Exisle Publishing

We all have different abilities. But sometimes, we need to dig a little deeper to find our own special gifts.

Lifeguard Anthony ‘Harries’ Carroll, who appears in the internationally acclaimed, long-running unscripted Australian TV show Bondi Rescue, wasn’t always as confident as he is now. As a child, he was often bullied for his dyslexia, and sadness and shame quickly followed.

However, what Harries eventually discovered was that his talent lay not in words, but in seeing and hearing things others might not pick up on. His heightened alertness to his surroundings means Harries can anticipate when someone might be in danger. Uncovering these qualities in himself led Harries to carve out a successful 30-year career as a lifeguard, rescuing and resuscitating thousands of people.

Harries is a story of hope for any child searching to find their own unique place in the world.

Amity, the third and final instalment in The Last Seed Keeper trilogy, is the story of how it all ends. It is also the story of how it all began …

Fighting against a devastating legacy left by previous generations, friends Ivy, Skyler and Durie must pull together like never before to save the world and create a better tomorrow. But to do this, they must also confront what happened in the past, and how their parents’ actions brought the entire world to such a daunting precipice.

Moving between the past and the present, Amity shines a light on how, years ago, a thirst for power by two people set the planet on a collision course with environmental destruction, and how two small babies, born as the world around them crumbled, became destined to forge a new kind of leadership and a friendship that would withstand even the greatest of challenges. It follows the friends as they find their place in a new world, suffer setbacks and loss, and learn to champion a dying planet and its people.

Amity brings to a thrilling close this story of family and friendship, and shows how taking a different approach can change the future.

Sometimes Sophie worries — not during the day when she is busy with family and friends, but at night when everything is calm and quiet. What if her favourite shirt is still in the wash and she can’t wear it at the weekend? Or what if she forgets her packed lunch and has nothing to eat at school? Her worries keep her awake at night, making her tired and grumpy the next day.

Her family all try to help, but somehow they just make her worries worse. Then, her mother thinks of a new approach … that might just involve an elephant or two! But wait, don’t think about purple elephants, whatever you do!

As Sophie imagines purple elephants – and blue monkeys and red giraffes – getting up to all kinds of amusing antics, her worries fade and she goes to sleep happy, ready to have fun the next day. Whimsical and humorous, this little girl’s story of finding a way to ease her worry will resonate with children and parents everywhere.

When Finn buys a magic pen at a market stall, it seems like all his problems are solved… but the good times don’t last in this action-packed adventure featuring life on the run, basketball battles, family secrets and more moral conundrums than you could shake a pen at.

Eleven-year-old Finn lives with his four foster siblings and the TERRIBLE Mr. and Mrs. Grimshaw. Everything might look okay from the outside, but at home the Grimshaws lock Finn in the basement, and reign terror over his little brothers and sisters. Will the power of a magic pen help Finn save himself and his siblings from their nightmare foster parents, and find out the truth about his past?

Join Finn on an adventure beyond his wildest dreams, armed with a pen that makes everything he draws come true. From defeating a bully in a basketball match, to stealing the limelight and serenading the guests at a fancy hotel, Finn discovers he has the power to do anything! But soon, the consequences to his actions start to mount up.

Can Finn resist the temptation of an easy fix and save the day without the increasingly dangerous help of the pen? Find out in this fast-paced, engaging story about family, jealousy, morals, and the importance of being kind to others.

The second instalment in the gripping Last Seed Keeper trilogy, New Sanctuary continues the story of the indomitable Ivy and Skyler as they search for their fathers — and for hope in a new world.

Despite vastly different upbringings, best friends Ivy and Skyler share an unbreakable bond. Together, they have discovered dangerous secrets, uncovered traitors and, with the help of Ivy’s friend Durie, saved their crumbling new world’s dwindling food resources. But now, both their fathers are missing.

Together, Ivy and Skyler search for answers as villains become allies and true enemies make themselves known. Questions are asked and decisions need to be made, forcing Skyler to choose between her new friendships, her family and her world, so different from Ivy’s.

Friendships are tested as they hunt for lost family, and the slim glimmer of hope for the new world hangs in the balance. Can a child from the Piles and a child from the Sky really be the key to saving it all?

New Sanctuary is a thrilling adventure about the bonds of family and friendship, and the crucial importance of caring for our planet in a world where nature has been forgotten but courage and hope remain.

