Ursula Dubosarsky is the Australian Children's Laureate for 2020 - 2021 Lara had always wished she was a dog, and one day, just for a short time, she actually became one. This is how it happened. In a mulberry brick house on the harbour that Lara explores while her mother cleans, Lara meets Pierre, a boy about her age with a beautiful antique puppet theatre. With his puppets, he tells her a story about a boy whose family has been eaten by wolves. The boy is lost. He needs to find his grandmother. Lara takes the part of a dog, but suddenly she can no longer tell where she ends and Dog begins. Or is she Wolf? Caught up in Pierre's story, Lara has to fight to protect her identity - and her new friend. Can she help Pierre find his way home? Pierre's Not There is a lyrical, captivating and imaginative story that can be read on many levels.

This is a story about a boy called Pender and a kangaroo called Brindabella, about how they became friends, and all the things that happened to them because of it. Pender and his father live in an old house made of honey-coloured stone in the bush by the river, with only the company of his father's paintings and the loyal dog, Billy-Bob. Then, on one winter morning, a gunshot amongst the trees changes everything. When Pender rescues Brindabella from the pouch of her murdered mother, an unusual friendship blossoms between the lonely boy and the orphaned joey. But Brindabella is no ordinary kangaroo. And though Pender has saved her life, the untameable wildness of the bush--and freedom--call to her... Lyrical and unforgettable, Brindabella explores the brutal beauty of the Australian bush.

Buenos Aires' Chief of Police, Coco Carlomagno, is sure his office high in the Obelisco is haunted. Every day at the same time he sees a floating pineapple and every day he hears a terrible noise. What could it mean? Who could it be? There's only one guinea pig Coco can turn to to help him in his hour of need: his logic-loving cousin Alberta. Can Alberta help him unravel the mysteries of the perplexing pineapple?'This is a great little chapter book, and I can see it being wafted under the noses of reluctant readers. Why? The Perplexing Pineapple has charm, wit and a number of intriguing activities tucked inside. This is going to be just right for those who are more 'hands on' learners . With helpful clues, (which are given great explanations at the back), a great glossary and rollicking storyline The Perplexing Pineapple works on many levels.' [mybookcorner.com]