him for his connection to a hidden treasure.
The Sigh, Marjane Satrapi ; [translation by Edward Gauvin].
When a rich merchant who always brings gifts home from the market for his three daughters is unable to find the blue bean seed that his youngest daughter, Rose, has requested, her sigh of resignation attracts a mysterious being named the Sigh, who produces the desired seed and departs after the merchant promises him a later favor. Rose happily plants the seed and tends to her bean plant every day for a year, but then the Sigh returns and demands that the merchant fulfill his promise by letting the Sigh take Rose away to a secret and distant palace.
Tricky journeys. 1, Coyote tales, Chris Schweizer ; illustrated by Chad Thomas.
Coyote seeks food and fun in the canyons and hills of the southwest, and the reader helps him make choices as he encounters many other creatures, some friendly and some dangerous.
Big city Otto, written by Bill Slavin with Esperanca Melo ; art by Bill Slavin.
When Otto's long, lost friend Georgie is taken by the man with the wooden nose, Otto and his parrot friend Crackers set off for America to find his pal.
The storm makers, Jennifer E. Smith ; illustrated by Brett Helquist.
When twins Ruby and Simon's parents move the family from their cozy home in Chicago to a ramshackle farm in the middle of nowhere the only thing on Ruby's mind is: when can we move back home? With miles of empty fields surrounding them, Ruby and Simon are growing apart, and Ruby doesn't know how to stop it. That is, until strange occurrences begin happening on the farm sudden gusts of wind, rain storms, and even tornado warnings that seem eerily timed to Simon's emotions. When a stranger shows up and tells the twins that Simon is a Storm Maker part of a clandestine group of people entrusted with controlling and taming the weather and that he is in great danger, Simon and Ruby discover a world of adventure lurking behind the backdrop of peaceful fields and farms. Soon Ruby and Simon are racing against the clock as they try to master Simon's powers in time to stop a rogue Storm Maker's dangerous and potentially deadly plans.
Binky under pressure, [Ashley Spires].
Binky, a house cat that believes he is a space cat, is dismayed when Gracie, a too-perfect foster cat, comes to live at his space station, and decides to investigate to learn the truth about this unwelcome guest.
Terrible, horrible Edie, E.C. Spykman.
The exploits of mischievous ten-year-old Edie spending the summer on the Massachusetts seashore in the 1910s with her siblings and step-siblings while their parents are in Europe.
The secret tree, Natalie Standiford.
After sixth grader Minty discovers a secret tree with a hollow trunk that holds the secrets of everyone in the neighborhood, Raymond, a new boy drawn to the tree and Minty start watching their neighbors.
Bad Island, created, written, and drawn by Doug TenNapel.
Lyle, Karen, Janie, and Reese must find a way off an island while they dodge strange and dangerous things on the island

Picture Books

Animals = Les animaux : English-French, designed by Hakan San Bortecin.
Illustrations and clear text help children discover two languages by learning words for their favourite
Animals = Tiere : English-German, [designed by Hakan San Bortecin]
Illustrations and clear text help children discover two languages by learning words of their favourite
Animals.
Discover a world of animals with Play School!
Colours = Farben : English-German, designed by Hakan San Bortecin.
Vibrant illustrations and clear text help children discover two languages through the concept of colours.
Colours = Les couleurs : English-French, designed by Hakan San Bortecin.
Vibrant illustrations and clear text help children discover two languages through the concept of
Fruit = Les fruits : English-French, designed by Hakan San Bortecin.
Vibrant illustrations and clear text help children discover two languages through the concept of their favourite
Fruit = Obst : English-German, designed by Hakan San Bortecin.
Vibrant illustrations and clear text help children discover two languages through the concept of their favourite
Home = La maison : English-French, designed by Hakan San Bortecin.
Vibrant illustrations and clear text help children discover two languages through the concept of things in their
Numbers = Les nombres : English-French, designed by Hakan San Bortecin.
Vibrant illustrations and clear text help children discover two languages through counting various things from one to ten.
Numbers = Zahlen : English-German, designed by Hakan San Bortecin.