When quiet, shy Verity eventually finds the courage to speak up, she discovers that standing on her own two feet can be amazing!

Verity is a shy preschooler who is accommodating and quiet, and always does whatever others tell her. She picks up after her friends, has no say in games, and even plays second fiddle to a drooling baby at the doctor’s office. After a typical week of quiet deference to everyone around her, Verity is miserable. 

But when she is overlooked at swimming class (her most favorite thing of all), Verity realizes something needs to change — and she discovers within herself the courage to speak up. What she finds is that by speaking up in a polite, positive way, she can change her world for the better and find joy in asserting herself.

Verity Finds Her Voice will help children who might be a little scared to speak up learn that not only is it okay to be assertive, but it can bring happiness, and that being a good friend to yourself is just as important as being a good friend to others.

A little determination goes a long way in this inspiring story about creating green spaces and building community.

Rosie loves nothing more than to dig and spend time with people from her neighbourhood in the community garden. There’s Mr. Dellagatti who collects seeds, Annika who plays the violin, and even Esmeralda the chicken who likes worms for breakfast!

But when the garden is sold to the Big Boss of a city company, Rosie looks on helplessly as it is destroyed and replaced by a towering skyscraper. Where will her friends from the garden go now? And what will happen to Esmeralda now that her home is gone?

It’s going to take some unexpected teamwork and a whole lot of bravery, but maybe Rosie can find a solution that makes everyone happy.

Rosie’s Garden is an inspiring story about preserving nature and standing up for the things that are important to us. Through simple prose and beautiful illustrations, it explores themes of environmentalism, urbanization and community in a way that will engage younger readers and get them thinking about the world around them, and the role we can all play in protecting it. Essential reading for any little ones interested in nature, buildings, the outdoors – and digging!

Boldilocks is a boy with spectacular, shimmering hair, who finds that differences can be difficult to deal with — and that sometimes, it’s best to be bold.

Bellamy Boldilocks’ hair is notorious. It swooshes and streams so strikingly that everyone looks at him and whispers, embarrassing him wherever he goes. But when Pa takes him to the hairdresser to do something about it, something unexpected happens. With a little salon magic and a whole lot of love, much more than hair is transformed.

This silly, fun picture book is perfect for preschoolers and up. It challenges gender stereotyping that can offer a narrow definition of what’s acceptable for boys or girls, often depriving little boys of bright colors, or rainbows, or sparkles — all the fun, self-expressive stuff!

Boldilocks is an uplifting story about being confident in your skin (and hair) and will resonate with anyone who has ever felt a little bit embarrassed about how they look. It celebrates the power of community and how it can makeover shame into joyful pride.

A beautifully illustrated, reassuring story about finding comfort in the familiar when life turns upside down. Perfect for children experiencing big changes, from moving house to the trauma of a natural disaster.

In Hugs Still Feel the Same, life is thrown into turmoil for a little girl and her family when their home is flooded. The water builds and builds until the whole town must be evacuated in the night. In the darkness, with only flashlights to light the way and their home left behind, it feels like all they have left is each other. But maybe that’s the most important thing.

This gentle and empowering story was inspired by the author’s real-life experience of the severe flooding that engulfed parts of Australia in 2022. During six months as a volunteer for the flood recovery efforts, she witnessed the distress and trauma caused to many families who lost their homes. Finding the beautiful amongst the chaos was incredibly important, and there was little more comforting than a hug from a loved one.

Hugs Still Feel the Same is a story of resilience and hope in the face of life’s difficulties. It explores the impact of big changes and trauma, providing a tool for parents and carers to help children through distressing times. It is a big-hearted reminder that even when life feels scary and unknown, it’s possible to find comfort if we know where to look.

Meet a bear who is more extraordinary than most in this poignant story about the Anzac spirit, re-issued as a gorgeous hardback to celebrate its 10th anniversary.

Anzac Ted is no ordinary bear. He’s got worn patches, frayed threads, missing parts and more… but that’s because he’s got an incredible story to tell. Long ago, Anzac Ted went to war alongside Grandpa Jack. He kept the soldiers company and gave them courage, becoming a mascot who reassured them that they would make it through.

While Anzac Ted never won a medal, and now doesn’t even attract a single vote at classroom Show and Tell, if only everyone looked a little deeper:

‘They’d see a hero, plain as day,
Who sits upon my bed.
A hero, who saved me and you.
His name … is Anzac Ted.’

