A Tale of Magic: A Tale of Witchcraft by Chris Colfer

Brystal Evergreen and her friends have saved the world from the evil Snow Queen and secured worldwide acceptance for the magical community. However, when a mysterious new witch named Mistress Mara arrives at the Academy, the celebrations are cut short. As Mistress Mara begins recruiting faeries into her rival school of Witchcraft, it becomes clear she has dark intentions. And soon Brystal's friend Lucy becomes embroiled in an ominous plot against mankind. Elsewhere, the fragile peace is on the brink of shattering. Outrage has spread throughout the kingdoms in opposition to the legalisation of magic. And a dangerous and centuries old clan known as the Righteous Brotherhood has resurfaced, with one goal in mind: to exterminate all magical life for ever ... starting with Brystal ... Filled with brand-new adventures and a cast of memorable characters, both familiar and new, Chris Colfer's writing will sweep you away into a world of magic and wonder.

Chris Colfer is a #1 New York Times bestselling author and Golden Globe-winning actor. He was honored as a member of the TIME 100, Time magazine's annual list of the one hundred most influential people in the world, and his books include Struck By Lightning: The Carson Phillips Journal, Stranger Than Fanfiction, and the books in The Land of Stories series: The Wishing Spell, The Enchantress Returns, A Grimm Warning, Beyond the Kingdoms, An Author's Odyssey, and Worlds Collide, and the companion books A Treasury of Classic Fairy Tales, The Mother Goose Diaries, Queen Red Riding Hood's Guide to Royalty, The Curvy Tree, and Trollbella Throws a Party.

ISBN-13: 9781510202191
Audience: Children
Format: Hardback
Language: English
Available: 13th October 2020
Publisher: JONATHAN CAPE

Guinness World Records 2021

Welcome to the 2021 edition of the world's best-selling annual book! The fully redesigned and updated best-seller is packed with thousands of incredible new feats and remarkable achievements that will allow you to Discover Your World!

ISBN-13: 9781913484071
Audience: Children
Format: Hardback
Language: English
Available: 8th September 2020
Publisher: Guinness

Funny Kid Belly Flop (#8) by Matt Stanton

Laugh your head off with the new Funny Kid adventure from million-copy bestseller Matt Stanton. Every kid wants to laugh, but Max is the boy who can make it happen. Max and Abby hardly ever agree on anything ... until now! They are both desperate to get out of this Friday's swimming carnival. Max is the funny kid, and there's a swimming carnival that needs cancelling! A sea-monster, the maths olympiad, spotty rashes, good twin vs bad twin and a swimming instructor named Chad are just some of the things in store for Max and his friends in this brand-new Funny Kid adventure. FUNNY KID is the mega-bestselling series from author-illustrator Matt Stanton that's got everyone laughing!

ISBN-13: 9780733340604
Format: Paperback
Language: English
Available: 2nd September 2020
Publisher: ABC Books

The Polar Bear in Sydney Harbour by Beck Feiner

A polar bear in Sydney Harbour? When Hannah spots a polar bear in Sydney Harbour, she knows something isn't right ... But even worse, none of the adults seem to notice him at all. Can Hannah help her new friend find his way back home? From the creators of If I Was Prime Minister comes an empowering and inspiring new picture book about standing tall and shining bright.

ISBN-13: 9780733339400
Audience: Children
Format: Hardback
Language: English
Available: 2nd September 2020
Publisher: ABC Books

Finding Francois by Gus Gordon

Alice wishes she had someone her own size to talk to. Then one day her wish comes true.
Through hope and chance, love and loss, two little ones who need each other find each other.
A heartwarming story from award-winning author and illustrator Gus Gordon about loneliness, saying goodbye and the value of life-affirming friendships.

ISBN-13: 9780143794141
Audience: Children
Format: Hardback
Language: English
Available: 2nd July 2020
Publisher: Puffin

Burn by Patrick Ness

An all-consuming story of revenge, redemption and dragons from the twice Carnegie Medal-winner Patrick Ness.

“On a cold Sunday evening in early 1957, Sarah Dewhurst waited with her father in the parking lot of the Chevron Gas Station for the dragon he'd hired to help on the farm.”

