Exisle Publishing

Ariana Treasure loves helping her friends and Maya definitely needs her help. There’s a talent show at school, but Maya thinks she has no talent. To add to Maya’s dilemma, she is desperate to impress her grandfather who is visiting all the way from Sri Lanka. Can Ariana help Maya discover her special talent before show day? Afterall Ariana knows we all have talents.

In the Ariana Treasure early reader series there are always problems to solve and fun to be had.

Ariana often saves the day with her quick thinking and thoughtful spirit. The stories explore friendship, families, courage, diversity and sustainability. With simple sentence structures, accessible vocabulary, familiar characters and relatable storylines, the stories in the Ariana Treasure series would suit eager beginner readers. Whether it be making new friends, saving a kitchen disaster or finding an act for the talent show, Ariana is ever ready to step up and help those in her community.

An exciting time travel journey, combining suspense and adventure with problem solving as Harper tries to keep history on the right course and save a missing girl.  Harper Wells finally gets a room of her own, away from her annoying big brother and the grief they both feel at the disappearance of her mother. But on the first night in her brand-new bed, she wakes up in the past and meets a young girl named Edie. Not knowing where she is or how she got there, Harper eventually wakes up back in her room at home.  When another night’s sleep turns into a second visit to Edie, she’s grabbed by a boy her age, who identifies himself as Maximilian. He’s a time officer and reveals that Harper has accidentally bought a time-travelling bed and her encounter with Edie could have changed Australian history. He tells her that the World Office of Timeline Officials—WOTO for short—will kill her if they realize she’s using a Wollemi Bed without authorization or training.   Has Harper changed the future or can things be restored? And who does her new bed really belong to? 

The answer throws her into a world of time-travelling spies and puts her life in danger as she tries to restore Edie’s timeline and find the missing time officer.  

Harper Wells: Renegade TimelineOfficer is an exciting story ideal for ages 10 and up. It covers grief and loss, as well as important moments in Australia’s history. It has a feisty heroine who knows how to stand up for herself and tries to set things right instead of walking away.  

Juniper is stuck in her beachside home. All she wants is to play on the sand, collect shells, and look for mermaids in the shallows. But it's too wet and Mamma's busy with work. Juniper tries to keep busy with indoor games—like a tea party with her dolls, and building a blanket cave with Teddy. Eventually, she runs out of things to do. Mamma suggests she paint a picture, so Juniper decides to paint her beloved beach. She starts with the sky that stretches down to the deep sea green, then adds red sailboats and darting silverfish. By the time it’s complete, Juniper is surprised to see that something has changed! The storm has passed and Mamma is ready to go to the beach. Did her painting change the world outside? Maybe her imagination is more powerful than she thought …

With captivating illustrations, Juniper’s Painting helps children patiently navigate disappointment, embrace their creativity, and find enjoyment in the present.

Young brothers and aspiring musicians, Garlan and Cadell, must find a way out of their kingdom that has outlawed music or they will never be free.

Twelve-year-old Garlan and his mute younger brother are forced to run away from their abusive guardians. With no home to return to, the brothers make a dangerous and unlawful journey across the kingdom.

The two boys are at constant risk of capture from the King’s Guard due to being underage without guardians, and must move on from every town within three days or be arrested for violating traveller’s law and sent to work in the King’s Mines.

Along the way they meet a small underground society of musicians who meet together to sing. Garlan has sung Cadell to sleep for years, and song is one of the few comforts the two have left. The meeting is busted by soldiers, and the brothers have to run for their lives. Still, the group’s bravery inspires the brothers to dream of a world where they can embrace the joy and comfort of music freely, and live without constant fear.

Though it’s rumoured that no one has ever survived crossing the wall that runs along the border of the kingdom – and those who lived were immediately arrested – Garlan has to trust Cadell’s unique ability to find lost things, and the pair try their luck navigating through a pitch-black series of tunnels that burrow underneath the wall. Garlan is terrified that they will die down there, and Cadell has to comfort him when they find a human skeleton deep in the cave. When they finally make it to the other side of the wall, Garlan and Cadell have to decide what they’ll do with the opportunity to live in a way they’ve never known before. They race to try out for the King’s Conservatorium, which allows children below the age of 13 to study and practice music full time. They barely make it to the auditions in time, and Garlan is even injured while working to pay for the journey.