While several children’s picture books cover the world wars, none has ever made the conflict so accessible to children by telling the story of a bear who went to war. Told with love and sensitivity by an award-winning children’s author, this is a book that will touch the hearts of children and adults alike.

When Patrick suffers a huge loss, he finds comfort in holding an acorn that drops at his feet. The more acorns he collects, the less empty he feels but soon there are acorns hiding in cupboards, under the rug, and even in Dads work shoes. As the tide of acorns grows, Patricks belongings are buried under them, until all he has is perhaps too many acorns.

Join Patrick and Dad as they learn how to cope with their overwhelming grief together, rediscovering the things that make them happy while holding their memories close.

Through gentle language, illustrations and metaphor, Too Many Acorns explores big emotions in a way that is manageable and understandable for young readers. It is a heart-warming story about the ways we find to cope in the hardest times, perfect for sharing with little ones who are experiencing the loss of a loved one, or any other emotional upheaval.

Maxs summer holidays are going decidedly NOT to plan. Its bad enough he has to deal with his infuriating younger brother Liam, but now his mums new boyfriend is always around, along with his EVIL son Josh. It seems like things cant possibly get any worse

Then Miss McBoobs phone strikes again, an app transforms Max and Liam from human boys into fleas, and everything goes downhill from there. The brothers are forced to work together to try to beat the app as it serves up impossible questions. Would they rather climb trees like a squirrel or breathe under water like a goldfish? And which option will help them survive until the next round?

Chaos ensues as the reluctant sidekicks race to return to human form before time runs out. Full of awesome facts, laugh out loud situations and comic-style illustrations that bring the action to life, this gaming-inspired adventure is perfect for reluctant readers.

Welcome to the Humdingle family! Theres Grandma and Grandad, Mum and Dad, the children and the pets and they all live in one tiny house. Its a little squashy and noisy in the house, and sometimes the Humdingles wish they didnt have to share quite so much. After all, one toilet between three generations can get tricky!

Find out what happens when, one magical day, the Humdingles wishes are granted. Will all the space they could dream of make them happier? Or was there, perhaps, something special about living in the tiny, squashy house after all?

This lively, light-hearted book will delight little readers with its playful language and illustrations. Carrying a heartfelt message about the importance of family connections, it is the perfect story for parents and grandparents to share with younger family members. It also opens the door to conversations about materialism, and is a joyful reminder to see the good in what we have.

Ivy is a Groundling, bound to roam the surface of the Earth, eking a living from the rubble of the past. Skyler lives above the clouds in a haven of technology, wanting for nothing yet knowing there must be something more. Their paths are fixed, in a barren world that has forgotten nature until Ivy makes a discovery that changes everything.

Suddenly, a forgotten orphan from the Piles holds the key to building a new world. But change is never popular with those in power, and as word gets out, society begins to fracture. Both girls lives unravel as Skyler uncovers the secrets that have been kept from her, and Ivy finds out just how important she is to the new world.

The Last Seed Keeper is a tense, heart-pounding adventure about friendship, secrecy, breaking down barriers, questioning everything, and holding onto hope in the darkest of places.

Full of expressive, colourful illustrations, The Mosaic is an optimistic story about parental separation and the healing power of art. Little readers will delight in following Nana and Frankie as they go on an adventure and find an unexpected source of hope and inspiration. They will see that while some changes can feel sad and overwhelming at first, they can also lead to happiness if we know where to look.

Children all over the world are impacted by parental divorce and separation. The Mosaic offers a fresh perspective, focussing on the good that can come from change and giving children comfort in a time of grief and uncertainty. Inspired by the authors conversations with her own children, it is a uniquely personal story that will help any children going through difficult changes to find hope, resilience and joy.

Mabel loves visiting Miss Plums Sugar Plum Café and drawing pictures for the arty-smarty wall. But one day, Mabel finds the café under renovation by someone new. She misses her favourite café , and she misses Miss Plums smiles. One day, the café reopens, and Mabel reluctantly visits there with her mother. Will this new place provide Mabel with the same joy she felt in the old place? And how will Mabel accept its differences?

In The Welcome Cookies, Mabel witnesses what she perceives to be the destruction of a place she loved. The story shows how even though we can sometimes mourn the loss of a place and miss seeing people, if we open ourselves to new things, it can mean new beginnings and a chance for new friendships to develop. The story also shows how a child has the power to make someone feel special and welcome.

