Layla, Queen of Hearts


Book Description

Even though she loves the family of her best friend, Griffin Silk, especially grandmother Nell, Layla Elliott, who no longer has a grandmother, determines, despite many difficulties, to find an old person of her own to bring to the school's Senior Citizens' Day.




Perry Angel's Suitcase


Book Description

The third instalment in the award-winning KINGDOM OF SILK series. It has taken Perry Angel almost seven years to find the place where he belongs. He arrives at the Kingdom of Silk one day on the ten-thirty 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 - and there could be no better place than with Griffin Silk, his family and his best friend, Layla. Following on from the success of the Naming of Tishkin Silk and Layla, Queen of Hearts comes this third instalment in Glenda Millard's award-winning Kingdom of Silk series. The Naming of Tishkin Silk was shortlisted for the 2004 NSW Premier's Literary Awards and was an Honour book in the CBCA Children's Book of the Year Awards. Layla, Queen of Hearts was shortlisted in the CBCA Children's Book of the Year Awards and won the 2007 Queensland Premier's Literary Award for best children's book. Perry Angel's Suitcase was shortlisted in the NSW Premier's Literary Awards and the WA Premier's Literary Awards and won the CBCA Book of the Year Award for Younger Readers. JUDGES' COMMENTS 'this heart warming story of a young orphan boy who finally finds a home is depicted with beautiful use of language. Millard offers young readers moving insights into the business of being family, and how 'belonging' can be a wide and generous experience. Neatly sidestepping overt sentimentality, much of the charm of this work lies in the gentleness and goodness inherent in the people who inhabit the book' - WA Premier's Literary Award judges, 2008 'together the individual characters in this story nurture and encourage each other, revealing a heart-warming picture of how delightfully rewarding fostering can be for all concerned. this third book in the Kingdom of Silk series is as engaging as the first two titles. Like the previous stories, it is wonderfully written and can be read as a stand-alone book which is not always the case for books in a series. Millard has a wonderful way of developing her characters, drawing the reader into the context of the story' - NSW Premier's Literary Award judges, 2009




A Small Free Kiss In The Dark


Book Description

Skip's an outsider, he's never fitted in. So he takes to the streets. Life there may be hard, but it's better than the one he's left behind, especially when he teams up with an older homeless man called Billy. Then come the bombs which bring little Max and Tia - the sad dancer with a tiny baby - into Skip and Billy's world. Scavenging for food, living on love and imagination how long can Skip's fragile new family hold out as war grips the city?




Nell's Festival of Crisp Winter Glories


Book Description

Two of Perry Angel's favourite people are Grandma Nell and his good friend Jenkins. One night, while listening to Nell play The Tennessee Waltz, Perry has an idea how to make them both happy: he wants to put on a proper dance - with petticoats and posies and a real band.




Australian Children's Authors


Book Description

The short biographies in Australian Children's Authors are arranged alphabetically. They include a brief description of the genre and style of each author, and a select bibliography of their publications. Children can browse through the list and look for an author whose work they would like to read. They can also find out about the history of writing for children in Australia. Included are tips for writing your own books and explanations that reveal how a writer turns thoughts into a finished book. Famous Australians presents short biographies of people who have made notable contributions to society, and who have helped make sport and children's literature such important and popular aspects of Australian culture.




The Year of the Baby


Book Description

Fifth-grader Anna is concerned that her baby sister Kaylee, adopted from China three months ago, is not thriving so she and her best friends, Laura and Camille, create a science project that may save the day.




The Year of the Fortune Cookie


Book Description

In this sequel to "The Year of the Book" and "The Year of the Baby, " 11-year-old Anna takes a trip to China and learns more about herself and her Chinese heritage. Illustrations.




The Year of the Garden


Book Description

A third-grader finds room to grow in a gentle, feel-good story about the transforming power of friendship and gardening” (Kirkus Reviews). When Anna Wang is gifted a copy of The Secret Garden, it inspires her to follow her dreams—maybe she can plant ivy and purple crocuses and the birds will come. It’s the perfect time for growth and change, especially since Anna’s family has moved out of their apartment into a house in Cincinnati, and Anna is starting at a new school. But something else that grows from her dream of a garden is even better: friendship. And friendship, like a garden, often has a mind of its own . . . In this prequel to The Year of the Book, join Anna in a year of discovery, new beginnings, friendships, and growth. “From a class lesson on recycling to the rescue of an orphaned rabbit, themes of renewal and ‘the circle of life’ are woven throughout.” —School Library Journal




All the Colours of Paradise


Book Description

The fourth book in the award-winning Kingdom of Silk series. Ages 10-14. Since his arrival at the Kingdom of Silk, Perry Angel has learned a lot about love. Apart from dressing up as Superman, Perry's favourite thing in the entire universe is drawing. But then something happens, and his friends are worried that he might never draw again. Mr Kadri from the Colour Patch Cafe understands that sometimes there are no words to describe our feelings. So when he announces a new category at the annual art exhibition, he gives Perry all the colours of Paradise, just in case he needs them ... the Naming of tishkin Silk was shortlisted in the NSW Premier's Literary Awards and was an Honour book in the CBCA Children's Book of the Year Awards. Layla, Queen of Hearts was shortlisted in the CBCA Awards and won the Queensland Premier's Children's Book Award. Perry Angel's Suitcase was shortlisted in the NSW Premier's Literary Awards and the CBCA Awards. All the Colours of Paradise, the fourth book in the Kingdom of Silk series, will enchant readers all over again. Ages 10-14.




A Taste of Home


Book Description

She could make it on her own…but a table for two is so much sweeter! Leaving Paris—and her cheating fiancé—to return to her picturesque coastal town was the best move Layla Williams ever made. The chef and restaurateur has proven herself by transforming her longtime family bistro into an upscale French eatery. But now her legacy is in trouble. Help comes from an unexpected source: the boy Layla left behind. Wall Street wizard turned EMT Shane Kavanaugh could turn Layla’s homecoming into another chance for them both. If they’re ready to put their hearts on the line. From Harlequin Special Edition: Believe in love. Overcome obstacles. Find happiness. Sisterhood of Chocolate & Wine Book 1: A Taste of Home