Booklists

The classic tale of an expedition to destroy a terrifying sea monster that becomes an undersea mission. It involves a visit to the sunken city of Atlantis in a giant submarine, the Nautilus, commanded by the mysterious Captain Nemo.

Robin Hood, the legendary outlaw hero, and his band of Merry Men hide in Sherwood Forest and steal from the rich to save the poor. Robin must outwit his evil enemies, Guy of Gisbourne and the treacherous Sheriff of Nottingham.

Presented in comic strip and storyboard format, the eleven segments cover the origins of Robin Hood, the outlaws who became his Merry Men and his benefactors.

A retelling of the classic tales of the Arabian Nights, with beautiful illustrations and detailed historical information.

When Alice follows a white rabbit into his burrow, she enters a fantastic world of weird and wonderful characters. Lewis Carroll's classic fantasy story is faithfully retold in this gorgeously illustrated comic book adaptation.

On an ordinary summer's afternoon, Alice tumbles down a hole and an extraordinary adventure begins. In a strange, fantasy world, with even stranger characters, Alice finds herself growing more and more curious by the minute.

Anne Shirley, the spirited red-haired orphan know as Anne of Green Gables, is now half past sixteen and has returned ready to start in her first teaching position, at her old school. Anne discovers the joys and tribulations of teaching, helps raise twins and has a vision for Avonlea.

Adopted by an elderly brother and his spinster sister who live on a Canadian island, Anne delights in her new life and friends in this enduring classic.

Any five titles read from this series can be included as official Challenge books; up to five more titles can be included as your personal choice books. To see the individual book titles and their PRC ID numbers, go to the Series lists on the Booklists page, on the website. Or, you can search for a series name or the individual titles by using the Search function on the top of the screen.

Ingleside is a busy and contented place, home for Anne, Gilbert and their six children. But then Gilbert's maiden aunt comes to stay and for a while the peace is sadly strained.

Anne is off to college with her childhood friends, Gilbert and Charlie. New friends and adventures, including a marriage proposal, await Anne who remains as spirited and irrepressible as ever.

The letters of a grown-up Anne Shirley to Gilbert Blythe reveal her life, teaching at Windy Poplars. This book is also known as Anne of Windy Willows.

Anne has become the wife of Dr Gilbert Blythe. She must adjust to married life in the white cottage on the harbor shore.

Love and betrayal on the River Nile, with the epic story of Antony, ruler of the Roman Empire, and Cleopatra, Queen of Egypt. This series gives young readers the chance to discover Shakespeare for themselves. Also included are useful notes on the themes within the stories and a background to the Globe Theatre.

Duke Senior has been forced into exile from the court by the usurping Duke Frederick. He takes refuge in the Forest of Arden with a band of faithful lords, and what follows is a hilarious tale of love and mistaken identity. This series gives young readers the chance to discover Shakespeare for themselves. Also included are useful notes on the themes within the stories and a background to the Globe Theatre.

The roads across Italy are in disrepair. Defending his name, and to prove Rome's greatness, Senator Lactus Bifidus announces a special one-off chariot race. Julius Caesar insists a Roman must win, or Bifidus will pay. Open to anyone from the known world, competitors arrive from far and wide, including Asterix and Obelix. With Bifidus secretly scheming, who will win this almighty chariot race?

Any five titles read from this series can be included as official Challenge books; up to five more titles can be included as your personal choice books. To see the individual book titles and their PRC ID numbers, go to the Series lists on the Booklists page, on the website. Or, you can search for a series name or the individual titles by using the Search function on the top of the screen.

A beautifully illustrated collection of twelve classical stories, which will whisk you away to the magical world of Ballet. Dance with the Nutcracker Prince, soar with the Firebird and delight in the drama of Romeo and Juliet.

Nine classic tales of Chaucer, including The Knight, the Miller, the Reeve, the Wife of Bath, the Franklin, the Clerk, the Summoner, the Pardoner and the Nun's Priest, are presented in comic style format. Chaucer is also represented as a character, who greets and farewells the readers.

Cavaliers and Roundheads battle it out in the turbulent setting of the English Civil war, providing the background for this classic tale of four orphans trying to survive in the forest.

In the sea-sprayed town of Avonlea, there were wonderful stories. There was the case of Ludovic Speed, who wouldn't propose to the woman he had courted for fifteen years until Anne devised a plan to ""speed"" him up.