Though Garlan is the one who has spent his life singing, Cadell is the only one who makes it into the conservatorium, as he finds a song within his heart that he plays on an instrument he’s never seen before. Garlan can’t stay in the city without a job, and the separation of the brothers is tragic. But before anything else, Garlan has always wanted Cadell to be safe and happy, and he emphasises how lucky Cadell is, and how Garlan will find a job as a travelling musician that lets him visit the conservatorium often. Garlan sings to Cadell for the last time.

The brothers’ devotion to one another is heart-warming and deeply engaging, and sends a strong message of hope and perseverance for the sake of the people we care about. Similarly, anyone who has a personal relationship to music or art will feel seen and resonate with the way that song serves as a beacon of hope for the brothers in a dangerous and unpredictable world. It reminds the reader that even impossible circumstances are survivable if you have the love and passion necessary to fight for a better tomorrow.

The Treasure Chest is in trouble! Ariana’s mum is about to sell the thriftshop because there aren’t enough customers to keep it open. Ariana is devastated. Thankfully, all her friends want to pitch in and show the community that the store deserves to stay. With newfound determination, the group organises a unique community fundraiser, featuring a food truck, petting zoo, Kandyan dancing, and more! But when disaster strikes, will the money they raised even be enough to keep the store open? 

In the Ariana Treasure early reader series there are always problems to solve and fun to be had.  Ariana often saves the day with her quick thinking and thoughtful spirit. The stories explore  friendship, families, diversity, courage and sustainability. With simple sentence structures, accessible  vocabulary, familiar characters and relatable storylines, the stories in the Ariana Treasure series would suit eager beginner readers. Whether it be making new friends, saving a kitchen disaster or finding an act for the talent show, Ariana is ever ready to step up and help those in her community. 

In the Ariana Treasure early reader series there are always problems to solve and fun to be had.  Ariana often saves the day with her quick thinking and thoughtful spirit. The stories explore  friendship, families, courage, diversity and sustainability. With simple sentence structures, accessible  vocabulary, familiar characters and relatable storylines, the stories in the Ariana Treasure series would suit eager beginner readers. Whether it be making new friends, saving a kitchen disaster or finding an act for the talent show, Ariana is ever ready to step up and help those in her community. 

At the outbreak of World War I, eleven-year-old Elsie Clarke is shipped off to Wales to attend Miss Coleridge’s Academy for Gifted Youths. What at first appears to be an institution for talented academics soon reveals that ‘Gifted’ means something else entirely, and only the mysterious Madam Tryll holds the answers.

Only she can open the Gateway to The Place Where Lost Children Go – a sentient forest called Elsewhere with the power to enhance the talents, desires, and fears of unique souls. And then there’s Elsie, the newest Guardian, with the power to open the Gateways into Elsewhere, borrow Gifts in emergencies, and enhance other Gifts with her touch so that her Gifted friends can grow stronger. But Elsie’s powers are unpredictable and her new role as mentor comes with a lot of responsibility.

Meanwhile, the war rages on, and the headmistress believes the students are the solution. She intends to push them to their academic limit, training them in the art of war, stripping them of their childhood. The Gifted must use their newfound talents to bring down her awful regime and win a battle of their own. But with the war growing ever closer to home, Elsie can’t help but feel like Elsewhere has been recruiting them too, training them for something bigger than just school.

In the Ariana Treasure early reader series there are always problems to solve and fun to be had. Ariana often saves the day with her quick thinking and thoughtful spirit. The stories explore friendship, families, courage, diversity and sustainability. With simple sentence structures, accessible vocabulary, familiar characters and relatable storylines, the stories in the Ariana Treasure series would suit eager beginner readers. Whether it be making new friends, saving a kitchen disaster or finding an act for the talent show, Ariana is ever ready to step up and help those in her community.

