Most Popular Books by Jackie French

Adventurous monkeys have a series of mishaps and escapades involving a bike, a golf cart, a canoe, a restaurant, and a hotel.

Horace has received an almost impossible homework assignment at King Arthur''s School for Trainee Knights--he has to kill a dragon, which is even more difficult because his father is one.

When his father moves away to find work and his mother becomes ill, Danny struggles to help his family during the Great Depression.

Darek, Zantor, and their friends must save their village in this sixth and final book in the fantastical Dragonling chapter book series! Darek and his beloved dragonling, Zantor, return triumphant to their village from the Mountains of Krad. But when they arrive, they learn things have taken a turn for the worse and their village is now ruled by a ruthless tyrant. To save their home, Darek and Zantor must team up with their friends and family in a fantastical struggle to defend their home—that may just change the world as they know it.

Princess Arenelle, a promising young Witch, undertakes the quest to become the new Apprentice Keeper.

Buster is a werewolf. He shouldn''t have to go to school!

It''s Matt''s first Christmas without his mother, and he is doing everything he can to keep her traditions alive, from decorating the Christmas tree with pokeberry candles to asking Pa to tell the story of the Christmas miracle when animals were given the power of speech. When a hungry bear comes out of hibernation and surprises Matt and his Labrador retriever, Sara, in the. Mattescapes up a tree, but while defending him, Sara is mauled by the frustrated bear. Matt must get help for his beloved dog; the only problem is that snow is coming and he is completely lost. Suddenly, he hears a voice telling him the way. Is it Sara''s? Or is it Ma''s? Before Matt will leave, he makes Sara promise she''ll be alive when he returns. This jewel of a novel from acclaimed author Jackie French Koller beautifully portrays the loving bond between a boy and his dog.

Darek and Zantor work to convince everyone that dragons and humans can get along in this second book in the fantastical Dragonling chapter book series! Ever since Darek saved Zantor the dragonling, they’ve been inseparable. Darek is the only family Zantor has ever known. But now Darek is bringing Zantor home from the Valley of the Dragons, and the villagers are up in arms! He and his brother Clep are called traitors. Their best friends are turning against them. Even Darek’s father has been threatened for allowing the enemy in their midst. How can Darek prove that dragons are good neighbors to the villagers?

Finding a baby dragon accidentally left alive after his older brother''s Dragonquest, Darek risks death and the anger of his people in trying to return it to the Valley of the Dragons.

An American Library Association Recommended Book for Reluctant Young Readers and a New York Public Library Book for the Teen Age.

Conclusion to The Keepers trilogy. Nell and her recently discovered twin brother, Owen, vie to be named the next Imperial Wizard. 8 yrs+

Sixteen-year-old Rebekah joins her missionary father in the New World in the 1630s and, after being introduced to Indian culture, begins to question whether these "savages" need saving after all

Darek must rescue Zantor and Pola from the dangerous mists of Krad in this fifth book in the fantastical Dragonling chapter book series! When Darek’s beloved dragonling, Zantor, and Darek’s best friend, Pola, disappear into the mists of Krad, everyone assumes they’re gone for good. But Darek just knows that Zantor and Pola are alive. He can hear the dragonling’s cries for help, deep inside his own head. And much to his surprise, Rowena—the cause of all the trouble—hears them, too. Together Darek and Rowena sneak into Krad to rescue their friends. But they soon find that Krad is even more dangerous than they’d feared. So dangerous that it may be impossible to save anyone, even themselves…

