The Almost True Story of Sandy Primary School

When Hurricane Soft and Fluffy completely flattens Sandy Primary School, an unlikely turn of events means that the children of Mr Bell’s class are handed a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. The government wants a bunch of ordinary children to not only design the new school, but to decide on its location, too. Unfortunately, the government can’t find any ordinary children, so Mr Bell’s class are chosen instead.

When the school is reopened, Mr Bell leads his bonkers class through perilous bus journeys, calamitous school fairs, an exhilarating treasure hunt and all-out parent warfare at the sports day. Gluey guinea-pigs, a local artist’s Big Plastic Windy Bottom and daft doctors are all part of the usual ebb and flow of Sandy Primary School.

This is a story that needs to be told, but who could possibly write it and would anyone believe that it was true? It is...almost.

The Big Wall Feeling

Mum, Dad and primary school aged, Jacob, live happily and simply with their cat, Marley, somewhere in Australia. When new neighbours move in next door, although they have the identical family set up (but no cat), their perceived differences passively prevent there being any contact between the families. Only Marley doesn’t notice this big wall feeling and moves happily between the families until the night of the big storm…

Told through the adventures of two primary school aged boys and a cat called Marley, this beautifully illustrated picture book tackles Australia’s very real issues with intercultural acceptance. Ali, Jacob and Marley’s story shows how simple it is to embrace cultural diversity and value individual difference.

The Boastful Pansy

In a beautiful English country garden, all manner of plants and flowers grow peacefully in their flower beds. The winter sunshine beams brightly, but the tall, tall fence that surrounds the garden blocks almost every ray of light from reaching the ground – well, almost every ray. 

One very proud golden winter pansy stands in the only sliver of light that reaches the flower bed, and oh, how it boasts to the others. This pansy needs to be taught a lesson in humility and the very seasons themselves help the pansy to realise the error of its ways.

Tafara and the Patchwork Blanket

Tafara lived with her parents and little sister, Tanaka. More importantly, she lived right next door to her grandparents, Gogo and Khulu. She loved going to their house every day after school and especially on Saturday afternoons, after all her lessons were done. Gogo was always up to something wonderful, like baking, cooking or making decorations. What was so special about her was that she would always let Tafara and Tanaka join in on the fun. This Saturday, Gogo was doing Tafara's favourite 'Gogo-thing': sewing. She loved the noise of the machine and the amazing pieces that Gogo came up with. On this occasion, her creation was no less glorious than all the others before, but this one had a little extra magic sewn in its seams. It was something that helped her see just why the world was full of beautiful colours…and all the shades in between.

Time to Brush Your Teeth

Annalyse doesn’t like brushing her teeth, so she tells her momma she wished all of her teeth would fall out. After going through scenarios as to how she would eat without teeth, Annalyse finally brushes her teeth. After seeing how shiny her teeth are, she decides that she should keep her teeth and that brushing her teeth is fun.

Sisters

Sarah had everything except the one thing she longed for the most. Then one day, when she was least expecting it, she found what she had always wanted. A story of love, compassion and humanity from the not-too-distant past aimed at children of today to give us hope for the future.

The Hope Star

Izar is the brightest star in the universe. She journeys through the universe carrying out kind deeds. One day she finds a planet that is dark and covered in shadow. There are things living on this planet. But they are missing something… Izar has to find a way to help this planet become bright and full of hope.

Norman Normally

Norman is a normal boy, he’s as normal as every other person with Asperger’s on the planet. But sometimes his thoughts, feelings and actions don’t feel normal. Normally he feels not so normal as he navigates home, friends and school. Norman’s mum tells him not to worry because he’s as normal as everyone else. And at the end of the day, what’s normal anyway? 

The Amazing Adventures of Eco Boy Vol. 1

Saddened by the rubbish all around him; a little boy turns into an eco-superhero to save his beloved planet Earth through the concept of reducing, reusing and recycling.

The Dream Box

The Dream Box lies at the far end of Grandpa Zachary’s work bench. Tins of old paint, rusty tools and dusty wood shavings have kept it hidden for many years. Until one day – the day he tries to remember the past. Struggling with the frailty of his mind, Grandpa Zachary takes the little box into his big and wearied hands. Touching the delicate carvings around its base, he yearns to once again touch his past and the precious story of his own life – the uncertainty of WW1, the fun of climbing Alby’s Oak and the sorrows of the Acorn Army. Will Mr Cregin or Alby’s father ever return?

Written for a contemporary audience, this tender-hearted and beautifully illustrated story will help children from all backgrounds and social situations to understand the difficulties of loss – loss of home, friends, family and loss of memory, caused by dementia.

The Greeklish Adventures of Christos O

The Greeklish Adventures of Christos O will take you on a bilingual odyssey from morning till night. Practice saying twelve Greek words that will start your little ones on their exciting journey of learning two languages.

When Gabi and Santi go for Sustainable Seafood

We can no longer look the other way when it comes to sustainability. An unhealthy planet means unhealthy people. This book gives the child the knowledge to ask the right questions about the food they buy. When we buy food, we have a role in making the right choices. The intention of this book is to raise awareness about how seafood is produced and making those right choices for your dinner table. In the back of the book there is a section that helps the big person in the room to understand the broader issues. Together, child and adult are encouraged to team up when shopping for food for a sustainable planet.