Booklists

Contains fascinating factual information about oceans with plenty of descriptions and images.

Nearly three quarters of our Earth is water but most of it remains unexplored. This unique book takes you on a journey to the depths of the ocean and explores the sea life you will find there.

Read about the fascinating underwater world, from the deepest oceans to the shallows, home to saltwater-dwelling creatures and plants. Simple explanations and beautiful illustrations provide information on a variety of creatures and plants.

Odd's life has been less than perfect so far. His father died on a Viking expedition, his foot was crushed beneath a tree and the winter seems to be going on for ever. But, when Odd flees to the woods and releases a trapped bear, his luck begins to change.

Planet Plantagan's air is being polluted and the vine aliens are suffering. When Space Cadets Star Girl and Comet XS are sent to investigate they get themselves into a tangle. Can they trust each other enough to save the planet and its vine aliens?

What would you do if you woke up in the morning to see ten comic characters from your imagination eyeballing you? When Kip wakes up to find ten odd characters staring angrily at her, she thinks she is dreaming, but soon realises they need to go back to their own worlds - comics, TV shows, games, books, even nightmares - but how? This funny graphic novel has fabulous illustrations and a heart warming story, as Kip learns to embrace who she is and face her fears.

In the third and final book of The Odds trilogy, Kip leads her father and all her odd imaginary friends to the world of the imaginatorium; a building where all her imaginary friends can stay forever, so can she if she doesn't want to go back to the real world. Inside there are strange new characters, secret doors and terrifying fears. Who holds the key to getting back out? Will Kip, her dad and her friends want to leave? What are the weird dots appearing everywhere? Going into this mysterious building was easy, but will leaving be just as easy?

Why is Kip being followed by a mysterious stranger? Kip, Dad and the Odds are on the run in this second book in The Odds series. Kip's power is her imagination - will it be enough to outwit the woman in black? Fast paced and easy to read, this funny graphic novel has fabulous illustrations and will leave you wanting more.

Join Odelia as she pairs up with the rude and dangerous Captain Blunderfuss in an attempt to discover the treasure she needs to save her family.

The story of a clever but unlucky Greek hero who just wants to get home. But, fate has other ideas.

Prior to becoming the United States President, Barack Obama wrote a tribute to thirteen ground-breaking Americans and the ideals that shaped their nation. From the artistry of Georgia O'Keeffe, to the courage of Jackie Robinson, to the patriotism of George Washington, President Obama sees the traits of these heroes within his own children, and within all of America's children.

From the tip of the Top End to way out west, Australia is packed with magical things to see and do. So off we go! Sailing and surfing, caving and kayaking, camping under big skies and exploring underground. Join the madness of these family holidays

Old Bun can't believe his luck. Soon after he receives a note warning him about burglars in Mouseville, three strong mice from the Rich Mouse Guard Company offer to help.

Meet kids around the world, kids just like you, who are making a positive different to take action against climate change. Learn about the work that they do and discover how the future of our planet starts with you.

Grandfather cracks his old toy top to bring back his magic from the old country. His grandson, a Chinese Australian boy, learns to understand the place of his own culture in his new Australian lifestyle.

A wonderful collection of poems that tell us what cats get up to when we aren't watching. Some are sane, some are mad, some are good and some are bad. Meet magical Mr Mistoffelees, sleepy Old Deuteronomy and curious Rum Tum Tugger. But, you'll be lucky to meet Macavity because Macavity's not there.

For many thousands of years, Kirrae Whurron men prided themselves on being able to hunt and provide game food for their families and communities. When the land was taken from them, their food source was replaced by European farming animals.

Olga loves science almost as much as she loves animals. She knows that she is going to be a scientist that studies animals when she is old enough. In fact, she has already started studying them. But when Olga discovers a 'thing' that looks like cross between a badly drawn potato and a deflated hamster she doesn't quite know what to do. Like any good scientist, however, Olga begins to study the beast, but what she doesn't realise is that this discovery will begin an adventure that will change her life forever.