With sensitive illustrations that give life to Mabels emotional responses, this book will have young and old alike wanting to visit their local café to taste the welcome cookies.

A poignant story about a child finding her own inner strength, courage and resilience by drawing inspiration from the generations of women that came before her.

Whenever Islas mother brings out her small blue doll box, Isla knows she will hear the stories of the women in her familys past. Touching on themes of immigration, war and the feminist movement, their lives show Isla the incredible things women can achieve, and the strength she has inside herself.

Inspired by the author's own family, this book echoes the timeless power of familial bonds and personal histories that instil courage and determination in each new generation. It underscores the belief that sharing family stories can foster a sense of belonging, and provide strength to face life's adversities.

What makes a strong role model for girls? Deborah Kelly found the answer in her own heritage, in the pages of history, and in the inspiring individuals who, despite adversity, discovered their own courage and resilience. The Doll Box is a testament to their stories, lovingly passed from mother to daughter, empowering the next generation of strong women.

In a world where the days of the week come to life, Monday learns to let go of negativity and accept herself for who she is.

Its pretty tough being Monday – youre not named after a god like Thursday, and youre certainly not a two-day party like Saturday and Sunday. Instead, youre the start of the week, when people have to wake up early and head back to school and work. Monday even has a pile of complaint letters to prove that nobody likes her but wait, whats in that sparkly envelope?

Nobody Likes Monday is a story about the impact of peoples perceptions of ourselves, and the fact that we all have value we just need to learn to see it. When Monday is feeling down, she tries to change, but only meets more dissatisfaction. It is only when she begins to see her own strengths and gifts that she finds joy in her role and in her life.

Told with vibrant illustrations and light-hearted humour, Nobody Likes Monday highlights the importance of self-acceptance and individuality. It emphasizes that everyone, no matter how they perceive themselves, has a unique value to offer, gently encouraging children to see beyond the negatives and to recognize their own talents and strengths

Three Autistic friends try to save their school from never-ending maths in this fast and fun story, told from a rarely seen perspective.

Superheroes for a Day tells the engaging story of Max, Daniel, and Natalie’s mission to save their school from endless maths lessons. Using their unique abilities like heightened memory and attention to detail, they turn their differences into strengths. While handling their individual traits, they find the courage to become heroes, at least for a day, in the eyes of their schoolmates.

The book seeks to normalize the experiences of Autistic kids who are often seen as uncool because of their quirks. By making them the heroes, the story offers insight into their personal experiences and perspectives in a fun and engaging manner, resonating with readers in mainstream classrooms.

Filled with delightful illustrations, Superheroes for a Day is an empowering tale of friendship, bravery, and the remarkable abilities that often go unnoticed in those who are different.

Some Families Change tenderly guides children through various models of changing families with gentle verse and inclusive imagery.

You may not have thought much about it, but did you know that some families change? Some get bigger, others smaller and some completely rearrange!

Changes in the structure of a family can be joyful, turbulent, and especially confusing for little humans. Some Families Change is a gentle and reassuring way of showing children that all families go through changes – its completely natural, and they are not alone.

The book candidly explores concepts such as split families, single-parent households, families with two mums or dads, families that join together, and more, always maintaining sensitivity and sincerity. Children grappling with these changes often harbor difficult feelings. The book validates these emotions, emphasizing that it's okay to feel upset or worried because adjusting to change takes time.

By sharing this book, children and parents can embark on a journey of understanding and emotional healing together, reminding themselves that their feelings are normal, and it's healthy to express them. A timely and therapeutic resource, Some Families Change assists families in navigating their emotional journey together, amidst the inevitable changes that life brings.

An uplifting story about a boy who doesnt let his eczema hold him back from having fun and facing his fears.

Meet Mitchell, a boy who is part of the one in five children living with eczema. In Mitchell Itches, we learn about his experiences with this condition, including the common triggers and stresses of managing it, while also understanding his resilience, the support he gets from his friends and family, and the self-care he practices to manage his symptoms.

As part of his journey, Mitchell discovers a unique talent. His Uncle Sean introduces him to the guitar to keep his itchy hands occupied. Mitchell's condition, surprisingly, leads him to a new passion that could make him a sensation. Will his newfound talent take centre stage at the school band auditions?

This engaging story helps children to empathize with others and understand the realities of living with a skin condition, showing that challenges can also lead to discovering our strengths.