Any three titles read from this series can be included as official Challenge books; up to five more titles can be included as your personal choice books. To see the individual book titles and their PRC ID numbers, go to the Series lists on the Booklists page, on the website. Or, you can search for a series name or the individual titles by using the Search function on the top left hand corner of the screen.

Discover an Australian classic, Blinky Bill and his wonderful adventures.

Snugglepot and Cuddlepie feature in this Australian classic. They are two gumnut babies who live in the bush and have adventures with their bush friends and the big bad Banksia men.

An enchanting classic set in a boarding school. An orphan attempts to identify and come closer to her benefactor.

+++++Any three titles read from this series can be included as official Challenge books; up to five more titles can be included as your personal choice books. To see the individual book titles and their PRC ID numbers, go to the Series lists on the Booklists page, on the website. Or, you can search for a series name or the individual titles by using the Search function on the top left hand corner of the screen.

In Diper Overlode, book 17 of the Diary of a Wimpy Kid series, Greg Heffley is finding out that the road to fame and glory comes with some hard knocks. When he decides to tag along with his brother Rodrick's band, Loded Diper, Greg doesn't realize what he's getting into. But he soon learns that late nights, unpaid gigs, fighting between band members, and money troubles are all part of the rock'n'roll lifestyle. Can Greg help Diper Loded become the legends they think they are? Or will too much time with Rodrick's band be a Diper Overlode?

When Cyril, Anthea, Robert, Jane and their baby brother go digging in the gravel pit, the last thing they expect to find is a Psammead, an ancient Sand-fairy. Having a Sand-fairy for a pet means having one wish granted each day. But, the children don't realise all the trouble that wishes can cause.

Filled with warmth, humor, and mystery, these unforgettable stories recreate the enchanting world of Avonlea.

A recreation of Greek legends.

A story about the adoption of a foal and a girl's first year at boarding school.

People are flocking to Ghastly-Gorm Hall from far and wide to compete in Lord Goth's literary dog show. The esteemed judges are in place and the contestants are all ready to win. Sir Walter Splott is preparing his Lanarkshire Lurcher, Plain Austen is preening her Hampshire Blue Bloodhound and Homily Dickinson and her Yankee Doodle Poodle are raring to go. But there is something strange going on at Ghastly-Gorm - mysterious footprints, howls in the night and some suspiciously chewed shoes. Can Ada, the Attic Club and their new friends the Vicarage sisters (Charlotte, Emily and Anne) work out what's going on before the next full moon?

Any three titles read from this series can be included as official Challenge books; up to five more titles can be included as your personal choice books. To see the individual book titles and their PRC ID numbers, go to the Series lists on the Booklists page, on the website. Or, you can search for a series name or the individual titles by using the Search function on the top left hand corner of the screen.

A collection of exciting stories of heroic deeds through the ages.

Eight Greek myths are retold in colourful, comic strip style. Read about Theseus, conqueror of the dreaded Minotaur; the mighty Heracles and his twelve tasks; the tragic lovers, Orpheus and Eurydice; Perseus, the Gorgon-slayer; the musician Arion and his rescue by the dolphins; Pandora and her little box of horrors; the feather-clad fliers, Daedalus and Icarus; and the weaving contest between Ariachne and the goddess Athene.

Celebrate the publication of May Gibbs's first book, Gumnut babies, in 1916. This collector's book includes seven stories - Gumnut babies, Gum-Blossom babies, Flannel Flowers and Other Bush Babies, Boronia babies, Wattle Babies, Nuttybub and Nittersing, and Chucklebud and Wunkydoo.

Murder most foul. An action packed retelling of the blood-soaked story of Hamlet. This series gives young readers the chance to discover Shakespeare for themselves. Also included are useful notes on the themes within the stories and a background to the Globe Theatre.

Eleven favourite Hans Christian Andersen classic stories, superbly bound and illustrated to celebrate his 200th birthday. Includes 'The princess and the pea', 'The emperor's new clothes', 'The Sandman' and 'The Nightingale'.

Neil Gaiman and Lorenzo Mattotti both remember the horror and fascination with which they read the Grimm Brothers' "Hansel and Gretel." The writer and the artist now join forces for a brilliant reimagining of one of humanity's most enduring tales.

