Tom's Drum

Is young Will a thief? Is young Tom playing tricks? Why are Tom’s parents angry with the cook and the haughty servant? Why do the elves, gnomes and pixies visit Tom’s grand house and Will’s humble cottage on Christmas Eve?

Tom’s Drum provides answers to these questions. It also paints a lively picture of Britain during the early reign of Queen Victoria: when the rich and the poor, the masters and the servants, were expected to know their places.

A story of music and magic, families and friendship, Tom’s Drum begins and ends with Christmas, but is guaranteed to entertain young readers at any time of the year. And as this is a fairy tale, someone is sure to have a happy ending: but who will it be?

Thunder over the Desert

Filmmakers and footsloggers!

It’s not often you hear these two words together, but they perfectly capture the story of Australia’s film industry revealed in this compelling book. Since the early 20th century, Australia’s local screen industry has fought a fierce battle against the overwhelming dominance of Hollywood, striving to keep homegrown feature films on Australian cinema screens.

This is a story of resilience and cultural pride, where the struggles of the nation’s filmmakers have been metaphorically aligned with the heroic narrative of the Anzac soldier. Much like the first Anzacs at Gallipoli – heroes even in the face of devastating defeat – Australia’s cinema has a celebrated history of seeing itself as valiant, even when the odds were stacked against it.

Peter Mageros delves into the deep historical connections between myth and cinema, exploring how filmmakers such as Longford, Chauvel, Weir, and Beresford have drawn inspiration from the iconic images of the Diggers on screen. The book reveals how the theme of the ‘heroic film industry’ persists in contemporary times, with Australian filmmakers portrayed as ‘going into the trenches’ alongside the legendary soldiers.

This is a story of true heroism – not always one of triumphant conquest, but of unwavering determination to protect and preserve a uniquely Australian cinematic voice.

Billionaire's Story

Trip runs away from his frustrating, unhappy life, determined to find something better. Though eager and ambitious, hostile forces seem bent on dashing his hopes. Yet Trip refuses to abandon his big dreams or capitulate to those obstructing his path.

This brisk, uplifting tale chronicles one youth’s quest to take charge of his destiny. Let Trip’s resilience and daring in the face of daunting odds inspire you to fearlessly chase your own billionaire dreams.

Humphrey's Great Eiffel Tower Adventure

The Beanie Babies are back!

This sequel to Monsieur Claude’s Great French Adventure sees Humphrey, Monsieur Claude and Big Bongo continuing their adventures in France. But when Humphrey the camel gets into a whole heap of trouble during a visit to the Eiffel Tower, will he be rescued in time, or will Humphrey never be seen again? And what of the evil Humperdinck? And there’s also problems back at Beanie HQ too. What is the matter with Little Bongo? And whatever will his Dad, Big Bongo, say when he returns?

There are thrills, spills and fun all the way with these mischievous and lovable Beanie Babies who just can’t seem to stay out of trouble!

Fairy Tales for Adults

Mr. Artemis Moon and Miss Solaris reside in the Kingdom of Sky, where they have a bird’s-eye view of events unfolding on Earth. Both are deeply passionate about children’s welfare, feeling compelled to intervene when they witness injustice.

Solaris, Artemis Moon’s lifelong friend and confidant, appreciates his wicked sense of humour and love of pranks. She often enlists his help in playing practical jokes on humans who have strayed from the path of kindness.

These enchanting tales showcase the triumph of good over evil, illustrating how our words and actions can profoundly impact others. Each story carries a moral lesson, as the residents of the Kingdom of Sky invite readers to join their campaign to improve humanity.

The book calls on each of us to become advocates for compassion, empathy, and kindness, in the hope that love may ultimately conquer all.

Roundabouts and Swings

In Roundabouts and Swings, Cressida is an orphaned English girl who has grown up since the death of her parents in a car crash when she was 12 years old. When she meets the man of her dreams, an Irish landowner who reminds her of her father, she thinks she has finally found happiness.

But as fate intervenes with divorce and suicide, Cressida finds herself caught up in a web of intrigue that takes the story from England to Ireland, Italy, the south of France, America and back to Switzerland. Follow along as the plot twists and turns, leading to a surprising ending in this heartwarming and satisfying tale set in the aftermath of World War II.

There’s Something Knocking on Mummy’s Tummy

As Mummy’s tummy grows, so too does the curiosity of her gorgeous girl. She continually hears noises coming from her mummy’s tummy. She questions what it could be.

As her mummy’s tummy gets bigger, the noises become louder until one day it becomes so loud and wet that she finally gets to see what was inside Mummy’s tummy.

The Green Sock Sole Mates

Syd and Lorraine are a pair of green socks – and soulmates. But somehow, Syd has become separated from Lorraine!

Join them on an exciting adventure as they navigate the twists and turns of their journey to reunite and become a pair once more, ready to be worn together by their owner.

I Love You

I Love You teaches the early reader the concept of love.

It teaches that a child can be loved anywhere and above all things.

Learning I Love You at any early age means knowing you are more important than the material things around you, anywhere and everywhere

Doubly Amazing

Animals captivate children not because they mimic human abilities, but because they possess extraordinary adaptations that seem almost beyond human reach.

With whimsy, inventive language, and playful rhyme, Doubly Amazing celebrates the remarkable talents of quadrupeds, winged creatures, and aquatic wonders. From the familiar elephant to the exotic axolotl, each animal appears twice, paired with a different counterpart to highlight their unique skills in a fun, lighthearted competition of one-upmanship.

As young readers discover these fascinating abilities, they may begin to wonder: if animals are so gifted, where do humans stand? The answer might surprise them.

Just a Slight Chance

When a local pub-going male working as a war photographer in Iraq submits a handwritten freedom of information request to a Borough Council, demanding the disclosure of ancient photographs produced before the invention of the camera, it immediately raises suspicions. Concerned about the potential distortion of history throughout the British Isles, the Westminster Government orders MI6 to seek out three UK citizens who possess credible psychic ability (unbeknown to themselves), an interest in history, and a fondness for pub-going and enjoying a tipple. Two of these individuals are to be from the market town in question, while the third can be from anywhere else in the country.

Enter Lady K, the Chief of International Operations, who is hurriedly thrown into solving the puzzle without proper instruction for her five departments. Amidst the chaos, we meet Reece, a seemingly ordinary trainee surveyor within the Borough Council, now struggling to follow baffling commands, and Kelf, a pretty, petite, problem-drinking plain-clothes detective ordered down South from Newcastle, adding a touch of glamour to the mayhem.

As the story unfolds, these unlikely heroes find themselves entangled in a web of mystery, psychic phenomena, and historical intrigue. Will they unravel the secrets hidden within the ancient photographs and protect the integrity of British history? Join them on this thrilling and humorous adventure as they navigate the complexities of their extraordinary mission.

The Caravan

For over seven centuries, the land of Elaeve has been plagued by mysterious occurrences called Disparities, which interfere with the natural workings of the world. Even the Clergy, with their superhuman abilities, and the royal families are unable to remedy these ever-worsening phenomena.

When Joanna Violane first ran away from her home in Lemek, she had no intention of getting involved with the Disparities. But someone who fled her predetermined life to become an adventurer should have known that true adventures never go as planned.

Joanna and the unexpected friends she finds after leaving home are drawn into an even more unexpected mission. How can they – an ex-future cleaning woman, an awkward commoner, a lethal lady, and a striking outlaw – possibly be expected to fix these strange and increasingly dire afflictions?

The answer to that question, at least, is clear:

Because they are the only chance to mend reality before it falls apart.