In The Real Cowgirl, Sal feels safe and strong at home, and out riding with her pony. She has big dreams of being a cowgirl of being brave, smart and wild. But at school, where she feels anxious and isolated, those dreams seem very far away. How will Sal find her self-confidence and be her true self even when she is scared?

Join Sal and her pony for this heart-warming story about friendship, and the way in which it can make you feel brave. Featuring beautiful, vibrant illustrations of Sals life on the farm, it will delight young readers with an interest in animals and adventure. It will also provide inspiration and comfort for children who experience anxiety, showing them the power of small acts of bravery, and how our friends can build us up to feel all the wonderful things they already see in us.

The Real Cowgirl was inspired by the authors own childhood, growing up on a farm in NSW, Australia with her pony as a source of support and comfort. It is a story about being yourself, finding bravery through friendship, and what it takes to be a real cowgirl.

My Heart depicts the many ways a mothers heart can experience love and emotion while her baby journeys through the milestones of growing up.

The story uses repetition and subtle variation to reflect the activity and reactions of the mother's heart, and how they change with each mother-child interaction. The narrative moves through the early years until the child goes off on their first independent activity, a deeply moving moment for all mothers. Beautifully detailed illustrations depict the connection between mother and child, reminding readers that a mother's heart will always be with her children, no matter where they go.

In Two Rabbits, Little Brown Rabbit and Little Grey Rabbit have had an argument. As they go their separate ways into the night, the wind whispers around them to remind them of their sharp words. Will they be able to come back together and find a way to save their friendship?

The story portrays the physical and emotional journey of two best friends, as they experience feelings of anger, sadness and loneliness after an argument. It shows us that friendship can overcome differences and disagreements, especially when we are willing to admit our own mistakes.

Larissa Ferenchuk loves writing about animals and nature, relating them to the emotions and feelings we have as humans. She based this story on rabbits as she has a gorgeous little pet grey rabbit at home. Her aim was to create a story that shows that even though we are all different, (different opinions/ideas/journeys) we all experience similar feelings and emotions. She also wanted to show children that they can overcome disagreements and arguments by understanding their emotions and offering the simple words of a heartfelt sorry.

Prue Pittocks subtle and whimsical illustrations add to the emotions in the story while the depiction of the characters on their separate paths allows us to empathize with both friends.

Olivia and her butterfly friends spend all of their time together, until one day everything changes, and Olivia and her mother move to an apartment in the city. Olivia is heartbroken because she doesn’t want to leave her butterfly friends behind but her mother assures her that she will make new friends in the city.

When Olivia and her mum arrive in the city, it’s so grey and gloomy that everyone is sheltering inside. Olivia waits for new friends to come and play but no -one appears.

So Olivia stands on her empty concrete apartment balcony and calls out to her butterfly friends — because they always come when she needs them. But this time, even her butterfly friends don’t appear.

Then Olivia remembers that butterflies need colourful nectar plants, a puddle pool and rocks to rest their wings on, but Olivia doesn’t have a garden anymore so she decides to build a butterfly balcony garden using whatever she can find. Olivia waits and waits and waits but her butterflies stay away.

Just as Olivia is about to lose hope, a gust of wind blows flowers from her balcony garden across the grey sky and onto her neighbours’ balconies. People of all ages and cultural ethnicities appear on their balconies to pick up the flowers, and Olivia suddenly knows exactly what she needs to do to attract (human and butterfly) friends.

Sadie wants to be an artist more than anything. She loves playing with color and finding shapes in unlikely places. But whenever Sadie picks up a paintbrush, she makes a big mess. How will she express her creativity if she can’t even paint a flower?

Full of beautiful watercolor illustrations and vibrant depictions of nature, The Art Garden is an encouraging story about friendship, the joy of gardening, and finding your own way of being creative. Join Sadie and her best friend Tom as they explore the garden, bake cakes, chase tadpoles and play. Young readers will delight in the bright colors and imaginative antics of the two budding artists.

Sadie explores her creativity throughout the book, and one day when she suddenly looks at things from a different perspective, she makes a big discovery! Maybe being an artist doesn’t have to mean being a painter like Tom – maybe she can create a work of art using a talent she already has…

This whimsical, inspiring story is the perfect way to encourage little ones to find their own creative flair. Both a celebration of nature and of the variety of art, it encourages children to explore different ways of expressing themselves and highlights the importance of individuality and self-acceptance.

