'Australia to Z - an alphabet book, but not one for the young and teaching them their letters. Instead Armin Greder has cast his critical eye on us and our symbols.' Libby Gleeson 'Disquieting and potent - a gloves off" account of Australian nationhood, and how we, as a culture, might appear to those from other cultures. This is a profoundly significant work which will - like Greder's The Island and The City - provoke, disturb and challenge the reader's perception of what it means to be Australian, and what it means to be a global citizen.' Dr Robyn Sheahan-Bright"
Did you know that there are plants that eat insects? Plants whose seeds spread in poo? Plants that move when you touch them? And plants that grow on other plants? Plantastic! presents 26 of Australia's most unique and incredible native plants. Discover and identify native plants found in your local park, bushland, or even in your very own backyard. With its perfect balance of fun facts, activities, adventurous ideas and gorgeous illustrations, Plantastic! will prove just how fantastic Australia's native plants really are!
March 1945. A handful of young Allied operatives are parachuted into the remote jungled heart of the Japanese-occupied island of Borneo, east of Singapore, there to recruit the island’s indigenous Dayak peoples to fight the Japanese. Yet most have barely encountered Asian or indigenous people before, speak next to no Borneo languages, and know little about Dayaks, other than that they have been – and may still be – headhunters. They fear that on arrival the Dayaks will kill them or hand them over to the Japanese. For their part, some Dayaks have never before seen a white face. So begins the story of Operation Semut, an Australian secret operation launched by the organisation codenamed Services Reconnaisance Department – popularly known as Z Special Unit – in the final months of WWII. Anthropologist Christine Helliwell has called on her years of first-hand knowledge of Borneo, interviewed more than one hundred Dayak people and all the remaining Semut operatives, and consulted thousands of military and other documents to piece together this astonishing story. Focusing on the operation's activities along two of Borneo’s great rivers – the Baram and Rejang – the book provides a detailed military history of Semut II’s and Semut III’s brutal guerrilla campaign against the Japanese, and reveals the decisive but long-overlooked Dayak role in the operation. But this is no ordinary history. Helliwell captures vividly the sounds, smells and tastes of the jungles into which the operatives are plunged, an environment so terrifying that many are unsure whether jungle or Japanese is the greater enemy. And she takes us into the lives and cavernous longhouses of the Dayaks on whom their survival depends. The result is a truly unique account of the encounter between two very different cultures amidst the savagery of the Pacific War.
Famed filmmaker and animator Adam Elliot has drawn his delightful 'A to Z of Unfortunate Dogs', with rhyming couplets to match. From Audrey whose tongue is too long, to Zak who's hopeless at tricks, these wonderfully unfortunate dogs will charm and possibly challenge readers of all ages.
A beautifully illustrated hardback anthology of 26 of Australia's most fascinating animals from CBCA Honour Book author/illustrator Jennifer Cossins.From the award-winning creator of A-Z OF ENDANGERED ANIMALS comes a stunning non-fiction picture book for boys and girls with a love of animals and a thirst for all things encyclopaedic. This exquisite full-colour picture book is packed with interesting facts and is perfect for young conservationists and students with a keen interest in the world around us.On this expedition through the alphabet, you will encounter some of the Australia's rare and enchanting animals, from the gorgeous azure kingfisher and the sleepy koala, to the shy numbat and the friendly zebra finch. Come on an illustrated journey through Australia's unique wildlife with Tasmanian artist Jennifer Cossins.
This is the most comprehensive encyclopaedia of aromatherapy available today, with over 400 entries covering more than 200 conditions, and 82 essential oils. It explains the properties of essential oils and the health conditions that benefit from them. There is also advice on hazardous oils. There are recipes and formulae for baths, creams and tonics. All the entries are comprehensive, fluently written and provide an easy-to-understand introduction to a wide range of topics. 'The simple fact that the a-z has sold over 300,000 copies worldwide since it was first published speaks for itself. It has earned and kept its place amongst the handful of indispensable reference books on aromatherapy ... this book has been justly subtitled 'the aromatherapist's Bible' - Aromatherapy Quarterly '... one of the most thoroughly researched books written on aromatherapy' - The International Journal of Aromatherapy
Childhood stories of family, country and belonging What is it like to grow up Aboriginal in Australia? This anthology, compiled by award-winning author Anita Heiss, showcases many diverse voices, experiences and stories in order to answer that question. Accounts from well-known authors and high-profile identities sit alongside those from newly discovered writers of all ages. All of the contributors speak from the heart – sometimes calling for empathy, oftentimes challenging stereotypes, always demanding respect. This groundbreaking collection will enlighten, inspire and educate about the lives of Aboriginal people in Australia today. Contributors include: Tony Birch, Deborah Cheetham, Adam Goodes, Terri Janke, Patrick Johnson, Ambelin Kwaymullina, Jack Latimore, Celeste Liddle, Amy McQuire, Kerry Reed-Gilbert, Miranda Tapsell, Jared Thomas, Aileen Walsh, Alexis West, Tara June Winch, and many, many more. Winner, Small Publisher Adult Book of the Year at the 2019 Australian Book Industry Awards ‘Growing Up Aboriginal in Australia is a mosaic, its more than 50 tiles – short personal essays with unique patterns, shapes, colours and textures – coming together to form a powerful portrait of resilience.’ —The Saturday Paper ‘... provides a diverse snapshot of Indigenous Australia from a much needed Aboriginal perspective.’ —The Saturday Age