This dragon, Kazimir, has more to him than meets the eye. Sarah can't help but be curious about him, an animal who supposedly doesn't have a soul but is seemingly intent on keeping her safe from the brutal attentions of Deputy Sheriff Emmett Kelby.

Kazimir knows something she doesn't. He has arrived at the farm because of a prophecy. A prophecy that involves a deadly assassin, a cult of dragon worshippers, two FBI agents – and somehow, Sarah Dewhurst herself.

ISBN-13: 9781406375503
Audience: General
Format: Hardback
Language: English
Available: 7th May 2020
Publisher: Walker Books

Gargantis by Thomas Taylor

There's a storm raging in Eerie-on-Sea. Has the mighty Gargantis come back from the deep...?

When an ancient bottle is found washed up on the beach after a ferocious electrical storm, all the residents of Eerie-on-Sea seem to want it ... but should they in fact fear it? Legend has it that the bottle contains an extraordinary secret that spells doom for the whole of Eerie-on-Sea. Could it be true that the vast sea creature Gargantis has awoken from her slumbers, and is causing the large cracks that are appearing all across the town? Finding themselves entrusted with the bottle, Herbie and Violet discover they will need to ride the terrible storm and pacify the creature if they want to save Eerie-on-Sea from sliding into the ocean and being lost for ever.

ISBN-13: 9781406386295
Audience: Children
Format: Hardback
Language: English
Available: 7th May 2020
Publisher: Walker Books

Real Pigeons Peck Punches by Andrew McDonald and Ben Wood

Ever wonder why pigeons always act so weird? It’s because they’re out there chasing the bad guys and saving your butts!

More pigeons are fighting crime than ever before. But the REAL PIGEONS still have lots of mysteries to untangle! 

Who stole a rare jewel from the world's FURRIEST museum? Will a hungry weasel track down a hidden ENDANGERED BIRD before the REAL PIGEONS can? And how did an ancient tree VANISH overnight?

No-one can protect a city like Rock, Frillback, Tumbler, Homey and Grandpouter. But it's not easy – especially when they have a traitor in their own nest!

Perfect for fans of Aaron Blabey's Bad Guys and Dav Pilkey's Dog Man books, the Real Pigeons series is a hilariously silly and highly visual introduction to the joys of reading and crime-fighting for readers 6+.

Andrew McDonald is the author of the hilarious children’s series, REAL PIGEONS. He has also written two middle-grade novels: The Greatest Blogger in the World, which tells the story of Charlie Ridge, a young blogger navigating family, friends and the internet; and Son of Death, a black comedy about a family of modern grim reapers that was named a ‘best book of 2015’ by The Age. Andrew lives in Melbourne with a lovely lady, some cacti and a complete collection of Tintin comics. It is a good life.

Ben Wood is the illustrator of the brilliant new REAL PIGEONS series, and more than 25 books for children including the Squishy Taylor series. His lively and hilarious artwork is beloved by children around the world, and many of his stories have been listed as Notable and Highly Commended Books of the Year by the Children's Book Council. When not in the studio, Ben runs presentations and workshops in schools across Australia.

ISBN-13: 9781760502911
Audience: General
Format: Paperback
Language: English
Available: 1st May 2020
Publisher: Hardie Grant Egmont

Soon by Libby Gleeson

We’re waiting for our baby.
Wait, wait, wait.
‘When will the baby come, Mum?’
‘Soon.’
A delightful story that perfectly captures the excitement of waiting for the arrival of a new baby.

Books were hugely important to Libby Gleeson as a child, and have remained the focus of her adult life. Libby’s fiction and picture books have won multiple awards, including CBCA short-listings and wins, the Bologna Ragazzi Award in 2000, and the Prime Minister’s Award in 2013. For her services to children’s literature, Libby has been honoured with the Lady Cutler Award (1997), Member of the Order of Australia (2007), the Dromkeen Medal (2011) and the Nan Chauncy Award (2015).

ISBN-13: 9781760501235
Audience: General
Format: Hardback
Language: English
Available: 1st May 2020
Publisher: Little Hare

Ottilie Colter and the Withering World by Rhiannon Williams

SLEEPER COMES FOR NONE

Ottilie and her friends are members of the Narroway Hunt, a secret organisation that trains children to kill bloodthirsty monsters called dredretches.