When your grandmother can't remember your name it should be sad, but maybe it is just an opportunity to tell her more often how much you love her.

Now in paperback, Grandma Forgets is the heart-warming story of a family bound by love as they cope with their grandma's dementia. The little girl has built up a treasure trove of memories of time spent with Grandma: sausages for Sunday lunch, driving in her sky-blue car to the beach, climbing her apple trees while she baked a delicious apple pie, and her comforting hugs during storms. But now, Grandma can't remember those memories. That's alright though, because she has her family to help her.

Depicted with gentle, whimsical illustrations, the little girl and her Grandma continue to share a loving relationship despite Grandma's dementia. They play the games they used to play, although Grandma sometimes forgets the rules, or makes up new games like hiding Dad's keys! Sometimes Dad is sad because he has to hold onto the memories for both him and Grandma now, but his daughter is only too happy to help him make new memories to share.

This is a warm, hopeful story about a family who sometimes needs to remind their grandmother a little more often than they used to about how much they care. She might not remember any of their names but she will always know how much she is loved, because they make sure to tell her every time they see her.

Most children would say that the ocean is blue, but when Bowen looks at it he sees white where the waves crash, deep black on the ocean floor, and green when there's a storm. He wonders whether fireflies are hot, and notices how the brushstrokes of a painting tell a story too. Bowen sees the world differently to other children and struggles to fit in. How will he find his place in the world?

The Incredibly Busy Mind of Bowen Bartholomew Crisp follows the life of Bowen through school and beyond. At every stage, he finds that he doesn't fit in with his peers, but this eventually becomes his greatest strength. Through thinking differently, he is able to solve problems that no one else could. After all, just because something can't be mended the same as it was, why can't it be mended differently?

A very personal story, Bowen's tale is sensitively written and full of colourful, lively illustrations. It aims to offer hope to children who haven't yet found their place in life by showing them that being & normal' might just be overrated, and that to find success in life we should be valuing our differences.

Children, carers, teachers and psychologists alike will find inspiration in this tale of embracing diversity and engaging our full potential. It is a vital reminder that the strength and uniqueness of every child should be encouraged to help them find their place in the world and flourish!

When Sam gets his first pair of glasses, he feels like no one knows who he is anymore. His parents say he looks handsome in them and his grandpa thinks he must be a superhero, but Sam just wants to be himself. Even at school, everyone except his best friend George seems to have forgotten who he is. How will Sam make the world see him again?

Follow Sam as he tries to remind people who he is, abandons his glasses at every chance he gets, and even faces giant penguins and googly-eyed turtles in his journey back to his old self. Young readers will delight in the vibrant illustrations and Sam’s imaginative antics, from building pirate ships with George to fending off sharks as captain on the high seas. And the more he returns to his adventurous ways, and rediscovers his confidence and sense of humour, the more people see him not as some anonymous handsome superhero, but as Sam.

The Boy in the Big Blue Glasses is an action-packed story about overcoming your fears of other people’s perceptions and not shying away from being yourself. Any children dealing with new glasses or other changes in their appearance will find inspiration in Sam’s bravery. After all, how big or blue your glasses are doesn’t make any difference when you’re captain of a pirate ship!

Find out what happens when you learn to let down your guard, be yourself, and open up to friendship in this encouraging tale about a boy and a school full of ogres and dragons.

It's Edward's first day of knight school and he's scared of what's to come. He puts on his armor and prepares for battle. After all, it's sure to be terrifying with all those creatures about. Sure enough, he spends all day surrounded by scary ogres and fearsome dragons. Then, one of them offers him some of her lunch!

With this gesture of friendship, Edward is inspired to take a chance and remove his armor. He soon realizes that maybe things aren't as bad as they first seemed and in fact, his armor was holding him back. As he learns to let his guard down, magic and fun await and Edward finds that the dragons and ogres he feared are actually just like him.

The Battle is a story that every child can relate to and teaches kids that perception and attitude are vitally important. If we let down our guard, put our fears aside, and allow ourselves to live in the moment, magic just might happen. Now available in paperback, this is the perfect companion for any child worried about starting school.

When Sam gets his first pair of glasses, he feels like no one knows who he is anymore. His parents say he looks handsome in them and his grandpa thinks he must be a superhero, but Sam just wants to be himself. Even at school, everyone except his best friend George seems to have forgotten who he is. How will Sam make the world see him again?

