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A four book series for 8+ readers published by Penguin Books Mama told me we might be setting sail today,' Hannah said excitedly, between mouthfuls of bread and butter. 'Today we head for Sydney Cove on the open seas and become sailors!' Grace sat in the wooden sleeping berth next to Hannah and watched her friend make a telescope with her hands. Hannah's chains knocked against each other as she held the telescope to her eye. |
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OUR AUSTRALIAN GIRL:
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A four book series for 8+ readers published by Penguin Books Grace was hanging a row of Alice's nappies on the line in the late afternoon sun when she heard men's voices coming from the track leading to the house. Tom must have returned from his journey, she thought. Grace knew she should have been pleased her master was back to take care of things, but instead she felt an anxious knot in her stomach. She wondered what Tom would do when he discovered she had ridden his precious mare all the way along the East Trail and left the horse with a deep cut down her side. Grace wished she never had to face him. |
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OUR AUSTRALIAN GIRL:
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A four book series for 8+ readers published by Penguin Books The sun was low in the sky and the spring air growing cool when Tom, Grace's new master, rowed the small wooden boat to the river's edge. We must be close now, thought Grace, as she looked around at the cleared land sloping up from the bank. 'It's quite a walk to the property from here,' said Beth, Grace's new mistress, as she stood and rubbed her back. 'But I'll be glad to stretch my legs.' |
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OUR AUSTRALIAN GIRL:
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A four book series for 8+ readers published by Penguin Books Ma Honeywell, their mother, stopped when she saw Grace and gave her cheek a playful pinch. She had eleven children, most of them girls, though she could never find half of them. 'Hello, luv,' she said, smiling. 'How was business today?' Ma Honeywell always asked the same question, only today Grace could give her a different answer. 'Good,' she said, smiling back. 'Very good! My uncle will be happy!' |
THE SONG OF LEWIS CARMICHAEL
A beautiful, illustrated adventure story with a classic feel, about a quiet boy and a talking crow on an extraordinary hot-air balloon ride to the Arctic.
An unforgettable adventure story from award-winning children's book author Sofie Laguna, with enchanting illustrations by Marc McBride
'Lyrical, mesmerising and full of heart... full of delight and problems that are surmountable through determination and creativity. A beautiful and compassionate story that will resonate with any child who has a strong sense of wonder.' Books+Publishing
'Utterly exquisite… has all the hallmarks of a contemporary classic… This is a classic hero's journey written with great sensitivity…complemented by beautiful line drawings…an utter delight for readers ages 9+ and will be a magical read-aloud for younger audiences as well.' Angela Crocombe, Readings
'An allusive, timeless fable that will be savoured by young and old readers. It is multifaceted and thought-provoking, with the tone and style of a classic. Ideas and symbolism are intricately layered into the story to add richness without detracting from the adventure or pace. Nothing is superfluous...The textured pencil drawings by Laguna's husband, Marc McBride, illuminate the word pictures that are hard to imagine and delineate those that are fantastical. Some subtly reflect the emotion of scene others are heart-soaring spectacles...Laguna's text epitomises the quality of writing expected from one of our best literary authors.' The Australian
'Sofie Laguna's first children's book in a decade captures the reader's attention immediately, and with its magical atmosphere, flings them into the story, making them a part of it from beginning to end…Marc McBride's illustrations shine within Laguna's emotive and elegant poetic prose which, like music, skips, rises and falls. Two immensely gifted creators, collaborating to produce a novel of the utmost beauty.' Kids' Book Review
'How wonderful it is to soar up and away in a hot air balloon with Mathew, away from thoughts about keeping up and making friends and the quietly absorbed anxiety of his parents. Together with wise crow companion Lewis Carmichael, the two journey on to the magnificent wonder and perilous challenges of the North Pole. On coming home Mathew's new found confidence is a delight and the reader realises they too have grown and been changed by the experience.' Read to Nourish campaign, CBCA Vic Branch