Now, the huntsmen are under attack – by something far worse than dredretches. A witch is cursing them one by one, making them unwilling participants in a vengeful scheme. But what, exactly, is she planning – and will Ottilie have to join her to find out? 

The thrilling conclusion to a much-loved trilogy about friendship, changing loyalties and never, ever giving up.

Originally from Taradale, Victoria, Rhiannon Williams now lives and writes in Sydney. She studied English and history at the University of Sydney, and completed a Bachelor of Creative Arts Honours at Flinders University. Rhiannon has a background in theatre and hopes to tell stories until the end of her days. Her debut novel, Ottilie Colter and the Narroway Hunt – the first book in the Narroway trilogy – was the first middle-grade novel to win the Ampersand Prize.  

ISBN-13: 9781760501181
Audience: General
Format: Paperback
Language: English
Available: 1 May 2020
Publisher: Hardie Grant Egmont

Real Pigeons Peck Punches by Andrew McDonald and Ben Wood

Ever wonder why pigeons always act so weird? It’s because they’re out there chasing the bad guys and saving your butts!

More pigeons are fighting crime than ever before. But the REAL PIGEONS still have lots of mysteries to untangle! 

Who stole a rare jewel from the world's FURRIEST museum? Will a hungry weasel track down a hidden ENDANGERED BIRD before the REAL PIGEONS can? And how did an ancient tree VANISH overnight?

No-one can protect a city like Rock, Frillback, Tumbler, Homey and Grandpouter. But it's not easy – especially when they have a traitor in their own nest!

Perfect for fans of Aaron Blabey's Bad Guys and Dav Pilkey's Dog Man books, the Real Pigeons series is a hilariously silly and highly visual introduction to the joys of reading and crime-fighting for readers 6+.

 Andrew McDonald is the author of the hilarious children’s series, REAL PIGEONS. He has also written two middle-grade novels: The Greatest Blogger in the World, which tells the story of Charlie Ridge, a young blogger navigating family, friends and the internet; and Son of Death, a black comedy about a family of modern grim reapers that was named a ‘best book of 2015’ by The Age. Andrew lives in Melbourne with a lovely lady, some cacti and a complete collection of Tintin comics. It is a good life.

Ben Wood is the illustrator of the brilliant new REAL PIGEONS series, and more than 25 books for children including the Squishy Taylor series. His lively and hilarious artwork is beloved by children around the world, and many of his stories have been listed as Notable and Highly Commended Books of the Year by the Children's Book Council. When not in the studio, Ben runs presentations and workshops in schools across Australia.

ISBN-13: 9781760502911
Audience: General
Format: Paperback
Language: English
Available: 1st May 2020
Publisher: Hardie Grant Egmont

Greta Thunberg (Little People, Big Dreams) by Maria Isabel Sanchez Vegara

When young Greta learned of the climate crisis she stopped talking. She couldn't understand why people in power were not doing anything to save our Earth. One day she started striking from school in her 'School Strike for Climate'. Soon, lots more young people joined her in a global movement that shook adults and politicians alike. She had found her voice and uses it to inspire humans to action with her powerful message: "No one is too small to make a difference." This inspiring book features stylish and quirky illustrations and extra facts at the back, including a biographical timeline with historical photos and a detailed profile of the Greta's life so far. Little People, Big Dreams is a bestselling series of books that explore the lives of outstanding people, from designers and artists to scientists and activists. All of them achieved incredible things, yet each began life as a child with a dream.

Maria Isabel Sanchez Vegara, born in Barcelona, Spain, is a writer and creative director in constant search of new concepts for children's books. Working for more than fifteen years for clients in top advertising agencies, her books combine creativity with learning, aiming to establish a new and fresh relationship between children and pop culture. Anke Weckmann is originally from a small town in northern Germany, and now lives in London. She studied illustration at Camberwell College of Art and Kingston University and works as a freelance illustrator. Her work is hand-inked on paper and digitally coloured. Drawing is her favourite thing to do.

ISBN-13: 9780711256439
Audience: General
Format: Hardback
Language: English
Available: 28th April 2020
Publisher: Frances Lincoln Children's

Elizabella And The Haunting Of Lizard Lake by Zoe Norton Lodge and Georgia Norton Lodge

Mysteries, lizards and strange goings-on abound in another uniquely funny addition to the beloved 'Elizabella' series.