Mildew Cottage is perfect for Oliver Moon's summer holiday. It's cold, dark and, best of all, it's haunted. Oliver's parents aren't so happy. They're fed up with the spooky noises in the woods, so Oliver decides to go ghostbusting with his new friend, Wilf. But, Oliver begins to wonder if his hairy pal is all that he seems to be.

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.

Everyone at school is doing tricks on the play equipment. Olivia and her friends meet during break times to practice and challenge themselves. One friend is scared. When a Circus Skills Workshop comes to town everyone learns lots of new tricks and there is a great show.

I have so many super-amazing and IMPORTANT things to write about! I'll tell you all about them: It's Recycling Week at school!!! Matilda and I have made box cars. Our idea is so super-amazing that our whole class is going to make box cars so we can have a race!!! But why hasn't Bethany made a box car? And why is she acting so sad? Sounds like she might need my help. Matilda and Olivia to the rescue!

I have SO many super-amazing and IMPORTANT things to write about! Ill tell you all about them: My family and I are going camping at Dragontail Creek!!! My BFF, Matilda, is also coming with us. But there are strange noises in the night. And we found some interesting tracks in the dirt!!! Could there be a dragon in our campsite??? One thing is for sure, its time for Matilda and I to go dragon catching! Olivia x

I REALLY love making fairy gardens with my BFF, Matilda. And my class is decorating cakes for the Foodie Fun Fair! So I want my group to do a FAIRY cake with a HOUSE and a PLAYGROUND. But all my group does is argue... Somehow I have to convince everyone that my cake idea is the best!

I have so many super-amazing and IMPORTANT things to write about! I'll tell you all about them: Our school had some musicians come and visit. They played different instruments and it sounded awesome! So now we want to make our own musical instruments and put on a show. But somebody keeps breaking our instruments! Who could it be? We need to find out who is doing it. This show needs to be super amazing! Olivia X

I have so many super-amazing and IMPORTANT things to write about! I'll tell you all about them: my dog, Bob, is friendly and cuddly. He is a PERFECT puppy (almost). Sometimes he gets into mischief. He loves to chew things. Especially Dads slippers. Then he buries them in the garden.Bob eats and eats AND EATS! He even steals snacks off the table. (I don't mind when he eats my broccoli though!) He is BOUNCY and JUMPY and chases CATS. Eeek! I have to invent a way to keep Bob out of trouble.

I have so many super-amazing and important things to write about! Ill tell you all about them: Its nearly Christmas Day! I cant wait!!! But Ive made a HUGE mistake! I sent our Santa letters to the wrong address! What if Santa cant find us??? I need a plan to make sure Santa doesnt miss us!!! And maybe even set some Santa traps too. I want to make this the best Christmas

I have so many super-amazing and imporatant things to write about! I'll tell you all about them. I've got a brand-new bedroom - yay! My best friend Lucy moved away last week and I really miss her. I'm planning lots of cool inventions (I'm pretty sure some will work too!) Someone keeps sneaking into my room but I don't know who! There's a new girl at school called Matilda. She looks fun . . . but why does she act so mysteriously all the time??? I'm going to find out exactly what's going on!

I have so many super-amazing and IMPORTANT things to write about! I'll tell you all about them: CLUB TROPICANA here we come! Matilda and I can't wait to play mini golf and see SPLASHY pools and SLIPPERY water slides!!! My new SPARKLY bathers will look AMAZING in the water! But the water is too SPLASHY and kind of SCARY! Now Matilda has made some new friends and they love the BIG POOL! I need to be BRAVE and make this the BEST holiday ever!

I have lots of super-amazing and IMPORTANT things to write about! And I'll tell you ALL about them: Our school is having a super-awesome science fair! The best group will win the TOP PRIZE. But there's a new girl, Bethany. She doesn't think my ideas are any good. And what is that TERRIBLE smell in our classroom? Pee-yew! So, should we make gooey slime? Exploding volcanoes? Or maybe a time machine! I can't WAIT to decide! This is going to be the best (and messiest) project ever!

Olivia gets to take home some of the school chickens. She builds them a lovely new chicken house and feeds them well but what has happened to their eggs? Will Olivia and her friends be able to solve the mystery of the missing eggs?