Bronte is nervous about meeting a group of girls who are friends of her best mate Annabelle. Will she like them? Will they like her? How will they all get along for two whole weeks? Bronte needn’t have worried, as they all connect when something which has been playing on Bronte’s mind gets the girls to unite as a team.

Bronte has always been a beach girl. She grew up by one and has been a Nipper for as long as she can remember. She’d do anything for her beach… so when she realises that not everyone respects it as much as they should, she decides to do something about it. After a quick brainstorming session with her new best friends, she comes up with a very out-of-the-box solution that sees her become a business entrepreneur! Bronte decides to start a beach stall selling a line of reusable, personally designed food storage items to encourage visitors not to pollute the beach with rubbish. Soon, however, the stall becomes a victim of its own success, and Bronte is overwhelmed with the demands her business takes upon her time and mental health. Taking on adult responsibilities is a full-time job and one she struggles to cope with, until some sound advice from Annabelle about the importance of just being a kid makes Bronte see that one person should never feel the need to take everything on their shoulders alone. Everyone should do their bit to be environmentally responsible, but everyone also has a right to be happy and to do the things they love… like spending care-free days frolicking on the beach with their best friend!

It comes with a very strong moral attached to it; no child should be made to feel like they have to grow up too soon and deal with adult issues, but they can all be mindful of the impact their actions have on the world around them. Parents would agree with this sentiment and it gives children peace of mind. This ties in nicely with the original purpose of the Australian Girl Dolls – age appropriateness.

With their unflappable expressions, large, striking eyes, and cuddly appearance, capybaras are undeniably cute and appealing. They’re intelligent and emotionally sensitive and one of the world’s most loved and recognised animals. These charming creatures are easy-going and are well-known for being one of the most friendly and sociable animals on the planet.

In Clara Capybara, young Clara – like the rest of her species – is friendly and amiable and loves to please others. But with her ‘can do’ attitude, it’s easy for Clara to be taken advantage of. When Clara finds herself unable to say no to the constant demands on her time, Mama imparts some wise words to help Clara implement a plan that involves diplomacy and better self-care.

Carrying essential themes of self-care, mental health, diplomacy, navigating relationships, manners, setting boundaries, and social anxiety, Clara the Capybara possesses layers of meaning that will appeal to both children and adults. Woven into the story are language and literacy elements teaching synonyms and alliteration and, of course, a study in the nature of delightful capybaras.

Four years ago, Millie lost her baby brother Noah before he could be born. She writes a journal to him, exploring her memories and emotions, and thinks about him every day. When she learns her mother is pregnant again, she writes to him about her anxieties. What if the new baby dies like Noah did? Millie takes it upon herself to take care of her mum while she’s pregnant. She cooks, cleans, and brings her mum ginger tea when she feels sick in the morning. At school, she has two close friends, the bubbly extrovert, Charlie, and bookish introvert, Emma, who pull her in two directions. But Chappy Leeann is there to help her sort out her feelings. Working together to support their parents and the drought affecting their sheep farm, Millie grows closer to her older sister Vicky and learns to appreciate the things in her life. As Millie shares all her feelings with Noah, she reassures her precious stillborn baby brother that even after her new sibling is born, she will always be his sister. Throughout it all, Millie learns just how resilient and strong she really is.

This book contains an important message about the impact of stillborn children on the lives of siblings too, and highlights the importance of school chaplains in their ability to help children through their emotions. Siblings are often overlooked as they grieve the loss of an expected baby.

Join Ariana at the Treasure Chest – the best thrift shop in town!

Ariana is excited to hear there is a new kid in town. She can’t wait to show him around the Treasure Chest. Can Ariana use the treasures from the thrift shop to help make a new friend and find her missing book?

In the Ariana Treasure early reader series there are always problems to solve and fun to be had. Ariana often saves the day with her quick thinking and thoughtful spirit. The stories explore friendship, families, diversity, courage and sustainability.