At five, little orphan Heidi is sent to live with her grandfather in the Swiss Alps. The villagers are afraid of him but Heidi is fascinated by his long beard and bushy eyebrows. She loves her life, playing in the sunshine amongst the goats and birds. But, one terrible day, Heidi is collected by her aunt and made to live with a new family in town. Heidi can't bear to be away from her grandfather and wants to find her way back up the mountain.

Henry V presents the story of a battle for power after the legendary Hundred Years War. This series gives young readers the chance to discover Shakespeare for themselves. Also included are useful notes on the themes within the stories and a background to the Globe Theatre.

Prelude to The Lord of the Rings series in which Bilbo Baggins, at the request of the great wizard, Gandalf, sets off on an adventure fraught with danger. Nasty things adventures, they often make you miss dinner. Bilbo reclaims the dwarves' treasure and discovers the all-powerful ring that binds them all.

This horse amuses with his witty observations about human behaviour, and sense of equine superiority. The horse and his boy hope to travel north to Narnia, and encounter numerous adventures and strange characters.

The segments cover 28 short, exciting, retold incidents from Homer's 'The Iliad', including the Greek/Trojan War, the Trojan Horse, and the characters of Helen of Troy, Paris, Achilles, and 'The Odyssey' including his battles with Cyclops, the Sirens and the Scylla.

Omri's big brother doesn't have a birthday present for him so he gives Omri an old medicine cabinet. Although their mother supplies a key, the cabinet still doesn't seem like much of a present. But, when Omri dumps a plastic, toy Indian into the cabinet just before falling asleep, the magic begins.

Have you ever wondered what it's like to be a cat? Peter is about to find out. Waking from a serious accident, he finds himself transformed into a snow white cat and is forced out onto the streets of London. But the life of a street cat is tough and Peter is struggling to survive. Then he meets Jennie - kind and streetwise, she befriends Peter and together they embark on an epic adventure. Will Peter have what it takes to survive this new world?

Aboriginal dreaming stories of the Jirrbal people. Contains factual narratives about the author's life and the rainforests of North Queensland. Traditional language words of the Jirrbal people are included.

Rome's greatest general, Julius Caesar, returns to the city celebrating a glorious victory. But among the cheering crowds a group of conspirators are determined to prevent Caesar becoming king... With Notes on Shakespeare and the Globe Theatre and Liberty and Power in Julius Caesar.

Distant lands, the beautiful gardens of splendid palaces, the sea, the jungle and its beasts, even the desert, are the exotic settings for classic stories that deal with the origins of things in the animal world, such as how the elephant got his trunk.

Omri's father joins him in a life-threatening adventure to keep their promise to Little Bear to lead his tribe to safety.

Foolish and bad-tempered, King Lear divides the kingdom between his two wicked daughters, disowns his honest youngest daughter and banishes his friends. As the kingdom falls apart and Learn's humiliation turns him mad, will he finally realise what he has done?

With Eustace and Jill at his side, the King, the noble unicorn Jewel, and a few remaining loyal subjects must stand against the powers of evil and darkness and fight The Last Battle to decide the future the kingdom.

At the end of the nineteenth century, Harriet Wilmot and her family have come to live in an inherited house in a New South Wales town. Despite the heat and unconventional schooling, Harriet is in awe of Australia and much prefers it to dreary old London. Not all the Wilmots agree. Harriet breaks rules and expectations in her efforts to convince her family to stay in this new and exciting land.

Four children are evacuated to the country in war-torn England. Playing inside an old wardrobe, they discover a magical land.

The whimsical story of an airman's discovery of a very appealing small boy from another planet in the desert. A thought-provoking allegory of the human condition that has become a classic.

The stars hide a little laughing prince. What is hidden is beautiful! Based on the classic novel by Antoine De Saint-Exupery.

A stunning, graphic adaptation from Antoine de Saint-Exupery's classic children's book, Le Petit Prince, which tells the whimsical story of an airman's discovery of a very appealing, small boy from another planet. A thought-provoking allegory of the human condition.

A brilliant retelling of this wonderful tale of witches, murder and madness. This series gives young readers the chance to discover Shakespeare for themselves. Also included are useful notes on the themes within the stories and a background to the Globe Theatre.