Follow Sam as he tries to remind people who he is, abandons his glasses at every chance he gets, and even faces giant penguins and googly-eyed turtles in his journey back to his old self. Young readers will delight in the vibrant illustrations and Sam’s imaginative antics, from building pirate ships with George to fending off sharks as captain on the high seas. And the more he returns to his adventurous ways, and rediscovers his confidence and sense of humour, the more people see him not as some anonymous handsome superhero, but as Sam.

The Boy in the Big Blue Glasses is an action-packed story about overcoming your fears of other people’s perceptions and not shying away from being yourself. Any children dealing with new glasses or other changes in their appearance will find inspiration in Sam’s bravery. After all, how big or blue your glasses are doesn’t make any difference when you’re captain of a pirate ship!

For some kids, school is a place full of friends and fun. For others, though, it is a lonely place where bullies pick on them and it feels impossible to be brave. Meet Scott, Buttons and Duncan, otherwise known as A Boy, his Bear and a Bully.

A Boy, his Bear and a Bully addresses the global issue of bullying in a hopeful, gentle way that will resonate with children who have been on either side of a bullying incident. Seeing Scott learn to stand up for himself will help children who feel afraid of bullies face them in a constructive way. Scott’s bravery also inspires his friend Rosie to report Duncan’s bad behaviour to a teacher, giving children a positive model of assertive behaviour.

Scott’s situation is extremely common across the world. His story provides children with clear guidance on what to do if they are also being bullied, and on the role friends should play in such a scenario. It is a sensitive, inspiring conversation starter for children, carers, professionals, and anyone who wishes they could be brave.

The fourth book in the popular ‘Lessons of a LAC’ series, Grey-glasses-itis helps children to understand the link between how they see things and how they feel.

Loppy notices that he feels differently when he looks at the world around him through different-coloured glasses. When he’s using green glasses, he feels relaxed. When he’s using yellow glasses, he feels cheerful. But when he’s using grey glasses, he just feels sad. As his friend Curly explains, he has a case of ‘grey-glasses-itis’! Curly shows Loppy that to feel better he can change the colour of the glasses he’s seeing things through.

This is a simple but effective way to explain to children how thoughts, perceptions and feelings influence each other. They will grow up knowing that when they are feeling sad, worried or angry, it might be because they have a case of ‘grey-glasses-itis’. They’ll also know that with a shift in perception they can have some influence over their feelings, thereby helping to build their emotional resilience.

This is My Dad celebrates families of all shapes and sizes in a heartfelt, beautifully illustrated story that parents and carers will love sharing with their children.

Most of the time, Leo loves Show and Tell at school. But when his teacher announces that next up is Tell Us About Your Dad Day, his tummy ties into knots and he tries to disappear into the corner of the classroom. His classmates can't wait but all Leo can think is & how can I celebrate someone I've never met?'

Leo is an only child living with his mother, and has never known a father figure. His mother is his hero: as a children's author, she spends most of her time battling monsters and creating awesome new worlds! When Tell Us About Your Dad Day comes around, Leo worries that he won't have anything to present to his class. After fruitlessly searching high and low for clues about his father, he realises that he already knows someone cool, courageous and clever – someone who's not his dad, but is his everything.

This is My Dad  is a timely, important and heart-warming look at modern family dynamics. It highlights that families come in all shapes and sizes, and they are all worthy of celebration. With one in four children in the UK living with a single parent, and 90% of those parents being a woman, Leo's family situation will resonate with millions of children, and will provide a valuable insight for millions more.

This delightful picture book explores how even the fussiest eaters can be tempted to try new flavors. And, if you’re anything like Mike, you might find you develop quite a taste for international cuisine along the way! I Don’t Like Cheese was written by Hannah Chandler when she was just 11 years old, after her principal challenged her to write a book. She has big plans for Mike the mouse, so look out for even more adventures to come!

When your grandmother can't remember your name it should be sad, but maybe it is just an opportunity to tell her more often how much you love her.

Grandma Forgets is the heart-warming story of a family bound by love as they cope with their grandma's dementia. Over the years, the little girl has built up a treasure trove of memories of time spent with Grandma: sausages for Sunday lunch, driving in her sky-blue car to the beach, climbing her apple trees while she baked a delicious apple pie, and her comforting hugs during wild storms. But now, Grandma can't remember those memories. That's alright though, because she has her family to help her.