This heartwarming and hopeful story, written by a marine biologist, is based on true events and friendships. It celebrates themes of togetherness, support, determination. Flute is a positive role model showing young readers resilience in the face of challenges. Flute raises vital awareness of boating and noise pollution as threats to dolphins world-wide. The back matter provides practical ways to help conserve dolphins.   

Author Kasey Whitelaw is a qualified marine biologist and spent seven years ensuring the daily protection of Flute and other wild dolphins.

Join Ariana at the Treasure Chest – the best thrift shop in town!

Come and find the secret ingredient. Ariana is excited for the food truck competition. Her friends, Hunter and Jake, are confident their family will win the big prize. All they need is a standout dish and thanks to the Treasure Chest they think they have it.

In the Ariana Treasure early reader series there are always problems to solve and fun to be had. Ariana often saves the day with her quick thinking and thoughtful spirit. The stories explore friendship, families, diversity, courage and sustainability.

When nine-year old May visits the cemetery to lay flowers on her Nonna’s grave, she gets separated from her mother. She’s frightened and tearful, until she meets Skippy Blackfeet whose presence is as calming as a bowl of fresh cream.   

When Mum agrees to let May bring Skippy Blackfeet home, their adventures have only just begun. For starters they need to win May’s dad over. He does not like cats. Especially black cats. Then there’s the fierce neighbourhood dog, birthday party bungles, tumultuous trips to town, fireworks and thunderstorms, and everything in between! But it soon becomes obvious that Skippy Blackfeet and May go together like milk and sardines, and together they can face any challenge.   

Skippy Blackfeet is a heartwarming tale of friendship, acceptance, and belonging that will appeal to anyone who has every questioned their place in the world.

Our Map is a heart-warming children's book that explores themes of friendship, heritage, and the power of imagination and educates young readers about the importance of cultural understanding and the value of creating new narratives. It is perfect for families, educators, and anyone looking to inspire children to embrace their heritage and appreciate the diverse world around them.

JJ's best friend, Lee, struggles with maps because his parents, who were refugees, fled their homeland at a very young age. Lee doesn’t know where his parents' country is and feels a sense of loss and confusion. In a tender moment, JJ attempts to show Lee their home countries on the map, highlighting the vast deserts of Australia, the beautiful national parks of Bangladesh, and the immense Great Wall of China. However, Lee’s parents' country is nowhere to be found on the map. This realisation prompts JJ and Lee to understand that not all places are represented on traditional maps, especially those lost to conflict and change. Lee's poignant story of his parents' homeland, which had water, houses, animals, and playgrounds that disappeared, underscores the transient nature of maps and the histories they represent.

Determined to create something new and meaningful, JJ suggests drawing a new map. With the help of their teacher, Miss Young, and their classmates, JJ and Lee gather papers and markers to start their creative project. Each child contributes drawings of their homes and favourite places, from Clare’s family house in the Netherlands to Luke’s townhouse and pizza. Lee sketches a playground and an old house, while JJ adds a treehouse next to a botanic garden. Together, they assemble their drawings into a unique map that reflects their diverse backgrounds and shared experiences. This new map, unlike any other, becomes a symbol of their unity and creativity. The children proudly hold up their new map, knowing that it represents their identity and no one can take it away.

Ben stays with Nan for the first time since Pa died. The family are still grieving, particularly Ben who adored his grandfather. Ben finds a note with a treasure map. It promises an adventure like many others he went on with Pa. But before the treasure hunt Benjamin discovers he is a descendant of the fierce pirate, Benito Bonito. The map promises to uncover the hiding place of Benito’s treasure. Ben and Nan embark on an exciting adventure using the map, but what they uncover is much more than they ever expected.   

The author’s note at the end gives a more detailed account of the legend of the Lost Loot of Lima and history into the real-life attempts made to uncover the buried treasure at Queenscliff.

Her dad and Uncle John dig a trench in the backyard, and school lessons are replaced with air raid drills.   