A rude, steak-and-kidney-come-what-you-like pudding and his mates Bill Barnacle, Sam Sawnoff and Bunyip Bluegum battle the puddin' thieves in this Australian bush classic.

This sixth book about Narnia, explains how the comings and goings between our world and Narnia first began, when Polly and Digory found the way to Narnia by accident.

The story of a magpie raised on the Eyre Peninsula that becomes stranded on an island. Humans intervene to help him have a happy life.

When the man from Ironbark visits the local town for a shave, chaos ensues. Because of a Sydney barber's joke on one of their men, long beards become the fashion in a small Australian settlement.

The full text of the classic poem is beautifully illustrated and includes a CD of an unabridged recording.

Mary Poppins, the best-loved nanny, comes to stay at the Banks' household.

The nanny is back, still living with the Banks family, and still messing with the lives of the other folks on Cherry Tree Lane. This time, Mr. Banks's former governess, Miss Andrew, takes up residence in a previously empty home on the street.

In Mary's care, the Banks children meet the King of the Castle and the Dirty Rascal, visit the upside-down world of Mr Turvy and his bride, Miss Topsy, and spend a breathless afternoon above the park, dangling from a clutch of balloons.

The no-nonsense English nanny has been beloved by children and adults everywhere. Mary Poppins from A to Z offers a unique glimpse of the famous Poppins cast. Twenty-six vignettes--one for each letter of the alphabet--weave unexpected tales of Mary Poppins, the Banks children, and other characters from the timeless novels of Travers. As an added twist, each vignette is filled with fun and unusual words that start with the featured letter.

With the help of familiar visitors like the Bird Woman, Admiral Boom and Mr and Mrs Turvy, Mary Poppins teaches her irrepressible young charges the basics of cooking, from A to Z.

Only Mary Poppins can lead the Banks children on one marvelous adventure after another. Together they meet the Goosegirl and the Swineherd, argue with talking cats on a distant planet and celebrate a birthday by dancing with their own shadows.

According to Mary Poppin's tape measure, Jane and Michael have grown 'Worse and Worse' since she went away. But, the children won't have time to be naughty with all that Mary has planned for them.

Any three titles read from this series can be included as official Challenge books; up to five more titles can be included as your personal choice books. To see the individual book titles and their PRC ID numbers, go to the Series lists on the Booklists page, on the website. Or, you can search for a series name or the individual titles by using the Search function on the top left hand corner of the screen.

This charming series gives young readers the chance to discover the magic of Shakespeare for themselves. In Venice, the merchant Antonio borrows money so his friend can woo a beautiful lady. He agrees that if he doesn't repay Shylock the moneylender, Shylock can take a pound of his flesh. When Antonio's ships sink and he loses his fortune, Shylock insists on the gruesome payment... With Notes on Shakespeare and the Globe Theatre and Love, Hate and Mercy in The Merchant of Venice.

The course of true love never did run smooth... A magical retelling of the classic love story of Hermia, Helen, Demetrius and Lysander - and of the impish fairy Puck, who meddles in their tangled web of love with hilarious consequences. This series gives young readers the chance to discover Shakespeare for themselves. Also included are useful notes on the themes within the stories and a background to the Globe Theatre.

The hilarious tale of two couples, one in love and one in hatred. This series gives young readers the chance to discover Shakespeare for themselves. Also included are useful notes on the themes within the stories and a background to the Globe Theatre.

Ken is a daydreamer and a disappointment to his demanding father. When Ken finds Flicka, a wild filly, his growing love for the horse helps Ken to grow up and gain self-assurance.

After Omri reads his great-grand-aunt's Account, he longs to try the key in the cupboard again. When his friend, Patrick, comes to stay, nothing can stop him.

Brave and clever Odysseus, finished with battle at Troy, longs to return home to his wife and family on Ithaca and put his days of war behind him. His journey home is full of danger and challenges, including giants, the legendary Cyclops, a very angry Poseidon, six headed sea dragons, and more. Homer's epic is retold in comic format to introduce readers to an action packed classic.

A retelling of these fantastic classic tales.

Classic fairy tales retold with a very slightly, fractured twist for today's kids.

Who can you trust? Othello grapples with this question, as his right hand man tries to convince him that his wife is unfaithful. This series gives young readers the chance to discover Shakespeare for themselves. Also included are useful notes on the themes within the stories and a background to the Globe Theatre.