BOOK WEEK is coming up and I am going to make a super-amazing costume for the parade!!! But I have TOO MANY favourite books. How can I choose just one character to dress up as??? Also, a mystery author is coming to see the parade... I wonder who it is??? And everyone in my class is working on secret book week projects. I cant wait to dress up with all my friends!

Spartapuss is a newcomer to Rome in 36 AD and he has much to learn. When a mysterious stranger offers to pay his debts he finds himself in a school for strays and a school for gladiators. Will they make it to the Olympuss Games?

Ari lives alone on an island, his days spent collecting all that washes ashore and gazing at the ships that pass, on their way to the great land that is a speck on the horizon. When one ship does stop, Ari is told of all the magnificent things that lie in the distance, bringing Ari a sense of wonder but also isolation and loneliness. Then one day, Ari has a dazzling idea.

Partners don't always see eye to eye but this is ridiculous. Bernice reckons the new kid, Jake, has problems and is a serial thief. But, that doesn't make sense because Jake has come to their detective agency for help.

Uncle Kev has a farm, where the pigs do the polishing and the cows are the happiest in all the hills. Kev invites the family for a 'holiday', then sets them to work. There's lots to be done before the big Harvest Festival - and Kev is distracted, because he's fallen in love!

Roland Harvey and his new pelican friend are off on an adventure to walk, fish, canoe, raft, windsurf, sail, paddle-steam and, even, fly their way along the mighty Murray River, from its smallest beginnings in the high country to where it meets the sea. Together they discover the story of the river - its secrets, history, ecology, people and animals. And, you're invited, too.

Carey is good at schoolwork and sport and wishes that he wasn't. Winston says that it is worse to be bad at everything.

Once, a long time ago, my grandmother's grandmother travelled far, far across the seas. Kate Forsyth tells tales of her ancestors' lives in Australia in this beautifully illustrated picture book. From the first perilous journey to a new land, to the great wars and civil rights movements, readers live through key moments in Australia's fascinating history.

For a long as Tashi could remember, he had been told stories about the dragon who sent the rains each year, until now. The creeks are drying up and the mountains are going up in flames. Someone in the village needs to visit the dragon and only Tashi would dare.

This is the story of a young boy living alone on an island. When a mysterious girl finds him and starts eating his food and using his things without asking, he feels annoyed and angry. However, he soon learns the importance of friendship and forgiveness when feelings are unintentionally hurt by our friends.

It was an ordinary morning when the ordinary boy woke up for his ordinary journey to school. But, then Mr Gee bounced into the classroom and everything changed. The dull, grey world had been transformed into one of colour and excitement.

Ivan is a mighty silver back even if he does look a bit sad and dull in his cage at the nearly forgotten shopping mall circus. He has spent most of his life around humans and in a cage, but he knows he is something special and something to be proud of, he just can't find the inspiration to act the part anymore. That is until he meets little Ruby, a baby elephant. The sad circus owner hopes that adding a baby elephant to the show will bring people back, but Ivan can not stand by and see more animals brought into a life of captivity.

Ruby is a young elephant who loves spending time with her best friends, Ivan the silverback gorilla and Bob the mutt. But zoo life has not always been the way for Ruby and in the lead up to her Tusk Day, Ruby finds the courage to embrace and share her story - and herself.

One child saw a world full of problems and thought, I know what to do. One child did all that she could. Just imagine if all the children of the world did all that they could. This book encourages children to take action to conserve the environment.

Rhyming text describes different groups of horses both real, toy and imaginary, in this counting book for horse enthusiasts. The pictures are beautiful tissue paper collages.

In this cautionary tale, human carelessness leads to the disappearance of twelve species of fish in Australia's Great Barrier Reef. A wonderfully, original counting book that goes backwards and is illustrated with stunning silk paintings.

One night in Florence, Italy, a long time ago, a lone sparrow flies over the streets and squares, through arches and windows looking for her mate. She must find him before her nest of babies wake to find her gone. The city comes alive as the reader follows the mother swallow on her quest.

Starting at a new school is scary. It's lucky then that Jack knows how to make people laugh. But, not everyone finds him funny so Jack has to think of another way.