Mavis is keen to help the war effort at home, and an opportunity arises when a soldier comes to school seeking volunteers. Too young to help on her own, she convinces her older sister, Doreen, to join her in plane spotting.   

Every Saturday, they climb the stairs of the town clock tower, armed with binoculars and pictures of bombers, to record the times and direction of aircraft. Planes come and go, but they are local friendlies.   

One Saturday, Mavis must work alone. She is nervous but determined to carry out her duty for the war effort at home.   When an enemy plane comes into view, she is more excited than frightened! She rings it in and becomes a hero.  

That is until it’s revealed the aircraft is a captured enemy plane that she just happened to see when the local air force was testing it.   

Mavis feels deflated, but her spirits are boosted when Mum makes dessert in her honour and Dad lets her play in the trench.   

Mavis never sees another enemy plane, but after the war when she hears a rumble come over the hills of home, her eyes still search the skies.

A fun, family friendly and interactive picture book to celebrate mums and their love for their children, written from the perspective of a child.

My mother has an invisible shield. I’ve tested it. It’s true.

No matter what her mischievous children attempt, mum is always ready and prepared. When they sneak up behind her, she always turns just in time. With ease, she thwarts an attempt to nab an afternoon snack before it's ready. They must try something cleverer. But her shield is still there, and she avoids the attempt yet again. Maybe her shield is like an astronaut suit, or like feathers, or like bubble wrap? But in moments of need, that shield always falls in time for mum to scoop them up into her arms.

This book was written inspired by the author’s own children and written as a fun activity with them. While the tricks are a bit silly, it carries an important message about family and the bond between mother and children.

Pepper Masalah and the Flying Carpet by Rosanne Hawke is a series of five story books featuring an adventurous black cat called Pepper Masalah, and her nine-year-old friend, Zamir.

Pepper Masalah lives with Zamir and his family on an olive farm in Australia. Zam’s grandmother is from the old country (Kashmir) and she brought with her an ancient carpet. She believes the carpet can fly, and that it will try to find its previous master in Kashmir. It hasn’t flown for hundreds of years so it is shaky at first, and can’t find its bearings. It lands in many countries on the way to Kashmir, where Pepper Masalah and Zamir have dangerous but exciting adventures.

In the 5th book, the carpet flies Pepper Masalah and Zamir to Kashmir and lands in the aftermath of a modern-day earthquake. When Pepper is kidnapped and locked in an animal shelter by some thieves, she meets a snow leopard, a cat, and a woman named Jani, who reminds her of Zamir’s Dadi. Despite Pepper’s clever plan to release the animals and reunite with Zamir, the new group cannot evade the thieves. It seems only Jani will be able to help. Will Zamir and Pepper find a way to escape? Or will Jani’s secret change everything?

Amanda Commander is kind, loyal and a natural-born leader. But even school can be a battlefield sometimes, so sometimes Amanda and her Squad need a plan just to survive.

When Amanda returns to school after having a sick day, she finds fitting back into the friendship group tricker than she imagined. Amanda makes a plan, with the help of the Dolphin Squad, to go out of their way and include anyone. But when Eve is sick and has a few days off school, how will Amanda ensure Eve doesnt have a blues-day back at school just like she did? Its OPERATION WELCOME BACK!

Amanda tries everything to make Eve feel included, even when it means being left out herself.

AMANDA COMMANDER - THE BLUES-DAY TUESDAY is the fourth book in a Junior Fiction series promoting kindness, loyalty and friendship.

What would you do if you were about to lose your best friend forever.

Grace the Amazing is a story that GLOWS. Quirky, original, and endearing, its filled with fun, laughter, tears, and totally relatable childhood moments that will forever find a place in your heart.

Grace Marshall is eleven years old. Shes curious and precocious, stubborn and determined, creative and eccentric. She dreams of becoming many things when she grows up, including a magician called Grace the Amazing!