Vibrant illustrations and clear text help children discover two languages through counting various things from one
Vegetables = Gemuse : English-German, designed by Hakan San Bortecin.
Vibrant illustrations and clear text help children discover two languages through the concept of their favourite vegetables.
Vegetables = Les legumes : English-French, designed by Hakan San Bortecin.
Vibrant illustrations and clear text help children discover two languages through the concept of their favourite vegetables.
We completely must go to London, characters created by Lauren Child.
Charlie has this little sister Lola. Today they are visiting London on a school trip. Lola says, "London is extremely huge and very busy I can't wait"! Join Charlie and Lola as they take in all of London's most famous and best sights. There's plenty to see so tick off all the places they visit on your own extremely good London map and tell everyone about your trip with free London postcards.
Small Knight and George and the pirates, Ronda Armitage, Arthur Robins.
Small Knight and George the Dragon are setting sail on an important mission to find treasure and save the crumbling castle! But will their pirate ship survive the stormy seas? And what will happen when they come face to face with the fearsome Captain Swashmebuckle?
Mr Leon's Paris, Barroux ; translated by Sarah Ardizzone.
I'm Mr Leon. I know Paris better than anyone! From the Eiffel Tower to North Pole Street, and the Sacre-Coeur to congo Road. In my taxi you will see the world. Hop in, off we go!
Dinosaur thunder, Marion Dane Bauer, Margaret Chodos-Irvine.
Brannon is afraid of thunder until his older brother compares thunder to one of Brannon's favorite subjects
Snip, snap, look who's back!, written by Mara Bergman ; illustrated by Nick Maland.
When an alligator and his baby came creeping, creeping into the playground, were the people scared? You bet they were! Only three children are brave enough to face their fear and they soon discover that the alligators aren't so scary after all!.
The lonely book, Kate Bernheimer ; illustrated by Chris Sheban.
Once popular, an increasingly shabby library book grows lonely until a young girl rediscovers it, but when it becomes lost again both the book and the girl wonder if they will have a happy ending.
The very hungry bear, Nick Bland.
When the Very Hungry Bear goes fishing, he ends up catching more than he bargained for a polar bear, with an armful of fish, who needs help finding a new home! Vibrant illustrations and a fun, engaging story make this book perfect for reading aloud.
Happy like soccer, Maribeth Boelts ; illustrated by Lauren Castillo.
For soccer games Sierra rides a bus out of the city to fields that are nicer than the "lot" in her neighborhood, but so her auntie can be at her last game, she asks Coach Marco if the team might play in her neighborhood on a day her aunt does not work.
Brush your teeth, Max and Millie, Felicity Brooks ; illustrated by Desideria Guicciardini ; designed by Hanri van Wyk.
Max and Millie illustrate how to brush one's teeth properly and explain the importance of dental hygiene.
Max and Millie start school, Felicity Brooks ; illustrated by Desideria Guicciardini ; designed by Hanri van Wyk.
This is a delightful series for the very young, with simple, humorous stories introducing new experiences and encouraging good behaviour. Simple but engaging text makes these titles easy and enjoyable to read to very young children. This title deals with all the excitement and anxiety young children can feel when starting school. Millie thinks she knows exactly what's what, but Max isn't so sure. How do they get on their first day?
B is for Babar : an alphabet book, Laurent De Brunhoff.
Join Babar and his family for an alphabet of adventured: Arthur plays the accordion. Flora feeds the fish. Zephir zips and more" Y!oung children will love this bite-sized adaption of the classic picture book Babar's ABC. De Brunhoff's classic, bright illustrations and simple texts are sure to delight a new generation of young readers.
Dear zoo animal shapes, Rod Campbell.
Even the very youngest Dear Zoo fans can enjoy turning the die-cut pages of this sturdy board book to discover the different shapes of all their favourite animals from the original story. What will the zoo send you?
Lunchtime, Rebecca Cobb.
It's lunchtime for one little girl, but she's just not hungry. A visiting crocodile, bear and wolf, however, are starving. It's just as well that children taste revolting"! A beautifully illustrated tale of food, friendship and fun.
All by myself! : a story, Geraldine Collet ; illustrated by Coralie Saudo ; [translated, Sarah Quinn].