When Arthur has to stay the night at Lottie's mysterious run-down house, he makes sure he's prepared for anything. However, the night turns out to be so scary that Arthur is forced to use his ghost fighting kit with unexpected results.

It is 1927 and celebrations for the opening of Parliament House are underway. But, for Billy, an orphaned farmhand, it is just another bad day of hard work and loneliness. Now, he has to save his only friend, the work dog, Dusty, from certain death.

One day, Dad came home with one of those old cameras, the kind that uses film. But, Dad didn't take photos of the things that people usually photograph.

Luk and his grandmother live high in the mountains of Burma. They work hard, dragging timber from the forest, and look forward to the day when their pet elephant, Mali, will be old enough to help. One morning, when Mali is foraging for bananas, there is a loud explosion.

From the moment Mum offers Charlie and Lola one thing from the shop, they can't stop counting. Top negotiator Lola takes on numbers in everyday life and bends them to her endearing and unique will.

In this beautifully illustrated book, Loggerhead swims alone in the vastness of the water, munches on crabs, floats over coral reefs and crawls with slow, heavy steps across the beach to lay her eggs.

The natural world is celebrated in works of art, with serene, calming text that reflects the characteristics we share with animals and our responsibility towards them. The book opens our minds to the equality of all living things.

Unlike Simpson's donkey, this donkey is looked down on by everyone in the farmyard. When he goes out for a day, the animals grumpily insist on going because he won't survive on his own. By the time they return, they have learnt to respect donkeys.

Jennifer finds she is the only one in her class who doesn't celebrate Christmas. She starts an Only One Club and soon finds there are lots of 'only ones' in her class, people who are special for all sorts of reasons.

Bessie's father has strict rules on what can and can't be done and riding a pony is a definite can't. However, Bessie finds a way to fulfil her dream and change her father a little in the process.

Rosie is thrilled when she is chosen to play in the school band. When she selects the tuba, Rosie realises she has a large problem. She has to work out how she can get the tuba home to practise and then back to school each week for band rehearsals. A long-forgotten item solves the problem.

David and Bernice have set up a detective agency in their home town of Milk Bay. Their office is a shed in Bernice's front yard. They've distributed flyers detailing their services and charges. Now, all they have to do is wait for the work to come. David takes notes, which Bernice thinks is unnecessary, and David thinks Bernice is bossy. But, each also admires the skill of the other and together they make a successful team.

Told in English and Darug, Open Your Heart to Country is a moving account of reconnection to Country from a First Nations perspective. Sharing the nourishing power of returning home and being immersed in the language of Country, this picture book invites readers to reflect on the importance of place, not only for First Nations' peoples but for everyone.

Simple, factual information about orangutans, with beautifully presented photographs and illustrations. A glossary of terms and an index are included.

Lively retellings of sixteen famous myths for young readers.

The journey to school is boring. On the way to the bus stop Jack uses his imagination and bit by bit the boring is replaced by a world of wonder with lots of possibilities.

Kabukli is lonely in the big city until he discovers that, to find true friendship, you must send your heart out into the world.

A story of friendship between a little boy called Oscar and Hoo, a cloud. Hoo is missing his flock of clouds. Oscar finds a way to help Hoo to rejoin with them.

Hannah is delighted to receive a Dalmatian puppy, Oscar, just before Christmas. She wishes she could spend all her time with her gorgeous puppy, but she has her school Christmas play to rehearse. Meanwhile, Oscar feels lonely and neglected.

Oshie is at a new school and finding it hard to fit in with the students. He loves football and hopes this might help. But it seems unlikely as Oshie has cerebral palsy, which makes walking difficult, let alone running and kicking. When Oshie makes a new friend, he is determined that, together, they can help his school team win the Schools Cup.

A traveller girl named Ossiri makes her own musical instrument from a willow branch and lots of recycled objects. Although she plays enthusiastically, it makes a terrible noise. Ignoring warnings not to wake the ogre in the hills, Ossiri climbs away from the camp to practise. Her playing awakens the ogre but his reaction is not what she expects.