Grace may be little, but she has big emotions and a million burning questions that demand answers. Her only friend is her art teacher, Pamela. When Grace discovers that Pamela is dying, the fragile certainties that existed in Graces world threaten to slip away. She embarks on a journey to find a cure for Pamela using miraculous magic and while doing so she asks the big questions about life, love, friendship, and death. Some of the answers she uncovers will surprise both Grace and readers.

Covering issues of family, friendship, finding yourself, mental health, love, loss, animals, brilliant teachers who can change your life, and everything in between. For ages 8+.

Join the adventurous cat and her friends for an interactive counting and adding challenge. But dont get too mixed up! In this quirky maths breaking counting book readers can engage with all the different ways you can go WRONG in adding like terms In this quirky maths following and slightly maths breaking counting book readers engage with all the different ways you can go wrong in adding like terms. Maths teachers can use this book to help children understand basics as they are introduced to algebra and patterns. Written in a way that you can interact with the reader. An alternate counting book with a fun outlook demonstrating why you cant add things that arent the same.

Children and teens easily mix up their addition in algebra. In this fun picture book for kids its fun to learn that apples and oranges dont make orples! This book can be used with older children, learning support and in other areas to help students with understanding why you cant mix and match.

Dont panic!

Simply read this essential handbook for welcoming your visiting dragon. You will be provided with step-by-step instructions to ensure your dragon has a wonderful time. Your visitor will need to meet the family, learn table manners and go sightseeing. Maybe youll even qualify as top host!

While this hilarious book is full of silliness, it also explores language barriers and non-verbal communication. The heartwarming ending leaves readers with a beautiful message of embracing differences, and how a hug has universal meaning.

Until Michael Reeve shows up a prison guard unlike any other. What kind of turnkey shows compassion instead of cruelty, encouragement instead of scorn? He talks and acts like Olivia matters. Like her future matters. And hes not about to give up, despite opposition from every angle. Opposition that hints of danger ahead. Can Olivia learn to trust before its too late? Will Micks kindness lead to love, or will it be his undoing?

The Captives Song is an Australian retelling with elements of Rapunzel, complete with a tower, a long braid and a beautiful song.

A book about differences, choices and looking at the bigger picture, suitable for parents and teachers who are wanting to help children explore interpersonal differences, fear and prejudice.

Pepper Masalah lives with Zamir and his family on an olive farm in Australia. Zams grandmother is from the old country (Kashmir) and she brought with her an ancient carpet. She believes the carpet can fly, and that it will try to find its previous master in Kashmir. It hasnt flown for hundreds of years so it is shaky at first, and cant find its bearings. It lands in many countries on the way to Kashmir, where Pepper Masalah and Zamir have dangerous but exciting adventures.

In the 4th book, the carpet flies Pepper Masalah and Zamir back in time to find its original owner in Moghul India, who is none other than the ailing Emperor Shah Jahan. They land in Lahore and find the Lahore Fort where a magician is doing a disappearing rope trick. Pepper climbs the rope to escape a bazaar dog and their problems start in earnest. They have arrived in Hindustan at a time of intrigue and Zam is accused of stealing the carpet and is put in the dungeon. How will Pepper and her new friends rescue him? And how can they return home without the carpet? They are lost in time.

AMANDA COMMANDER - THE GREEN-EYED MONSTER is the fifth book in a Junior Fiction series promoting kindness, loyalty and friendship.

Written in simple, but lyrical prose, Boots breathes life into a generation of hardworking men and women, their humble lifestyles, and an unforgiving landscape that is intrinsic to the Australian identity. With themes of love, loss, old age, hardship and resilience, and references to drought, flood, bushfire and war, Boots provides a candid glimpse into the trials and tribulations of one mans life.

While this story paints a gentle portrait of an 'everyday hero', Boots celebrates a much broader facet of the Australian national spirit, and most importantly, it reminds readers of the universal importance of making each moment of our own finite lives count, even in the face of an unpredictable future.