Lost in a dark, strange forest, Robin is rescued by a crew of misfits, the Outlaws. He seeks justice and revenge against the Sheriff of Nottingham, once and for all.

In this classic, magical Peter Pan comes to the night nursery of the Darling children. He teaches them to fly and takes them through the sky to Never-Never Land for many adventures, including a battle with the infamous villain, Captain Hook.

The classic tale of Pinocchio, a wooden puppet, carved by Old Gepetto, whose nose grows longer whenever he tells a lie. He runs away and joins a circus but a talking cricket and Pinocchio's guardian fairy save him and his wish is granted.

A humorous story about a super strong, super rich pirate's daughter who has adventures with her two friends, a monkey and a horse.

Pongwiffy has just moved into a new cave, and it's dirty, smelly and damp - in other words it's perfect for a witch like Pongwiffy! At least it would be if her next door neighbours weren't a group of extremely noisy Goblins... Before long Pongwiffy can bear it no more and enlists the help of her best friend, Witch Sharkadder, to find her somewhere else to live. And that's when the problems really start! Two laugh-out-loud stories of humour and warmth, enticingly mixed with much sludge, slime and very bad habits.

Prince Caspian is in danger when his wicked uncle, King Miraz, decides to get rid of the young heir to the throne. In desperation, Caspian blows the magic horn, calling on Peter, Susan, Lucy and Edmund in Narnia's hour of need.

A middle class family, living in London at the end of the eighteenth century, falls on hard times when their father unexpectedly goes away. They move to a simple cottage in the country where they befriend the local railway porter who goes by the name of Perks. The children have exciting adventures around the railway but the mystery about their father remains.

Anne Shirley has married Gilbert and now is the mother of six mischievous children. The children discover a special place all their own, but they never dream of what will happen when a strange family moves nearby.

For her twelve daughters, Queen Laurelia's death in a motor car accident is a disaster beyond losing a mother. Their father, King Alberto, cannot bear the idea of the princesses ever being in danger and decides his daughters must be kept safe at all costs. Those costs include their lessons, their possessions and, most importantly, their freedom. But the eldest, Princess Frida, will not bend to his will without a fight and she still has one possession her father can't take: the power of her imagination. And so, with little but wits and ingenuity to rely on, Frida and her sisters begin their fight to be allowed to live.

Richard 3 was an unpopular king, and this tale explores how he gained, then lost, power during his reign. This series gives young readers the chance to discover Shakespeare for themselves. Also included are useful notes on the themes within the stories and a background to the Globe Theatre.

Undreamed-of challenges await Rilla when the world of Ingleside becomes endangered by a far-off war. Her brothers go off to fight, and Rilla brings home an orphaned newborn in a soup tureen.

Robin Hood's classic tales of daring-do in a delightfully aesthetic presentation.

The classic tragic tale of Romeo and Juliet, two young lovers from warring families. This series gives young readers the chance to discover Shakespeare for themselves. Also included are useful notes on the themes within the stories and a background to the Globe Theatre.

After losing her parents, young Mary Lennox is sent from India to live in her uncle's gloomy mansion on the wild English moors. She is lonely and has no one to play with. But, when she learns of a hidden, secret garden, somewhere in the grounds that no one is allowed to enter, Mary discovers a world she could never have imagined.

The children always played in the giant's garden, but when he returned after years away, he said 'What are you doing here' and the children fled.

The seven Woolcot's children live in cheerful turmoil with their father who does not understand them and their young mother. Among them is Judy, spirited, brave and clever. A classic story of family life in Australia during the 19th century.

Any two titles read from this series can be included as official Challenge books; up to five more titles can be included as your personal choice books. To see the individual book titles and their PRC ID numbers, go to the Series lists on the Booklists page on the website. Or, you can search for a series name or the individual titles by using the Search function on the top left hand corner of the screen.

Jill and Eustace must rescue the Prince from the evil witch.

A beautiful classic set in a tragic war. The tale of a hunchbacked artist, a girl and a wounded bird that culminates in a courageous act at Dunkirk.