Five chicks whose mothers have left them to look for grain keep together as they worry about whether their mothers will ever come back and whether the fox will get them.
The great fairy tale disaster, David Conway ; Melanie Williamson.
A follow up to the bestselling Great Nursery Rhyme Disaster. Fairytales have never been funnier than in this outrageously silly picture book! Once upon a time there lived an old Big Bad Wolf. He no longer had any huff and puff to blow down the Three Little Pigs' houses so he scampers off into the pages of the Fairy Tale book to find a new one. He tries one tale after another, but things never quite work to plan. Will he find a fairytale that suits him perfectly? With all the well-known and well-loved fairytales, including Cinderella, Sleeping Beauty, Rapunzel, Jack and the Beanstalk, and Goldilocks and the Three Bears.
Yes, yes, Yaul!, Jef Czekaj.
Rap duo Hip the turtle and Hop the rabbit try to convince a prickly porcupine that saying "no" to everything is no fun at all.
Little Kiwi and the noisy morning, written and illustrated by Bob Darroch.
Early in the morning, just before dawn, the first sweet sounds of singing birds floated through the quiet forest. Join Little Kiwi and Little Sister as they take a walk through the bush. Lift the flaps to help them find all the birds that make the dawn chorus. Morning time in the bush can be very noisy - and full of surprises!
What will I be?, Nicola Davies ; illustrated by Marc Boutavant.
Lift the flaps and find out how animals grow up in this fun-filled, stylish biology book. "What Will I Be?" is one of four simple novelty titles in the "Uncover and Discover" series that explores aspects of animal life for very young children. "What Will I Be?" looks at animal growth, from egg to baby to fully grown, in an enjoyable and friendly way with strong text from writer and biologist Nicola Davies accompanied by stunning artwork and simple lift-the-flap spreads. This is a fresh, stylish alternative to other books in the genre. Spreads at the back encourage children to revisit what they have learned throughout the book. Other books in this series are: "Who's Like Me?" "What Happens Next?" and "Who Lives Here?"
The obstinate pen, Frank W. Dormer.
Uncle Flood is very pleased with his new pen until he tries to write with it and finds that it writes only what it wants to for him, and the series of people who try it after him, until finally his nephew Horace tries something new.
A mammoth in the fridge, Michael Escoffier ; and illustrated by Matthieu Maudet ; [translated by Linda Burgess].
If you find a mammoth in your fridge, there are two questions you should ask: 'How did it get there?' and 'How do you get it out? A hilarious picture book with a surprise twist at the end!
Two little monkeys, Mem Fox, Jill Barton.
A rhyming tale about two little monkeys who are hiding from a leopard.
Guess what?, Guido van Genechten.
Lift the flaps to see what parts of animals look like various objects.
Guess where?, Guido van Genechten.
The various places animals hide, sleep, and make their homes are cheerfully depicted in this playful book. The entertaining lift-the-flap pages reveal a host of colourful characters, from a sleeping cat and a mother bird feeding her chicks to a burrowing worm and a hungry polar bear. Educating children on different animals and their habitats, this book is the ideal companion for interaction between parents and toddlers.
Zorro gets an outfit, Carter Goodrich.
Zorro is embarrassed at having to wear a fancy outfit to the park and Mister Bud is unable to cheer him up until a "cool" new dog arrives in his own fancy clothes and challenges the friends to a race.
Moonlight, Helen V. Griffith ; illustrations by Laura Dronzek.
One cloudy night, after Rabbit goes into his burrow to sleep, the moon comes out, covering the countryside like butter and awakening Rabbit to come out and dance.
Spot loves sports, Eric Hill.
Spot and his dad go to the park, playing lots of different games with his friends, from baseball to soccer to foot-racing. After a long day, the exhausted friends all take a break for a well-deserved drink. This action-filled addition to the popular format will inspire young children to get up and move!
Spots says goodnight, Eric Hill.
It's time for bed and Spot has lots of 'Goodnights' to say before he can settle down to sleep. This is the most recent title in Eric Hill's classic lift-the-flap series and it follows the fun of Spot's bedtime routine in a way all toddlers will appreciate and enjoy.
