A fiercely original verse novel for middle-grade readers and beyond from Zana Fraillon, the Carnegie Award-shortlisted author of The Bone Sparrow. 'Tender and gritty' THE SYDNEY MORNING HERALD 'Beautifully written ... ambitious and absorbing' BOOKS + PUBLISHING Scruffity is born into the harsh, grey world of a puppy farm, taken from his Mama. What he yearns for most is Family. Just as his chances of adoption grow dangerously thin, Scruffity is set free by a boy as unwanted and lonely as he is. Outside, Scruffity learns all about The Way of Dog - to dig, howl and, most of all, to love. But when tragedy strikes, Scruffity is suddenly all alone again. How does a dog find his way home when he never had one to begin with? A heartfelt, wondefully written and totally compelling story of love and belonging Told through the eyes of a young pup, Scruffity, who will tug at your heartstrings Themes of friendship, loss and hope are woven through a gripping narrative Stunning illustrations by Sean Buckingham

Ava Loves Animals tells the fact-filled story of day in the life of a budding young vet who is passionate about animals. Ava encounters many different animals at her Grandparents' rescue centre - this book is filled with facts about the different animals they are looking after and those she spots outside on her way to the pet shop. She cuddles some kittens needing new homes, follows some animal footprints in the park and helps a turtle on the beach with the help of her grandma. Follow Ava as she shares her love of animals - discover amazing animal record breakers, learn how frog spawn grows into a frog and find out what you can learn from looking at an animal's poo! With an engaging and lively narrative from Jess French and fun, warm illustrations from Duncan Beedie this book will help ignite a love and appreciation for nature, right on our doorsteps. The Nature Heroes series focuses on a group of friends who are passionate about nature and the great outdoors. Each book features a different child who has a favourite topic that they are fascinated by: Billy Loves Birds, Bella Loves Bugs, Ava Loves Animals and Pedro Loves the Planet!

National Geographic Primary Readers pair magnificent National Geographic photographs with engaging text by skilled authors to help your child learn to read. Developed by education experts, this series of books for beginner readers is spread across four levels: Early Reader, Becoming Fluent, Becoming Independent and Independent Reader. Meet the biggest living mammal and dive into the world of whales. Young readers will learn all about these amazing animals in this Level 1 book. Told in simple yet lively text, Whales will enchant children who are just beginning their reading journey. Level 1: Early Reader books contain simple sentences and are just right for children who can decode with ease and are beginning to read fluently. They are ideal for readers of Yellow and Blue book bands for guided reading. For another National Geographic Level 1 Reader, try Hello, Penguin! (9780008422202).