New Releases by Frances Watts

Fans of Mr. Willowby''s Christmas Tree and Emmet Otter''s Jug-Band Christmas will love this funny and moving holiday story about giving and sharing—and believing in Christmas miracles. "We wish you a quacky Christmas!" Samantha Duck is getting ready for Christmas. "I''m going to give presents to animals all over the world!" But tortoise pal Sebastian is not so sure: "Christmas is not for animals!" With the help of her farmyard friends, who all give something to help make and deliver the presents, this determined duck sets out to prove that Christmas is for EVERYONE—and to make sure animals all around the world have a very quacky Christmas. Families will enjoy snuggling up to read this warm and friend-filled Christmas tale of giving and sharing. It''s a joyous reminder that with a bit of faith and the love of those around you, anything is possible. . . .

Felix and Livia are being pursued across the Roman empire, from the darkest, dampest corner of Gaul to the dry, desert sands of Tadmor. They must reach Rome by the Ides of April to rescue Livia''s brother before he is sent into the arena to do battle with lions - and perhaps a vicious ostrich or two! Along the way, the pair are helped (and hindered) by a selfish sacred chicken, a foolish camel and a grumpy magic carpet as they encounter bandits, a shipwreck and a false accusation. Will they save Livia''s brother in time, or will they all fall victim to the chicken''s curse? A classic adventure of friendship, fate and fortune, from the winner of the Prime Minister''s Literary Award for Children''s Fiction. ''An original and exciting epic.'' Jaclyn Moriarty, award-winning author of The Extremely Inconvenient Adventures of Bronte Mettlestone ''Fabulous fun!'' Katrina Nannestad, award-winning author of The Girl, the Dog and the Writer in Rome

All the birds are excited about the Big Beaky Bird Ball -- except Leonard. His warble-warble waltz with the magpies is more wobble-wobble, and his caw-caw can-can with the crows is a can''t-can''t. The seagulls are spinning, the rosellas are rocking and you should see the flamingo go-go-go! Everyone is jumping and jiving, but not Leonard. Leonard doesn''t dance. Then an unexpected encounter changes everything...

This delightful CBCA award-winning picture book is about a friendship between an exuberant but loveable dachshund and his more retiring, tidy housemate. WINNER: CBCA Book of the Year, Early Childhood, 2020 My friend Fred eats dog food for breakfast. I think dog food is disgusting. My friend Fred howls at the moon. I don''t know why. He does a lot of funny things. But even though we are different, Fred is my best friend.

It starts with a blank page ... From the award-winning creators of Parsley Rabbit''s Book about Books comes a story about stories! ''Hey, Milly, why are we on this blank page?'' ''It won''t be blank for long. We''re going to be in a STORY, Rory!'' Rory has never been in a story before and he''s not even sure how one works. Luckily, he and his friend Milly have a helpful voice on the page (that''s me, the narrator) to guide them on an amazing adventure as they encounter an exciting plot, spectacular settings and some very funny characters. So, open the cover and discover how stories are made with the award-winning creators of Parsley Rabbit''s Book about Books. Ages 3+

Parsley Rabbit gives an exciting introduction to the world of books by sharing the ins and outs of his book. There are fun flaps to flip, questions to share and even his pesky little brother.

The spellbinding new historical novel from multi-award-winning Australian author Frances Watts Ages 12+ When Kasumi leaves her remote village for the teeming city of Edo, her life is transformed. As a lady-in-waiting in a samurai mansion she discovers a rare talent for art and falls in love with a young samurai. How could she ever return to the life of a simple mountain girl? But Kasumi must set aside her own concerns. Her country is on the brink of change and Edo is simmering with tension. And her mistress has a dangerous secret--a secret that Kasumi is gradually drawn into... Set against the vivid backdrop of nineteenth-century Japan, THE PEONY LANTERN is a powerful story of art, love and friendship, and finding your own path. Ages 12+ PRAISE and ACCLAIM ***Shortlisted in the 2016 NSW Premier''s Literary Awards*** ''This masterfully written and lyrical novel challenges the tenets of the times and a woman''s role in it...an enlightening and thoroughly satisfying read.'' Judges'' comments, 2016 NSW Premier''s Literary Awards ''Lyrical, fascinating and evocative, Frances Watts'' work is always extraordinary'' Jackie French, bestselling author of TO LOVE A SUNBURNT COUNTRY ''The beauty of Watts'' writing leads us through an exciting narrative, the mystery''s solution only revealed at the end ... Destined to be enjoyed by anyone over the age of 12 and bound to be a favourite to be shared within a class, an added advantage is its ''usefulness'' as a text aptly aligned to the new English curriculum. Captivating.'' BUZZWORDS BOOKS ''Watts writes with sympathy and appreciation of Japan and the Japanese people. Her strongly delineated characters and lyrical descriptions of place inform a book which will engage the thoughtful reader.'' READING TIME