Depicted with gentle, whimsical illustrations, the little girl and her Grandma continue to share a loving relationship despite Grandma's dementia. They play the games they used to play, although Grandma sometimes forgets the rules, or makes up new games like hiding Dad's keys! Sometimes Dad is sad because he has to hold onto the memories for both him and Grandma now, but his daughter is only too happy to help him make new memories to share.

This is a warm, hopeful story about a family who sometimes needs to remind their grandmother a little more often than they used to about how much they care. She might not remember any of their names but she will always know how much she is loved, because they make sure to tell her every time they see her.

Even the most reluctant risers will find the fun in the morning routine with this lively role-reversal story about a mama who just doesn't want to get ready!

Getting Mama ready for the day can be a challenge you'd better watch out that she doesn't sneak back into bed, try to distract you with cuddles, get breakfast all over her top, or wait, is Mama watching TV?! Learn how to get Mama up and ready despite her mischievous delaying tactics with this essential guide to dealing with morning mayhem!

With gorgeous illustrations and playful writing, Get Ready, Mama! is the perfect way to introduce some fun into the morning routine. Little ones will delight in the cheeky role-reversal that sees a young girl doing everything she can to get her reluctant mother out of the house, while parents and carers will gain a strategy for motivating reluctant risers.

Getting ready in the morning is a mission for many families with young children, but this inventive, tongue-in-cheek story provides a fun way of speeding things along. Full of heart and humour, Get Ready, Mama! is for anyone who has heard enough of “5 more minutes”.

Bringing the mystery of metamorphosis to life, Grub is sure to delight insect-loving young readers with its realistic illustrations, gentle humour, and surprise ending.

On the floor of the rainforest, far below the tree canopy, a small grub has a big question. Sensing that his body is about to change, he wonders what he will become, so he turns to his friends for answers. The ladybird, the cicada, the dragonfly and the monarch butterfly all describe what they looked like before they changed – and none looked like the grub. Eventually, the grub begins to change – and his transformation is spectacular!

 With realistic illustrations, vivid detail and gentle humour, Grub brings the habitat and life cycle of the Hercules beetle, and other insects that undergo metamorphosis, to life. The final reveal is sure to send young readers on a journey of discovery to learn more about the amazing Hercules beetle – one of the world’s largest – with its giant pincers.

Birdie the penguin believes she is the chosen one who lights up the world every night with her song. Her zoo friends believe this too.

In this sensitively illustrated story, featuring a cast of zoo animals, Birdie the penguin has a special role to play. Until one day she gets sick and discovers that perhaps her role was not as important as she thought. She and her friends discover that the world can light itself up at night without Birdies song. Birdie begins to question what her purpose is. She tries to learn the jobs the other animals do, without success. She feels lost and confused — until her zoo friends help her realize her true purpose. The author has said that she wanted to deliver the message that we all have special, unique gifts and its our responsibility to share them with the world. If we have a song to sing, we should sing it, whether it fills a stadium or only brings joy to one person it all counts.

Parents, grandparents, librarians and teachers will all want to gift or recommend this book. Its for everyone, but especially for any child who has been told they are good at something and then feels the weight of responsibility to take lessons and compete, and to be the best. Birdie Lights Up the World will inspire them to do the things they love for the pure joy of it.

Despite being oceans apart,Tug and Ship are connected by strong bonds in Anchored, a tale of love and connection told through the relationship of a tugboat and a cargo ship.

Debra Tidball was inspired to write Anchored by the watercraft she observed on harbourvside walks, especially the tugboats that send huge ships out into the open ocean and welcome them back again after long, sometimes perilous journeys. ‘As a parent, it made me think about the sustaining power of love — how holding someone in your heart can make you more courageous, and make the world seem like a better, brighter place despite not being together.’

With her social work background and Masters Qualification in Children’s Literature, Debra understands the vital role attachment plays in child development. In a world where many parents are separated from their children for periods of time due to work and/or living arrangements, a sense of attachment can feel stretched. Anchored is a reassuring book reminding children that their attachment with their parents/caregivers can sustain time apart: they are firmly anchored in each other’s hearts.

Anchored honors the intrinsic value and worth of a child and the sustaining power of love. It’s an empowering story that will give children a sense of pride and strength to get through the ‘missing you’ days.