Alex has a really embarrassing, tree-hugging grandfather that he does not want to be filmed next to by the national news crew. But Alex can learn a lot from Gramps about the rabbit proof fence and from his special friends in the Australian bush.

Simple, factual information about otters, with beautifully presented photographs and illustrations. A glossary of terms and an index are included.

Although he's only eleven, Otto Pillip invents all kinds of incredible devices and drives a race car. Having lost his parents mysteriously as a baby, he lives with his two peculiar aunts, FiFi and FooFoo.

Take a journey around the Australian coast. Includes information on navigation and map-making featuring Australian landmarks, flora and fauna.

A fantastic book of the birds from North-East Arnhem land. This guide includes both English and Indigenous names of the birds, with very impressive pictures, including the natural landscapes and habitats.

Adventure is out there....Our country is calling. Journey through time in search of Australia's ancient wonders. Discover dinosaur trails and fossil-filled caves. Climb ice age peaks. wander in a maze of prehistoric domes. Explore lava tubes and meteorite craters. With each vibrant fact-filled page of this unique book, readers will visit different natural wonders across all states and territories. See the prehistoric beasts that roamed the land in Winton, venture through the lava-formed caves at Undara, experience the fiery glow of Uluru and Kata Tjuta, and more!

Goodjagah, little one, walk with me... I want to tell you our Dreaming as the Elders told it to me.

The house is all messy and everyone is busy looking after the new baby. Luckily, we have our Gags.

Our island lies beneath a big blue sky, surrounded by the turquoise sea. Turtles glide through the clear salt water and dugongs graze on banks of seagrass.

The doors to our library are open. Every day something exciting happens. Join Suzy and the children for a week of busy, bouncy, noisy, wiggly-jiggly, friendly fun. Which day is your favourite library day? Come in. Everyone is welcome!

An adventure story about a family getting a new pet but there are hidden dangers. Based on an event that really happened during Carol and Laura's childhood in the Torres Strait Island community on Prince of Wales Island, near Thursday Island.

The children tease Jack, the pet rooster, and complain about the way he chases and pecks them until the day Jack is no longer with them. A childhood recollection of an indigenous family.

Starting at the sun take a journey through space. As you travel you will learn all about the planets, moons and asteroids in our Galaxy until you reach your final destination amongst the dwarf planets.

I'm called an asylum seeker but that's not my name. A little girl and her mother have fled their homeland, making the long and treacherous journey by boat to seek asylum and a new beginning.

Two stories are included. In the first story, there's a mice plague, a patient with appendicitis and a well person who gets wrapped in bandages. The second story finds Ms Wiz trying to save a library from closing. She brings the characters on the shelves to life, with mixed results.

An illustrated poem evoking the Australian landscape, its animals and its indigenous people. The connection between the people and the land is made with sensitivity through the language and the art.

A compilation of words and poetry about childhood games and activities.

A tall story full of cheerful nonsense with gaps in the text interpreted in hilarious ways by the illustrations. Going to the shop with Granny turns out to be much more exciting than you could possibly imagine.

Two traditional tales retold.

Deep in a snowy forest Owl and Frida live happily together, looking out the window at the moon. Owl starts to wonder what lies beyond their forest, beyond the snow.

Plop is a baby barn owl, an unlikely candidate for being afraid of the night. He is sent out by his mother to learn about the dark. Through encounters with seven different people, he learns to sleep in the daytime and that dark is super.

A fascinating introduction to owls, including nesting, hunting, living at night and camouflage. Find out how owls find their way in the dark, what they eat, and what a baby owl is called. Full of interesting facts, illustrations and colour photographs, with a glossary of teems and internet links to exciting websites.

When Katie, Eva and Alex hide inside a hollow tree trunk, they find themselves taken into a magical wood where they are no longer girls... they're owls. Can they help save the precious moon chestnut tree? Join them on their first adventure.

Eva, Kate and Alex are three best friends that share magical experiences. They find themselves in Blossom Wood. They are helping to throw Bobby the badger a surprise birthday party. But there's one big problem. Bobby is nowhere to be seen. Can the owls of Blossom Wood find the birthday badger?