Kite day : a Bear and Mole story, Will Hillenbrand.
Bear and Mole build a kite and take it out on a windy day, but when the weather suddenly turns stormy there are unexpected consequences for some birds.
Lighty Faust the lion : for real and imaginary friends, Anna Hymas.
This stunning debut picture book from talented author and illustrator, Anna Hymas is a very special take on a tale about imaginary friends. Join Ru and his friends Lighty Faust the lion and mouse, as they skip through life in a magical way.
Chicken, chicken, duck!, Nadia Krilanovich.
Easy-to-read, rhythmic text about a group of farm animals, led by a tenacious duck, who play a noisy game together.
All for me and none for all, written by Helen Lester ; illustrated by Lynn Munsinger.
Gruntly is a real hog, and the other animals are tired of his greediness, but when he gets mixed up on a treasure hunt and is the last to reach the prize, Gruntly begins to realize the value of kindness and sharing.
Frog and Fly : six slurpy stories, Jeff Mack.
Through a series of easy-to-read scenes, Frog always gets the better of Fly but in the end, Fly has the last word.
The belly book, Fran Manushkin ; illustrated by Dan Yaccarino.
A light-hearted salute to the body's midsection in simple rhymes and colourful drawings.
Meet me at the moon, Gianna Marino.
During a dry time, Mama leaves Little One alone while she climbs the highest mountain to ask the skies for rain, but she promises that her love will remain all around.
Noah the Moa, written by Janet Martin ; illustrated by Ivar Treskon.
"Once upon a time in a place called Aotearoa there roamed gigantic flightless birds called moa. Sadly they are now extinct, alive only in our dreams and imaginations … or are they? A tale of a young boy's encounter with the mighty Noah the Moa" --Back cover. Includes sheet music showing ukulele chords inside covers. Suggested level: junior, primary.
A forest, Marc Martin.
There once was a forest. So begins this timeless and touching story of renewal from one of Australia's most talented new picture-book creators.
Zoom, rocket, zoom!, Margaret Mayo & Alex Ayliffe.
Come on a fantastic adventure to the moon and deep into space! This inviting book is full of amazing astronauts and super space vehicles, including moon buggies, lunar modules, robot spacecraft and lots more! From the creators of the bestselling Dig Dig Digging.
Chloe, Peter McCarty.
Chloe Bunny lives with her big family of ten older brothers and sisters and ten younger brothers and sisters, but it is only Chloe who is able to compete with the new television set that Dad brings home one evening.
Mario makes a move, Jill McElmurry.
Mario and Isabelle, two squirrels, teach each other their amazing dance moves. Includes facts about squirrels.
Detective Blue, Steve Metzger ; illustrated by Tedd Arnold.
With the help of his nursery rhyme friends, Little Boy Blue, who now runs a detective agency, solves the mystery of the missing Miss Muffet.
The jungle run, Tony Mitton, Guy Parker-Rees.
Here come the animals, one by one. They're all getting ready for the Jungle Run. Cub turns up to take her place but the others say, You're to small to race. Cub may be little compared to the other animals, but she's quick and clever and she knows just how to show the rest of the jungle what a winner she is!
The best singer in the world, Ulf Nilsson ; [illustrated by] Eva Eriksson.
"A sweet, funny picture book about overcoming stage fright, being brave, and embracing your talents" --From publisher. Suggested level: junior.
Faster! Faster!, Leslie Patricelli.
A day at the park. A ride on Daddy's back. Run, Daddy! Faster! Faster! How fast can Daddy go? Faster than a dog? A horse? How about a cheetah? Must his feet even touch the ground? Leslie Patricelli reprises the duo from Higher! Higher! in another humorous riff on a favorite pastime a laugh-out-loud-funny tale of few words about doting dads and high-energy kids whose imaginations know no bounds.
Elephant pants, Smriti Prasadam-Halls, David Wojtowycz.
Ark alert! called Noah, come, gather round. There are missing pants and they need to be found! All is quiet and calm on Noah's Ark until Major Trump's pants disappear! Where can they be? Could there be an UNDERPANT SNATCHER on board? It's time to investigate the missing pants mystery.
