Australian picture book about a little kookaburra who couldn't do what kookaburra's are supposed to do - laugh! Fitting in is often difficult for children, just as it is for Bridget. She overcomes this by laughing at herself, even though she gets a bump on the head in the process.
Owning fifty-one percent of an L.A. detective agency isn’t as exciting as it sounds when your partner—gorgeous though she is—won’t let you solve any cases. Transplanted Aussie Kylie Kendall is frustrated as all get out, but that’s about to change. Twins Alf and Chicka Hartnidge, creators of Australia’s hit children’s TV show The Oz Mob, hire Kylie to find out who’s smuggling opals into the States inside their Kelvin Kookaburra plush toys. At risk is their deal with Lamb White Incorporated, a film company owned by charismatic evangelist Brother Owen, whose followers include A-list Hollywood celebrities. Can Kylie solve her very first case? And, more important, can she win the heart of her cool, contained business partner, Ariana Creeling? With The Kookaburra Gambit, Claire McNab has created yet another mystery full of suspense, humor, and, of course, a generous helping of Aussie charm. Originally published by Alyson Publications 2005.
Readers of The Fairy Penguin's Lesson & Other Tales will find three endearing children's stories involving Australian animals. You'll meet Patrick the Pompous Porpoise and his friend Walter the Walrus and read about the lesson Patrick learned about the value of friends. Then you'll become acquainted with Peter the Platypus and his pal, Matthew the Murray River Cod, who learn a valuable lesson from a Fairy Penguin who is a long way from home. Finally, you'll read about the the sportsmanship embodied in a epic match of bush cricket. The stories are dedicated to all those who remain young at heart, especially Boh, who inspires Peter in everything he does and reminds him constantly that the world is a magical place for those blessed with imagination.
A whole family's trust is wrapped up in preconceptions and unquestioning blind faith. On one special day, Uncle Patrick drowns near one of Sydney's beaches. The lives of everyone connected to the family and the event change forever. Step carefully into this contemporary world .Often covered-up illicit behaviour and divided loyalties pull you into dangerous waters all over Asia. The two once close sisters pursue entirely different fateful pathways. Lovers and friends are pulled into a whirlpool of dreams and living nightmares. You too will become entangled in their entire tragic journey through the powerful bond of love and a deep secret. Little is as it seems. Are these people trying to run towards or away from their destinies? No-one is unaffected by the intense, disturbing and unfolding drama.
Everyone loves to laugh, and to hear and see funny things-but what makes something funny in the first place? What is humor? This book explains why our brains think something is funny, what happens to us physically when we laugh, why you can tickle your friend but not yourself, and so much more. Plenty of jokes and silly anecdotes are included, and hilarious line drawings appear on almost every page.
Melanie Sawyer's intense affair with Luke Delaney was fuelled by an all-consuming desire. Both knew it couldn't last—she was a waitress, he was the son of a millionaire. Feeling out of her depth, Mel ended it—but was left with an enduring reminder of Luke…. When Mel meets her ex again, he still has the X factor, and the red-hot passion between them reignites. As they spend time getting to know each other again—intimately—they realize the chemistry between them is too powerful to resist. But once Mel's secret comes out, will Luke be able to trust her?
Fourteen-year-old Josie is talkative, impulsive and awkward. She desperately wants to fit in at school, but the kids think it’s weird that she’s always counting things. And constantly wiping things clean. And avoiding lifts and packed trains. During visits to the city to see her therapist, Josie becomes besotted with a city busker. She fantasizes about him and travels into town to watch his performances at every opportunity. One day Josie’s life begins to overlap with that of Macka, another school outcast. Macka is quiet, sharp-eyed and takes a while to trust people. A bit like the wedge-tail eagles and other birds of prey he trains after school at the Wildlife Haven. While Josie is besotted with the busker, Macka finds himself besotted with Josie. The two soon realise their lives are following similar paths, which causes a series of misunderstandings and missed opportunities, but also helps each develop a sense of self-worth. Written in a lively and humorous style whilst also invoking compassion and empathy for young people who don't fit in, BALANCING ACT by Wendy Graham is a well-rounded and powerful story of finding and accepting yourself.