Excitement is in the air as Elizabella – poet, fixer of fairytales and the biggest prankster in the history of her school – heads off to camp with the rest of her class. But when Larry the Lizard learns she's headed to Lizard Lake he stows away in her suitcase, dreaming of discovering the other sentient lizards rumoured to be living there. Soon, Elizabella begins having strange dreams and wonders if Lizard Lake is haunted. Meanwhile back at Bilby Creek, Martin madly searches for Larry, eventually stumbling on another lizard who looks exactly like him. After discovering who is really haunting Lizard Lake, Larry and Elizabella return home to solve another mystery. Who is the imposter hanging out with Martin?

Another uniquely funny entry in the beloved illustrated comedy series from talented sister duo Zoë and Georgie Norton-Lodge.

ISBN-13: 9781760651855
Audience: General
Format: Paperback
Language: English
Available: 1st April 2020
Publisher: Walker Books

There's No Such Thing by Heidi McKinnon

Bear can't sleep. Did you hear that? Did you feel that? What was it? It wasn't a hungry giant or a blood-sucking spider or a fire-breathing dragon because there is NO SUCH THING... Is there?

Heidi McKinnon is an author / illustrator who lives in sunny Melbourne. Heidi has a background in art and design. Her books are mostly based on true stories, except for one. Heidi's first picture book, I Just Ate My Friend, was shortlisted for numerous awards, including the Children's Book Council Crichton Award and has been published around the world, including in the USA, France, Japan, China and Korea. Heidi has a dream of one day living in the jungle, as long as there are no spiders.

ISBN-13: 9781760877279
Audience: General
Format: Hardback
Language: English
Available: 31’st March 2020
Publisher: Allen & Unwin

Go Fish (A 3-in-1 Card Deck) by Oliver Jeffers

The absurdly adorable art from the New York Times bestselling picture book Stuck turns a game of Go Fish into irresistible fun for kids and parents alike!

Do you have any kites? Do you have any Floyds? Any curious whales?

This deck of oversized, kid-friendly cards is a surefire way to induce family fun, especially for fans of award-winning children's book author and illustrator Oliver Jeffers. A hefty cardstock box holds this deck of 52 playing cards (plus two instruction cards)--each of which is sized perfectly for little hands at 3-1/2" x 5" apiece. With a flip-top lid and Velcro closure, the package is easily portable and tear-openable for any and every game-playing moment. In addition to playing Go Fish, players will also get the instructions for two bonus games- Concentration (a memory game) and Snap (a kid-friendly card game that's similar to Slapjack).

ISBN-13: 9781984826749
Available: 3rd March 2020
Publisher: CROWN CHILDREN'S

Evonne Goolagong (Little People, Big Dreams) by Maria Isabel Sanchez Vegara

Be amazed by one of Australia's most inspiring tennis players - Evonne Goolagong - who overcame adversity and went on to win 13 majors, 84 singles, 50 doubles and 5 mixed doubles titles throughout her illustrious career.

Evonne grew up on a hot, dusty farm in Australia. She was the third of eight children, and descendant of the Wiradjuri people, who have lived on the land for more than 60,000 years. Her talent for tennis was discovered at a local tennis club, and before she knew it, the girl dreaming about the place called 'Wimbledon' was playing on centre court. This moving book features stylish and quirky illustrations and extra facts at the back, including a biographical timeline with historical photos and a detailed profile of the brilliant tennis player's life. Little People, Big Dreams is a bestselling series of books and educational games that explore the lives of outstanding people, from designers and artists to scientists and activists. All of them achieved incredible things, yet each began life as a child with a dream. Inspire the next generation of outstanding people who will change the world with Little People, Big Dreams!

ISBN-13: 9780711245853
Audience: General
Format: Hardback
Language: English
Available: 3rd March 2020
Publisher: Frances Lincoln Children's

Claris: Bonjour Riviera by Megan Hess

The third title in the Claris series, following the best-selling picture books, Claris: The Chicest Mouse in Paris and Claris: Fashion Show Fiasco from the acclaimed fashion illustrator Megan Hess.

‘Pack your bags darling Claris, try not to delay.
We’re off to the French Riviera – today!’

A sweet little mouse, a new friend and a seaside adventure on the French Riviera!
The third Claris book from acclaimed fashion illustrator Megan Hess.