One elephant went out to play, illustrated by Sanja Rescek.
One by one, elephants invite each other to play in a spider's web.
The fishing trip, Beatrice Rodriguez.
A wordless picture book story about Chicken who goes off on her own to catch a fish for her family and ends up having an adventure when she catches a giant sea monster. Eventually when she makes it back home, Chicken discovers her egg has hatched while she was away. Suggested level: junior.
Oliver, written and illustrated by Judith Rossell.
Oliver likes finding things out, so when his mother cannot explain the gurgling in the bathtub he builds a submarine, goes down the drain, and meets a group of vacationing penguins.
Bruce the Brachiosaurus, Jeannette Rowe.
Bright and bold with simple facts presented in a fun and lighthearted way, this series has been specially crafted to entertain the pre-schooler who is fascinated by the prehistoric world. Most kids catch Dinosauritis soothe their fever with Jeannette Rowe's vivid picture books that combine fun facts, jokes and games.
Rex the Tyrannosaurus, Jeannette Rowe.
Bright and bold with simple facts presented in a fun and lighthearted way, this series has been specially crafted to entertain the pre-schooler who is fascinated by the prehistoric world. Most kids catch Dinosauritis soothe their fever with Jeannette Rowe's vivid picture books that combine facts with fun.
Tip the Triceratops, Jeannette Rowe.
Bright and bold with simple facts presented in a fun and lighthearted way, this series has been specially crafted to entertain the pre-schooler who is fascinated by the prehistoric world. Most kids catch Dinosauritis soothe their fever with Jeannette Rowe's vivid picture books that combine fun facts, jokes and games.
Tracy the Pterodactyl, Jeannette Rowe.
Bright and bold with simple facts presented in a fun and lighthearted way, this series has been specially crafted to entertain the pre-schooler who is fascinated by the prehistoric world. Most kids catch Dinosauritis soothe their fever with Jeannette Rowe's vivid picture books that combine fun facts, jokes and games.
My dad is big and strong, but : a bedtime story, Coralie Saudo ; illustrated by Kris Di Giacomo.
Every night it's the same old thing, with dad refusing to go to bed. He wants to play, read stories, even sleep with me, and when he makes his pleading face, I always give in and read him another story. But that's it, since enough is enough. When it get's really tough, I tell myself, Have courage. We're al- most there. A boy's playful account of trying to put has dad to sleep gives children a de-lightful heads up on what a pain they can be at bedtime, while affirming the tender bond between father and son. A joyful, sweet, laughter-inducing book that children will clamor to read again and again!
The king who wouldn't sleep, Debbie Singleton, Holly Swain.
There once was a king who wouldn't sleep not even a wink! Until he found the perfect prince for his lovely daughter. Princes came from all around bearing gifts. Not one of them was right. But there was someone else watching with an unexpectedly cunning plan up his not-so-royal sleeve.
Splish-splosh, Nicola Smee.
The whole gang from Clip-Clop and Jingle-Jingle are back, and this time they're taking to the high seas. But the water's looking choppy, and the waves are getting bigger! Will the farmyard friends manage to stay dry, or will they tumble out of their little boat and in to the deep blue sea?
The King of Quizzical Island digs through the world, Gordon Snell ; illustrated by David McKee.
It's time to dig deep in the second instalment of the extraordinary adventures of the King of Quizzical Island. The King of Quizzical Island. To prove the world is round, made a singular spade with a diamond blade. And began to dig in the ground. The resolute King of Quizzical Island begins to dig a tunnel so deep that it will take him to the other side of the world. His quest leads him right down into the heart of the earth where he encounters all kinds of mysterious and mythical creatures, including the Monarch of Calcium, a huge Giant and a Dinosaur and Dragon perched in two large armchairs. Will he make it to the other side? What treasures of wisdom will he discover?
Jonathan and the big blue boat, Philip C. Stead.
When Jonathan's parents decide that he has gotten too old to have a stuffed animal, they trade his favorite bear, Frederick, for a toaster, so he sets off aboard a boat to search for his old friend.
The red wheelbarrow, Briony Stewart.
