Readings.com.au: CBCA Book of the Year: Younger Readers Short List 2009

Then

Then is the second story of Felix and Zelda. They escaped from the Nazis, but how long can they now survive when there are so many people ready to hand them over for a reward? Thanks to the courage of a kind, brave woman they are able to hide for a time in the open, but Felix knows he has a distinguishing feature that identifies him as a Jew and that it is only a matter of time before he is discovered, which will mean death for them all. Even though he promised Zelda he would never leave her, he knows he has to, before it is too late . . .

Audrey Of The Outback

In this story about identity and independence, Audrey tries being a swagman, a man, a teacher and a pirate – all with dire consequences!

She is shadowed by the ever–loyal Stumpy – a character who will take the reader by complete surprise!

Determined, mischievous, imaginative and inquisitive, Audrey of the outback will have every girl in the country, wishing she were a swaggie.

Perry Angel's Suitcase: Kingdom Of Silk Book 3

CBCA Younger Readers Book of the Year 2009

It has taken Perry Angel almost seven years to find the place where he belongs.

Perry arrives at the Kingdom of Silk one day on the 10.30 express, carrying only a small and shabby suitcase embossed with five golden letters. What do those letters mean? And why won t Perry let go of his case?

This is a gentle and moving story about finding your place in the world.

Perry Angel s Suitcase is the third book in the multi award-winning Kingdom of Silk series.The Naming of Tishkin Silk, the first book in the series, was short listed in the CBCA Book of the Year Awards and the for the NSW Premier's Literary Awards. Layla Queen of Hearts was short listed in the CBCA Book of the Year Awards and winner of the 2007 Queensland Premier's Literary Award.

The Wish Pony

When the balloon was born I was going to tell it exactly what I thought about it, how sick it had made my mother and how it had ruined my life.' Ruby's mum is having a baby, but why does she need one of those when she s already got a Ruby? To make matters worse, her best friend Sarah has just found another, BETTER friend. It seems like everyone is abandoning her. But when Ruby meets the mysterious Magda, who gives her a very special gift that might, just MIGHT even be a bit magical, everything begins to change. This delightful story from the multi-award-winning author of BEING BEE and RAIN MAY AND CAPTAIN DANIEL will fill the young reader with wonder, hope and amazing possibilities.

The Wizard Of Rondo

The fantastic world of Rondo can be perilous, but Leo and Mimi know they can't keep away. They have to play their part in the continuing battle to keep Rondo safe from their deadly enemy, the remorseless Blue Queen. Plunging once more into the magic world within the antique music box, they are determined to stay out of trouble. But Rondo's spell soon draws them in, and their quest to find a missing wizard becomes something far more dangerous as they try to track the Blue Queen's henchman, Spoiler, and confront an ancient terror lurking in the skies of the north. Filled with fun, excitement and startling twists, this outstanding sequel to the highly acclaimed The Key to Rondo is as rich, surprising and irresistible as Rondo itself.

Polar Boy

Set in a 13th century polar community, a young boy's destiny transforms him from a frightened child into a courageous hero.

Iluak, a Too-lee boy, has been told by his grandmother that it is his fate to save his people from a bear. But the mere thought of a polar bear makes Iluak’s stomach churn and he lives in fear of this destined encounter. When Illuak summons the courage to rescue a Northman (Viking) child from a polar bear he realises there is a far greater challenge involved in the prophecy -- two very different cultures are about to collide head-on.