The best-selling Claris series follows an adorable mouse who moves to Paris to follow her fashion dreams, for fans of Eloise and Olivia. Destined to delight fashion-obsessed readers of all ages!

Megan Hess is an acclaimed fashion illustrator who works with some of the most prestigious fashion designers and luxury brands around the world, such as Chanel, Dior, Cartier, Montblanc and Tiffany & Co. She is the official illustrator for Bloomingdales New York, and completed the cover artwork for all of Sex and the City author Candace Bushnell’s books, as well as a private commission for Michelle Obama, and has collaborated with Gwyneth Paltrow for the ‘Blo’ Blow Dry Bar campaign. Claris: The Chicest Mouse in Paris is her first children's book series.

ISBN-13: 9781760504939
Audience: General
Format: Paperback
Language: English
Available: 1st March 2020
Publisher: Hardie Grant Egmont

David Attenborough (Little People, Big Dreams) by Maria Isabel Sanchez Vegara

New in the series, discover the life of David Attenborough - the inspiring broadcaster and conservationist.

Little David grew up in Leicester on the campus of a university, where his father was a professor. As a child, he spent hours in the science library, collating his own specimens and creating a mini animal museum. When he was old enough to go to university, he studied science and zoology - but what he wanted most of all was to be close to the animals he was studying. So, he started working in television, visiting animals in their natural habitats and telling the world the untold stories of these animals. This moving book features stylish and quirky illustrations and extra facts at the back, including a biographical timeline with historical photos and a detailed profile of the brilliant physicists life.

ISBN-13: 9780711245631
Audience: General
Format: Paperback
Language: English
Available: 4th February 2020
Publisher: Allen & Unwin

Martin Luther King, Jr. by Maria Isabel Sanchez Vegara

Little Martin grew up in a family of preachers: his dad was a preacher, his uncle was a preacher, his grandfather was a preacher... so maybe he'd become a great preacher too. One day, a friend invited him to play at his house. Martin was shocked when his mother wouldn't let him in because he was black. That day he realized there was something terribly unfair going on. Martin believed that no one should remain silent and accept something if it's wrong. And he promised himself that - when he grew up - he'd fight injustice with the most powerful weapon of all: words. This moving book features stylish and quirky illustrations and extra facts at the back, including a biographical timeline with historical photos and a detailed profile of the inspiring activist's life. Little People, Big Dreams is a bestselling series of books and educational games that explore the lives of outstanding people, from designers and artists to scientists and activists. All of them achieved incredible things, yet each began life as a child with a dream.

ISBN-13: 9780711245662
Audience: General
Format: Paperback
Language: English
Available: 4th February 2020
Publisher: Allen & Unwin

Jane Doe and the Key of All Souls by Jeremy Lachlan

Strap in. Hold on tight. The follow-up to the award-winning Jane Doe and the Cradle of All Worlds is here!

Jane Doe is in more danger than ever before. Her father is still imprisoned. The Manor – the hallowed world between worlds – is still dying. The villainous Roth is still searching for the mythical, all-powerful Cradle Sea. Worst of all, Jane has learned that she is the key to stopping him and saving the Otherworlds. Problem is, she’s stranded in the dying land of Arakaan – Roth’s home – and its people have some surprising secrets of their own.

With a little help from her pyromaniac pal, Violet, and her doubtful ally, Hickory, Jane must find the courage to accept her destiny and face her darkest fears, even if it means losing everything she holds dear.

From the desolate plains of Arakaan to the shifting halls and devious booby traps of the Manor, Jane’s Cradle quest is about to explode.

There are sandstorms. There are scorpions. There are new friends and foes. And every soul in every world hangs in the balance.

Jeremy Lachlan was born and raised in Griffith, country NSW, Australia. He completed his Honours degree in creative writing at the University of Canberra in 2004, and now calls Sydney home.
His debut novel, Jane Doe and The Cradle of All Worlds, was the 2019 Australian Book Industry Award winner for Book of the Year for Older Children, and he once took home $100 in a karaoke competition, of which he's equally proud.
​He came up with the idea for Jane Doe while lost in the Cairo Museum.

ISBN-13: 9781760501822
Audience: General
Format: Paperback
Language: English
Available: 1st February 2020
Publisher: Hardie Grant Egmont