Pepper Masalah lives with Zamir and his family on an olive farm in Australia. Zams grandmother is from the old country (Kashmir) and she brought with her an ancient carpet. She believes the carpet can fly, and that it will try to find its previous master in Kashmir. It hasnt flown for hundreds of years so it is shaky at first, and cant find its bearings. It lands in many countries on the way to Kashmir, where Pepper Masalah and Zamir have dangerous but exciting adventures.
In the 3rd book in this series, Pepper Masalah and the Giant Bird, the ancient carpet is closer to finding Kashmir and flies over Afghanistan. A huge bird (the Simurgh from Persian folklore) whisks Pepper off the carpet and up to her nest of eggs, high on a mountain. The carpet is disorientated without Pepper and disappears after Zam falls off. Zam makes the long climb to save Pepper before she becomes food for the birds huge chicks. Pepper makes a friend in the nest, a girl called Dana. A cobra comes to eat the eggs.
Pepper manages to save the eggs by telling the cobra riddles and winning the riddle game. But Pepper and Zam still need to find the carpet in order to get home to Australia.

After a day full of his antics at school, the monsters climb out of the window and try to kidnap Jerry and drag him underground. Terrified, Jerry screams he will be good forever. The monsters run away, unable to stand being around a good child. Jerry now knows the monsters only come after children who behave like monsters themselves.

They kidnap misbehaving kids and pull them underground, locking them in cages and feeding them until they decide the little troublemakers are ready to be eaten. This doesnt sound like a bright future to Jerry, so he tries very hard to improve his behavior. Eventually, he just cant do it anymore. In a relapse, he steals a lollipop.

As the monsters drag a struggling Jerry to the window in the ground, he knows its all over – he doesnt deserve to be saved, and his parents probably dont love him anyway. But Mr and Mrs Ronden explode out of the family home, armed with an encyclopaedia and a rolling pin, ready to beat the monsters into submission. When Mrs Ronden smashes the window, the monsters cant survive.

They collapse into dust, and Jerry is saved. Jerry tells his parents hes sorry for his awful behavior, and they tell him they feel like theyve been given a second chance too – a chance to love Jerry better.

Pepper Masalah and the Flying Carpet by Rosanne Hawke is a series of five or more chapter story books featuring an adventurous black cat calledPepper Masalah, and her nine-year-old friend, Zamir.

Pepper Masalah lives with Zamir and his family on an olive farm in Australia. Zams grandmother is from the old country (Kashmir) and she brought with her an ancient carpet. She believes the carpet can fly, and that it will try to find its previous master in Kashmir. It hasnt flown for hundreds of years so it is shaky at first, and cant find its bearings. It lands in many countries on the way to Kashmir, where Pepper Masalah and Zamir have dangerous but exciting adventures.

In the 3rd book in this series, Pepper Masalah and the Giant Bird, the ancient carpet is closer to finding Kashmir and flies over Afghanistan. A huge bird (the Simurgh from Persian folklore) whisks Pepper off the carpet and up to her nest of eggs, high on a mountain. The carpet is disorientated

A cobra comes to eat the eggs. Pepper manages to save the eggs by telling the cobra riddles and winning the riddle game. But Pepper and Zam still need to find the carpet in order to get home to Australia

A light-hearted story about carrying heavy loads and the strength to be found when women and girls find ways to lift each other up.

Heavy is an empowering children’s picture book about intergenerational and societal patterns of burden carrying for women and girls. It addresses the glorification of business and burden-carrying in today’s world in a gentle, age-appropriate, and accessible way, with lightness and humour. It’s an anti-multitasking story for 4-8 year olds that advocates for lighter living and focusing on just one important thing at a time to avoid overwhelm and burnout.

At the wild animal rescue center run by her family of incredibly strong women, Nina watches as her older female relatives piggyback polar bears and carry boa constrictors.

Every day, they pick up more and more. The trouble is, they never put anything down! Seeing her family struggle, Nina is determined to find a way to show them that just because they can carry heavy things around all the time, doesn’t mean they have to.

Will Nina’s inventions help lighten their loads?

Heavy is an empowering picture book about the value of rest and the lovely lightness one family discovers when the youngest, Nina, suggests they could all do things a little bit differently