She has been banished from the city to a remote area and a murdered girl lands on her doorstep ... Danielle has always been ''linked'' to others so when her links were cut and she was banished from the city it was a shock in more ways than one. She no longer had fast access to information, food, friends - anything. Now she will fend for herself and she is notorious for having been part of an experimental type of linking with 3 others. They are either dead or dead to Danielle anyway. Then, soon after moving in, an injured young girl turns up on her doorstep - the girl soon dies and Danielle cannot let go of the mystery of her death. With Neil, who lives in a neighbouring commune, she begins to make enquiries at places all over the countryside and starts suspecting that someone is making illegal modifications to humans - could it be that vampirism is becoming a trait in some humans from this illegal activity And, if so, how far has it gone - can Danielle find the source before they are all dead An exciting, fast-paced read from one of Australia''s premier storytellers for young adults. Ages 16+ She has been banished from the city to a remote area and a murdered girl lands on her doorstep ... Danielle has always been ''linked'' to others so when her links were cut and she was banished from the city it was a shock in more ways than one. She no longer had fast access to information, food, friends - anything. Now she will fend for herself and she is notorious for having been part of an experimental type of linking with 3 others. they are either dead or dead to Danielle anyway. then, soon after moving in, an injured young girl turns up on her doorstep - the girl soon dies and Danielle cannot let go of the mystery of her death. With Neil, who lives in a neighbouring commune, she begins to make enquiries at places all over the countryside and starts suspecting that someone is making illegal modifications to humans - could it be that vampirism is becoming a trait in some humans from this illegal activity? And, if so, how far has it gone - can Danielle find the source before they are all dead? An exciting, fast-paced read from one of Australia''s premier storytellers for young adults. Ages 16+

A child describes the bouncing, sliding, wiggling, running, splashing, reading, snuggling, and more that fills the day from sun up to bedtime.

the body lay at the bottom of the stairs. He wore red and green pyjamas. It took me a second to realise the red was blood. An old man, his eyes were still open. For one dreadful moment I thought he was still alive. But no one can live with a hole where their throat should be... Danielle Forest, Virtual Engineer, was looking forward to spending some quiet time with her lover, in their stone house in the Outlands. But someone, or some thing, keeps murdering members of nearby Utopias. A family of werewolves is under suspicion and Danielle''s friend Ophelia asks her to prove their innocence. Before she can say ''silver bullet'', Danielle is a temporary resident of the tree - home to the apparently friendly werewolves - and fully occupied trying to deal with another bloody murder, the angry local community and some amorous water sprites; not to mention her bone-loving hosts. Are the werewolves the killers Danielle seeks Or are humans more vicious by far this thrilling sequel to In the Blood is the second book in the Outlands trilogy. Ages 16+ the body lay at the bottom of the stairs. He wore red and green pyjamas. It took me a second to realise the red was blood. An old man, his eyes were still open. For one dreadful moment I thought he was still alive. But no one can live with a hole where their throat should be... Danielle Forest, Virtual Engineer, was looking forward to spending some quiet time with her lover, in their stone house in the Outlands. But someone, or some thing, keeps murdering members of nearby Utopias. A family of werewolves is under suspicion and Danielle''s friend Ophelia asks her to prove their innocence. Before she can say ''silver bullet'', Danielle is a temporary resident of the tree - home to the apparently friendly werewolves - and fully occupied trying to deal with another bloody murder, the angry local community and some amorous water sprites; not to mention her bone-loving hosts. Are the werewolves the killers Danielle seeks? Or are humans more vicious by far? this thrilling sequel to In the Blood is the second book in the Outlands trilogy. Ages 16+

Darek searches deep into Krad to find Zantor and Pola in this fourth book in the fantastical Dragonling chapter book series! When Darek’s beloved dragonling, Zantor, and Darek’s best friend, Pola, disappear into the mists of Krad, they are assumed dead. But Darek knows Zantor and Pola are alive. He can hear the dragonling’s cries for help, deep inside his own head. And much to his surprise, Rowena—the cause of all the trouble—hears them, too. Together they sneak into Krad to rescue their friends. But they soon find Krad is even more dangerous than they’d feared. So dangerous that it may be impossible to save anyone, even themselves…

Book 2 in the Animal Stars series - where history comes alive through the eyes of special animals. To outsiders, Mary is a queen and a threat, but to her devoted dog Folly, she is his world To the world outside her luxurious prison, Mary Queen of Scots was either a shameless beauty who killed her husband, or the rightful Queen of England and Scotland, tragically held captive by Elizabeth I. But to the dog who loved her, Mary was simply his mistress, and the centre of his world. While Mary desperately plotted to seize both her freedom and the throne, her dog Folly''s world is one of chasing mice behind the tapestries and enjoying turkey legs with quinces for supper. Until the day comes when they try to take his Queen away ... Based on the true story of the dog who was with Mary when she died, the Dog Who Loved a Queen is a fascinating tale of religious bigotry, plots and passion - and the unquestioning loyalty of a small Scottish terrier.