The famous doctor who can speak to animals first appeared in Hugh Lofting's letters to his children during World War I. Written and illustrated by Lofting himself, The Story of Doctor Dolittle follows John Dolittle and his misadventures with a crew of animals that he befriends. After learning he can speak to animals and he transitions from human medicine to veterinary practice, he loses most of his income and human patients. However, word in the animal kingdom spreads of this doctor with an extraordinary gift. Animals travel from far and wide to visit the doctor's practice and receive treatment for their ailments.

Legends and heroic tales are the focus of these classic stories.

A retelling and recreation of the Paakantji people of the Darling River in New South Wales.

The history of the Trojan war, a well-told story of the folly of gods and men. The Greeks attack Troy to force the Trojan prince, Paris, to return their queen, Helen, the most beautiful woman in the world.

Lovely Bianca has a queue of admirers anxious to marry her. But her older sister, Katharina, must get married first. Katharina has such a fiery temper she is known as 'the shrew', and no man is brave enough to propose. Can Petruchio tame her with his outrageous behaviour? With Notes on Shakespeare and the Globe Theatre and Love and Marriage in The Taming of the Shrew.

Tamworth Pig is wise and bold and smart. He is the respected pig of the farm and the small English town where he lives. His very good friends, Thomas and Blossom, help Tamworth with his various projects like persuading people to stop eating meat and saving the trees. In turn, Tamworth is always there for Blossom and Thomas, especially Thomas when his mischievous ways get him in more trouble than he can manage.

Stranded on an island, Prospero causes a storm to destroy the ship carrying his enemies. This series gives young readers the chance to discover Shakespeare for themselves. Also included are useful notes on the themes within the stories and a background to the Globe Theatre.

Any three titles read from this series can be included as official Challenge books; up to five more titles can be included as your personal choice books. To see the individual book titles and their PRC ID numbers, go to the Series lists on the Booklists page, on the website. Or, you can search for a series name or the individual titles by using the Search function on the top left hand corner of the screen.

One moment, Alice is wondering what life is like on the other side of the mirror, the next she finds herself through the looking glass and in a topsy-turvy land. Alice meets a host of bizarre characters, none of whom are quite what they seem.

Following the death of bloodthirsty buccaneer, Captain Flint, young Jim Hawkins finds himself with the key to a fortune. For he has discovered a map that will lead him to the fabled Treasure Island. But, a host of villains, wild beasts and deadly savages stand between him and the stash of gold. Not to mention the most infamous pirate ever to sail the high seas.

A classic tale of romance from Shakespeare. This series gives young readers the chance to discover Shakespeare for themselves. Also included are useful notes on the themes within the stories and a background to the Globe Theatre.

The Dawn Treader will take you places you never dreamed existed.

While cleaning chimneys, Tom emerges in Ellie's bedroom and she mistakes him for a thief. In this classic story, Tom runs away, slips into a cooling stream and falls asleep to become a Water Baby, with a quest to the Other-end-of-Nowhere.

Born in the wilds of the freezing cold Yukon, White Fang who is half-dog, half-wolf, is the only animal in the litter to survive. He is fiercely independent and soon learns the harsh laws of nature, yet buried deep inside him are the distant memories of affection and love. This is a classic story of a wolf-dog who learns to survive in the bleak Alaskan wilderness.

When Mole pops his head out of the ground one fine, spring morning, his friend Rat introduces him to the world of the riverbank and its most famous resident, the exuberant Mr. Toad. Mole soon finds himself caught up in Toad's mischievous exploits, culminating in a battle for Toad Hall itself.

The classic tales of Christopher Robin's beloved bear and his pals, Tigger and Eeyore.

Dorothy thinks she is lost forever when a terrifying tornado crashes through Kansas and whisks her and her dog, Toto, far away to the magical land of Oz. To get home, Dorothy must follow the yellow brick road to Emerald City and find the wonderfully mysterious Wizard of Oz. With her companions, the Tin Woodman, the Scarecrow and the Cowardly Lion, Dorothy embarks on a strange and enchanting adventure.

After Dorothy's house is carried off by a tornado, she finds herself in the strange and magical Land of Oz. With the help of her new friends the Scarecrow, Tin Man and Lion, she must persuade the Wizard of Oz to help her get back to Kansas. L. Frank Baum's timeless fantasy is beautifully recreated in this enchanting graphic novel.

When the children disturb old Wunambi, the giant water snake, there is big trouble ahead.