From bestselling and award-winning author Frances Watts comes the first in an incredibly exciting new series of standalone historical novels. On the eve of her fifteenth birthday, Claudia is unexpectedly summoned to Rome by the father she hasn''t seen in ten years, a wealthy and powerful senator. She finds herself with both a new family and a luxurious new home in the capital of the world''s greatest empire. But Claudia soon discovers a contest of power and ambition is secretly being waged - and she is the prize. torn between two rivals for her hand in marriage, she must choose between her duty and her heart ... a choice that could have deadly consequences. From multi-award-winning author Frances Watts comes a gripping mystery of love and intrigue set in Ancient Rome.

What''s in the box? A thrilling picture book from the award-winning creators of KISSES FOR DADDY -- now in paperback! Ages 4-7 At first your eyes will not believe, Such terrors they can scarce conceive, But come, look closely; you will see Horrific creatures just like me. Open the box, if you dare, But danger lies within: Beware! From the award-winning duo who brought you KISSES FOR DADDY and CAPtAIN CRABLAW''S CREW comes a fearsome, frightening, ferocious tale for the very brave of heart ... Ages 4-7

Mouse triplets Alistair, Alice, and Alex go undercover as spies in search of their parents with their friend Tibby Rose. Illustrations.

Someone''s playing naughty tricks on the residents of Flamant Castle and the blame''s fallen on Tommy Can she find out the truth? Another adventure in the Sword Girl series featuring the feisty Thomasina.

Another adventure in the Sword Girl series featuring the feisty Thomasina. Pigeon goes missing, and only Tommy can find her friend and save Lady Beatrix''s birthday celebrations!

''Pirate crew wanted to search for treasure. Must be fearsome!''When Captain Crabclaw advertises for a crew for his new ship, the Speedy Squid, he doesn''t expect to get a duck, a cow, an elephant and a giraffe! It''s hoist the mainsail and anchors aweigh with the most unusual pirate crew the high seas have ever seen! this rollicking tale of swashbuckling and scrambled eggs will delight landlubbers young and old.

Another adventure in the Sword Girl series featuring the feisty Thomasina. Tommy is invited to a tournament, but there''s just one problem: she has never ridden a horse before.

Another adventure in the Sword Girl series featuring the feisty Thomasina. Evil plans are stirring and it''s up to Tommy to save Flamant Castle!

The highly acclaimed Gerander trilogy comes to its thrilling conclusion Ages: 9-12 ''So many secrets ... so many lies ...'' time is running out, as Queen Eugenia prepares to crown herself the absolute ruler of Greater Gerander. And so Alistair and tibby Rose travel deep into dangerous territory on a daring mission to stop her, while Alice and Alex risk their lives by returning to the enemy stronghold they so recently fled. they must act now to restore Zanzibar to the throne, or lose their homeland forever. But Zanzibar has a secret. And it may cost Alistair his life ... Ages:9-12

Separated from their brother, Alistair, on a summer''s night, mouse siblings Alex and Alice embark on a determined rescue mission and investigate the activities of an elusive underground spy operation; while Alistair, who has encountered ginger-colored mouse Tibby Rose, tries to make sense of what has happened to him. By the award-winning Australian author of Parsley Rabbit''s Book About Books.

The first book in a fun and exciting series by award-winning author Frances Watt and Kate Greenaway Medal winner Gregory Rogers, introducing Tommy - a feisty kitchen hand who longs to be a knight. When Tommy is finally promoted to Keeper of the Blades, will a missing sword ruin everything? Tommy, a kitchen girl at Flamant Castle, dreams of becoming a knight - and when she is made the Keeper of the Blades, caring for all the swords in the castle armoury, it seems like her dream might come true. But then Sir Walter''s most valuable sword goes missing from the sword room. Will Tommy be able to find it before she is sent back to the kitchen in disgrace? Introducing a feisty new character for girls (and their parents and teachers) who love adventure and want an alternative to ''pink'' books. Created by Frances Watts, a CBCA Award Winner and author of the huge bestseller Kisses for Daddy.

