Australia

Materials from Australia

Herman And Rosie

Once upon a time in a very busy city, on a very busy street, in two very small apartments, lived Herman and Rosie. Herman liked playing the oboe, the smell of hot dogs in the winter, and watching films about the ocean. Rosie liked pancakes, listening to old jazz records, and watching films about the ocean. They both loved the groovy rhythm of the city, but sometimes the bustling crowds and constant motion left them lonely. One day, they lost their job and they lost the urge to play music. Finally they came to listen to each other’s music.

The Very Cranky Bear

On a cold, rainy day in the jungle, Moose, Lion, Zebra, and Sheep take shelter in a cave on a cold and rainy day, only to realize that a bear is there. The bear roars loudly and says that he is trying to sleep. Not understanding why the bear is so cranky, the other animals come up with ways to cheer up the bear. Moose finds antlers for him, Lion gives him a mane, and Zebra paints on stripes. Is there anything the four well-meaning friends can do to help the bear sleep?

The Frog Who Lost His Underpants

Hopping through the jungle, this way, that way. Frog is in a frenzy, scattering the ants. Teddy’s looking too now, this place, that place. Will they ever find those jolly underpants? Poor Frog. Someone stole his underpants! Good thing Teddy Bear, Little Chimp, and Big Gray Elephant are there to help — although they may find it hard to hide their smiles. A jungle frog in underpants? Now that is something to see.

The Runaway Hug

“Mommy,” said Lucy. “Can I have a hug before I go to bed?” When Mommy jokes that she only has one hug left, Lucy decides she must keep Mommy’s last hug safe. As Lucy shares the hug with everyone in her large and loving family, she is always careful to get it back, until the canine member of the family refuses to play along!

Yellow Is My Color Star

There are so many wonderful colors in the world! The child in this rhyming picture book loves yellow best, but he knows there are lots of other delightful colors out there too. Playful walk through a bright, bold watercolor world, filled with red roses, pink pillows, and gorgeous green grass and trees is described.

A Perfect Place for Ted

Ted has lived among the dogs at the pet store for as long as he can remember. But there are so many dogs there, nobody ever chooses Ted. So he decides to go someplace else — someplace perfect. But Ted can’t fly through the air like the circus dogs, and he doesn’t have fancy pom-poms like the show dogs. Just as he loses hope, he sees a sign: Wanted: Perfect Pet. Little animal lovers will be tickled along with Ted at the unusual household that finally becomes his perfect place.

Milo and Millie

Bath time is an adventure for Milo and Millie! As child and bear navigate their way through imagined cityscapes, spouting whales, and swirling whirlpools, they arrive at their destination just in time for bed and a cozy good night. Beautiful watercolor illustrations and a sweet, funny narrative are complemented by instructions for little listeners on how to make their own paper boat. Join Milo and his teddy bear, Millie, at bath time, where they’re about to have an exciting journey across the high seas.

Dragonquest

A noble Dragon Fighter sets out on an expedition to fight the last dragon, inviting the reader along for the journey. Through shifting sands and tangled forests and past the whispering abyss, many awful perils are braved — witches, trolls, werewolves, ghost owls, scorpions, and vultures — but where is the dragon? Whether or not the reader is observant enough to read the subtle clues in the landscape and shadows, the final revelation of the elusive dragon’s whereabouts is sure to produce giggles and gasps of delight.