Darek and Zantor work together to stop the kidnapping of another baby dragon in this third book in the fantastical Dragonling chapter book series! Now that the villagers have finally accepted Darek’s dragonling, Zantor, they’ve all fallen in love with him. Especially Rowena, the spoiled daughter of the Chief Elder—so much so that she wants the dragonling for her very own. But Darek can’t give him up! He and Zantor are so close that he can almost get inside the little dragon’s mind. So the Chief Elder orders Darek’s father to find another dragonling. Even though a dragon mother will have to die—along with some villagers, too. Darek can’t let that happen. But how can he stop them…unless he joins the dragon quest?

TJ''s gran has hairy legs and arms. She also makes the best banana cake in the universe, as well as baked bananas, choc-coated bananas and Roast Lamb Surprise (which is mostly bananas) too. In fact, there is only one little problem about having a gorilla for a gran. And the little problem''s name is Linda. What will cool clever Linda think when she finds out who tJ''s gran really is? And what will she think of a pet who''s a slimy Giant Skateboarding Slug called Egbert? Will she still want to perambulate with tJ? But then again, perhaps Mr Pifflewhiskers, their teacher, is not what he seems... When wombat poachers come to Gobbledygook - it''s up to tJ and Gran, with help from Linda and Egbert - and a surprise discovery - to save the day. Join tJ and his gran the gorilla in another exciting adventure in the Wacky Families series.

The fearsome knight Horace tries to prove to his niece that he is as good as his brother, the King, while all she really wants is someone to help her stop missing her father.

This is the story of a dog called Hank, who obeys all the rules ... by interpreting them in his own way. A very funny picture book about a dog who is convinced he is doing the right thing - and a family who love him, no matter what. this is the story of a dog called Hank, who obeys all the rules ... by interpreting them in his own way. A very funny picture book about a dog who is convinced he is doing the right thing - and a family who love him, no matter what.

Just shut your eyes and picture yourself walking around the corner. that''s what my friend told me. Somewhere around the corner and you''ll be safe. the demonstration was wild, out of control. Barbara was scared. She saw the policeman running towards her. She needed to escape. She closed her eyes and did precisely that: she walked somewhere around the corner - to another demonstration - to another time. Barbara was lucky she meet young Jim who took her out of this strange, frightening city to his home. It was 1932, when Australia was in the grip of the depression, and Jim lived in a shantytown. But Barbara found a true friend and a true home - somewhere safe around the corner. Ages 12+

NEW REVISED EDITION TO CELEBRATE THE 50TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE FIRST MOON LANDING Who were the Honeysuckle Creek mob? And how did they assist the first moon landing? When man took the first step on the moon it was a bunch of Australian technicians who tracked the spacecraft and sent the first television pictures to the world. No, not at Parkes - the movie ''The Dish'' got it wrong. They were from Honeysuckle Creek in the ACT. This is their story, told by Bryan Sullivan, one of the technicians on duty at the time, and his wife, children''s author Jackie French. And to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the first manned Moon landing, Bryan and Jackie have revisited this book to reflect on the enormous strides that technology has made since this book was first published in 2004. Winner of the 2005 CBC Eve Pownall Award for Information Books in 2005, To the Moon and Back includes information about the space program and the birth of the internet, as well as supplying the answers to questions such as: How do you go to the toilet in a spacecraft? Have the astronauts ever seen an alien? What made the moon? Can I have a holiday in space? PRAISE ''... fascinating insights into the part that the Australians played in getting the astronauts to the moon and back.'' -- Bestselling author, Dr Karl Kruszelnicki

Cecil''s mom wears high black boots and makes her enemies walk the plank. Is she really a pirate?