From award-winning author Frances Watts comes an uplifting story that shows how happiness can be found in the simplest of things. A book for all ages. A rain-swept day... A heart-lifting flash of colour! A story about the joy to be had in life''s simplest pleasures -especially when they are shared- and finding happiness in the most unexpected places. A book for all ages. ''this is the kind of book that young children can pore and ponder over; the illustrations are simple but vibrant, complementing the text but leaving plenty of detail to ensure the reader will linger over each spread.'' Four Stars, Australian Bookseller & Publisher ''...this picture book is a little gem as the rat imagines the difference his stripy sock will make. the illustrations perfectly capture the emotion of the book. the rat''s facial expressions are priceless and he is so cute. the text is ''heart-lifting,'' to quote a word from the book. It''s a book to make you smile and maybe it''s also saying something a lot of us need to hear about what is important in life. ''this gentle book is sure to become a favourite with children and their parents. It would make a good story for before bedtime as it''s not only short but leaves positive images in the mind. Especially great for 0-3 years but will be enjoyed by those older as well.'' Good Reading

The second adventure in the Sword Girl series featuring the feisty Tommy. Evil plans are stirring and it''s up to Tommy to keep the peace at Flamant Castle! While on an errand to the smith in the town, Tommy overhears a plot to poison Sir Walter during a banquet and make it look like the work of a neighbouring nobleman. Tommy must foil the plot or Flamant Castle will be at war. Introducing a feisty new character for girls (and their parents and teachers) who love adventure and want an alternative to ''pink'' books. Created by Frances Watts, a CBCA Award Winner and author of the huge bestseller Kisses for Daddy.

Extraordinary Ernie and Marvelous Maud, the ten-year-old superhero-in-training and his sidekick sheep, have a good chance of winning the Heroes of the Year award until a pencil-wielding fiend starts to wreak havoc in the town of Baxter.

Winner of the 2012 Prime Minister''s Literary Award for Children''s Fiction, this irresistibly charming picture book is now in paperback! Age 2+ Winner of the 2012 Prime Minister''s Literary Award for Children''s Fiction A CBCA Notable Book Kiss Dad once. Cuddle Mum twice. ''Goodnight, Mum and Dad.'' ''Goodnight, mice.'' It''s time to say goodnight - but the four cheeky mice skittering, scampering and scurrying to bed don''t seem very sleepy! this warm, affectionate story is the perfect bedtime book for the whole family to share. Ages: 2+ Praise for GOODNIGHT, MICE!: ''The perfect bedtime book ... told at a cleverly thought-out pace that should ensure a yawn before the final page ... Illustrator Judy Watson''s detailed expressions on the four mouslings are fun, funny and rewarding upon further visits'' COURIER-MAIL ''An ideal bedtime read for parents keen on winding things down for the sleepy train. Squeak!'' KIDS-BOOKREVIEW.COM ''A story filled with warmth and family love ... this is sure to become a book young children and parents will be happy to read again and again'' AUSSIEREVIEWS.COM ''Utterly flawless use of rich and poetic language ... a bedtime story to read aloud with gusto, to delight in and to savour. Very highly recommended'' SYDNEY''S CHILD ''This is a charming, funny and reassuring story for littlies to follow the going-to-bed ritual ... Recommended'' MAGPIES ''Watts knows how to break up a story''s rhythm by using a refrain, making a story which will be read again and again. Watson''s mice are individuals and the many untold stories in the pictures will be pored over by avid three and four-year-old listeners.'' WEST AUSTRALIAN ''The collaboration of writer and illustrator in this case makes for an almost perfect bedtime book. Watts''s words sing with rhyme and repetition, making them excellent linguistic tools for small children, while Watson''s impish, affectionate illustrations speak to families from every type of background.'' JUDGES'' COMMENTS, 2012 PRIME MINISTER''S LITERARY AWARDS

Originally published: Australia: Australian Broadcasting Corporation, 2009.

Originally published: Australia: Australian Broadcasting Corperation, 2008.

"Now what about a big bear kiss for me?" said Dad. "No!" said Baby Bear. "No kiss for Daddy." It''s time for bed, but Baby Bear just wants to play. When Daddy asks for a goodnight kiss, this grumbly baby says no way. This charming father coaxes his son through his nightly routine by asking Baby Bear for giraffe kisses, crocodile kisses, bat kisses, and more! Bright, energetic illustrations convey Baby Bear''s change of heart as the charming relationship between father and son plays out before reader''s eyes. This heartwarming story is perfect for bedtime AND Father''s Day!

Ten-year-old Ernie is thrilled when he wins a contest to be trained as a superhero, and although he is disappointed that his sidekick is a talking sheep, just looking at his costume makes him feel heroic.

Le Livre à propos des livres de Victor le lapin est une excitante introduction au monde merveilleux des... livres, bien entendu ! Informatif et captivant, il met en vedette un lapin remarquablement beau et brillant (moi!) et il est très amusant, avec des rabats à rabattre et des questions à partager. Tu feras même la connaissance de mon petit frère agaçant.