More than 20 years after publication of the classic NZ story, The Bantam and the Soldier, Jennifer Beck and Robyn Belton have joined forces again to produce another heartwarming story from the First World War.

This time it’s the true story of Otago’s Alexander Aitken and the violin that travelled with him on his wartime journey, bringing music and solace to his fellow ANZACs.

The True Story of a Girl who Survived the Holocaust with help from Oskar Schindler.

Rena Finder was only eleven when the Nazis forced her and other Jewish people into the ghetto in Krakow, Poland, during WWII. Then, Rena and her mother were taken to a work camp. By chance, they found jobs in the factory of a German man named Oskar Schindler.

Still, Rena was deported to the Auschwitz concentration camp. It was Schindler and his wife who would ultimately help her escape.

The story of Lachlan Macquarie is an important story in the history of modern Australia that has been largely lost to the current generation of school children. Whilst we've all seen many things named after Macquarie, few realise the important role he played in the Australia we know today.

Lachlan Macquarie's gravestone bears the inscription, 'Father of Australia'. That's quite a claim, but is this a title Macquarie really deserves? He is rightly celebrated for his inspired infrastructure building and his enlightened treatment of convicts and emancipists, but his treatment of the Indigenous population was far from enlightened. And then there was the Bigge report to the British Parliament that was scathing in its criticism of Macquarie's governorship, on the grounds that he was far too 'democratic'. So how are we to think of this towering figure of Australian history: founding father or failure?

Michael Sedunary's narrative is both informative and interactive; he poses questions and points out modern parallels. Bern Emmerichs' extraordinary illustrations capture the lively naivete of the painting and drawings of that time with the sophisticated, clever techniques of illustration today. The illustrations are all painted on large ceramic tiles that are individually fired between each layer of colour.

Michael Sedunary, illus Bern Emmerichs. Hardcover. Full colour. 54 pp. Middle/Upper Primary.

Who knew our soldiers had such a variety of animal companions in the two world wars?

Apart from the ‘beasts of burden’ that one might expect, such as horses, mules, donkeys and camels, many battalions had mascots as well: kangaroos, monkeys, dogs, chickens, tortoises, cats… all of whom provided comfort, companionship and a welcome distraction from the war.

A true story about a missing alpaca and his blind brother, Bambi, who suddenly had to fend for himself without his lifelong companion and paddock-mate, Charisma, to lead him around.

Bambi frets with only sheep for company, and refuses to eat. Can a new alpaca best friend be found?

In the late 18th century, ragtag groups of Europeans started to arrive in Australia. Most were convicts, some were soldiers, a few had just run out of choices. They blundered onto an ancient land that had been peopled for 60,000 years. They wanted to make it just like home. They cleared the land, they fenced it, they paved it and they put buildings on it. All the while, the country’s first peoples watched on, bewildered by these clumsy immigrants and their mysterious ways…

M is for Mutiny! History by Alphabet is a taste of the intriguing history of Australia and the many entry points for children to explore further. Why did Sir Joseph Banks hate bananas? Did anyone like William Bligh? Where is Yemmerrawanne?

Let’s cheer for the men who have done amazing things in Australia’s history and for our future! Australia has some seriously ace men who have broken new ground, stood up for what they believed in, achieved incredible things and defied stereotypes. 
You’ll find some of those men inside the pages of this book–from astronaut Andy Thomas to YouTube maths teacher Eddie Woo, sportsman Johnathan Thurston and dancer David McAllister. 
Whether they end up being role models for girls or boys, it doesn’t matter, because they’re ace regardless! Brought to life by colourful illustrations from Australian male artists, High Five to the Boys is an uplifting and illuminating read for all ages. 
Royalties from sales of this book go to The Smith Family.

Giant waves crashed down on our little boat.
I was terrified but my mum hugged me tight and told me,
'Everything will be okay. Don't worry, it will be okay.'

Anh Do nearly didn't make it to Australia. His entire family came close to losing their lives as they escaped from war-torn Vietnam in an overcrowded boat. It was a dangerous journey, with murderous pirates and terrifying storms, but they managed to survive.

Life in suburban Australia was also hard for a small boy with no English and funny lunches. But there was a loving extended family, lots of friends and always something to laugh about for Anh, his brother Khoa and their sister Tram. And eventually for a young Anh, who tried hard to see the bright side of life no matter what the difficulty, there was triumph.

Awarded an Honour Book in the 2012 Children's Book Council of Australia Book of the Year awards, The Little Refugee tells the uplifting and inspiring childhood story of one of Australia's favourite personalities.

This extraordinary story about the friendship between Captain Arthur Phillip and Indigenous man Bennelong is one of Australia's most important and intriguing stories, yet remains largely unknown.

56-pp softcover. Primary.

This story is based on the true experiences of a remarkable horse called Bess, one of 10,000 NZ horses sent overseas to battle in World War One.

Tragically, at the end of the war the horses could not return to New Zealand due to quarantine laws and a shortage of ships. Luckily for Bess, her master battled to have her returned home. She was quarantined with three other horses in England before being shipped back to New Zealand where she continued a pleasant pastoral life after her confronting wartime experiences.

Meet Torty! She’s one tough little tortoise with a beat-up shell and some missing toes.

Torty survived a great war that raged in Europe 100 years ago. Torty was rescued back then by a young Kiwi soldier. She is a World War One survivor!

Celebrate the extraordinary men and women
who have shaped Australia's history.

Captain Cook was the first European to discover the eastern coast of Australia. Along with his crew on the HMB Endeavour, Cook set out from England with royal orders to look for signs of the great southern land known as Terra Australis, which they chartered in 1788.

A high-interest picture book introduction to Captain Cook and his discovery of Australia.

32-pp softcover. Primary.