From award-winning author/illustrator Briony Stewart comes an endearing picture book celebrating the joys of childhood and everyday life. With nothing but a paper bag full of lollies and a much-loved blanket, two sisters and a curious chicken share an adventure in a red wheelbarrow. Told purely through Briony's beautiful illustrations with two alternating stories (left and right side of the book tell a different tale), The Red Wheelbarrow shows that sometimes it's the simple things in life that create the best stories.
Ocean, illustrated by Jess Stockham.
Let's Explore the ocean! Can you find the animals who live here? Whose nose is that? Whose tail? Let's lift the flap and find out!
Belle & Boo and the birthday surprise, Mandy Sutcliffe.
Enter the charming world of Belle and Boo, a bob-haired little girl and her adorable bunny friend. Follow the adventures of this curious pair as they enjoy the simple pleasures of childhood, drawing us into a magical world of imagination and discovery. Today is an extra-special day it's someone's birthday! Belle and Boo know just how to get ready for birthdays they make a card, bake a cake and blow up balloons. But whose birthday could it be? And what is the special surprise that Belle has planned? This beautifully-produced picture book comes with a free limited-edition Belle & Boo art print.
The super swooper dinosaur, Martin Waddell & Leonie Lord.
Here comes the super swooper dinosaur he's flying in for some fun! But just what games can Hal, Billy and the dino play when they're all so different? From the talented team that brought you the fantastic, bestselling The Dirty Great Dinosaur, this action-packed story shows how true friendship can overcome all differences.
Look! look! look! at sculpture, written and illustrated by Nancy Elizabeth Wallace with Linda K. Friedlaender.
Three mice "borrow" a postcard which is a reproduction of a sculpture, and from it they learn about colour, pattern, line, and shape. Includes instructions for making and sending a postcard.
Seven little mice go to the beach, Haruo Yamashita ; illustrated by Kazuo Iwamura.
Daddy Mouse is so tired from keeping track of his seven little mice at the beach that he fails to notice the tide coming in where he is taking a nap.
You are a lion! : and other fun yoga poses, Taeeun Yoo.
Children pretend to be many different animals as they do various yoga poses.

Younger Fiction

Just Grace and the flower girl power, written and illustrated by Charise Mericle Harper.
Although disappointed at not being chosen to be the flower girl in her best adult friend's wedding, third-grader Grace plans a special surprise for the big day.
In the land of twilight, Astrid Lindgren ; illustrated by Marit Tornqvist.
Goran has an injured leg and he gets bored spending so much time in bed. But when his mother turns out the light at dusk, Mr Lilyvale knocks on the window and takes him to the Land of Twilight. Goran and Mr Lilyvale walk and fly around Stockholm when people from the daytime world are sleeping. Goran drives a tram and a bus. It doesn't matter that he has a bad leg in the Land of Twilight. They eat candy that grows on trees in the park, play with bear cubs and meet a moose. They even visit the King and Queen in the royal palace. At the end of their journey each night, Mr Lilyvale takes Goran home just before his mother comes in and turns on the light. This delightful story about the power of the imagination is set in a magical version of Stockholm, and painted in beautiful twilight tones.
The littlest angel : two books in one, [3 and 4], Elizabeth Pulford ; with illustrations by Aki Fukuoka.
Two stories about Lily the littlest angel at Amelia's Angel Academy where Lily competes in the Archangel Trophy for snow sports against rivals All Saints Angel School; and, Lily wants to be part of the grand celebrations for Mother Angel's birthday but she is sick with spottimonities, will Lily manage to get to the party with the help of a bubble-soaked Frumplepuss? Suggested level: primary.
Lyle, Lyle crocodile storybook treasury, Bernard Waber with Paulis Waber.
Every home should have a crocodile!" Splish, splash. "Fifty years ago the Primms moved into the house on East 88th street and found a crocodile soaking in the bathtub. Since then, Lyle has won the hearts of all he meets. This anniversary collection features an introduction by Bernard Waber, Lyle's creator, an MP3 download of Mr.Waber reading "Lyle, Lyle, Crocodile, "and four complete books:" The House on East 88th Street Lyle, Lyle, Crocodile Lyle and the Birthday Party Lyle Walks the Dogs"