An exciting new tale of a brumby, a boy and a bushranger in the Animal Stars series. A story of survival, second chances ... and a dance with danger. Young Billy Marks is a pickpocket, transported to the penal colony of New South Wales. He reckons he''ll become a bushranger - but that''s before he''s had a chance to see the bush up close. And when he buys the big white brumby stallion, covered with scars but refusing to bend to any man''s will, he knows he made the right choice. Billy''s daughter Mattie Jane thinks her father can ride any horse who ever lived ... and so can she! But when tragedy strikes, the Marks clan, including Mattie''s beloved horse, Rebel Yell, will need all their courage to keep the family together. The deeds and disputed stories of Jackie French''s own ancestors inspire another novel - a tale of proud horses, trailblazing farmers and their resilient wives, and desperate men forced to break the law to survive. PRAISE FOR ANIMAL STARS SERIES: ''beautifully written ... a significant addition to the books about Gallipoli'' - ReadPlus.com.au ''marvel at Jackie French''s versatility and her skill in making the past live for young readers'' - Magpies

For fans of the Frog and Toad books and Amelia Bedelia stories, the antic tales of Mole and Shrew will prove to be worthy successors. In the introductory title, find out how Mole and Shrew first meet, how Mole finds a new home, and how, with much confusion along the way, Mole and Shrew "finally become fast friends!

Howard and the monster under his bed decide on a plan to convince their mothers that both of them have reason to be afraid after dark.

Mike is just like any other normal kid - he lives with his mum in an ordinary house, in a small town, where nothing unusual ever happens. His next-door neighbour is Lance Loosley, a boy who''s known at school as ''Loser'' because he''s so unpopular. Loser tells Mike that ''tenterfield'' - the old property nearby, which was recently bought by some foreign investors is being used as a laboratory to run dangerous experiments. Of course, Mike doesn''t believe Loser for a second. He''s always concocting stories to make himself look good. But one day at school, Loser is pushed too far by the other kids. this time the humiliation and teasing is too much, and Loser seeks revenge. He smashes a test tube in class, a test tube that he says contains a deadly virus from the ''tenterfield'' property. Is Loser telling the truth Have they all driven him into becoming a killer Will they all die from the virus Mike is just like any other normal kid - he lives with his mum in an ordinary house, in a small town, where nothing unusual ever happens.His next-door neighbour is Lance Loosley, a boy who''s known at school as ''Loser'' because he''s so unpopular. Loser tells Mike that ''tenterfield'' - the old property nearby, which was recently bought by some foreign investors is being used as a laboratory to run dangerous experiments. Of course, Mike doesn''t believe Loser for a second. He''s always concocting stories to make himself look good.But one day at school, Loser is pushed too far by the other kids. this time the humiliation and teasing is too much, and Loser seeks revenge. He smashes a test tube in class, a test tube that he says contains a deadly virus from the ''tenterfield'' property.Is Loser telling the truth? Have they all driven him into becoming a killer? Will they all die from the virus?

A searing story of passion, betrayal, battles and love, this is Shakespeare''s ''Macbeth'' stripped of superstition, and its power and beauty refined into fewer words where good balances the evil and there is a happy ending - for some. Following on from OPHELIA, QUEEN OF DENMARK and I AM JULIET, this is the third title in the series for young people that focuses on the reinterpretation of Shakespeare''s classic and enduring plays. ''I didn''t mean to do it''. Annie is not a witch, but when her mistress Lady Macbeth calls for a potion to ''stiffen Macbeth''s sinews'', Annie is caught up in plots that lead to murder, kingship and betrayal. Annie must also not only choose between Rab the Blacksmith and Murdoch, Thane of Greymouth, but discover where her loyalty lies. Ages: 10+

There''s no cutting corners on this durable edition featuring Pete and other favourite friends at Sean''s Sheep Salon. the award-winning team behind Diary of a Wombat have joined forces again to create another highly amusing picture book.Sean is a shearer and instead of a sheepdog to help him, he''s got a sheep sheep - Pete. After being rejected by the other shearers and their dogs, Sean and Pete set up a sheep salon in town. Sheep from everywhere arrive to have their wool shorn in the latest style and even the shearers'' dogs end up arriving for a cut in order to look gorgeous.Jackie and Bruce have created the perfect combination of words and illustrations in this irreverent look at the world of sheep shearing.Ages 4-9

Jackie French explores a distant and fascinating world, where the future is not always as it seems, and the king''s displeasure means death.Ages 10 - 14 After Nikko and thetis are taken from their village, their amazing acrobatic skills save them from slavery and make them the focus of the Mycenaean court. the courtiers are in awe of them; the King is enchanted.But thetis may destroy them both when she tells the King a truth about his future that he doesn''t want to hear. Nikko and the daring horse dancer Euridce must travel across Greece to find his sister again - and the extraordinary future that awaits them all - in Delphi.Can one young girl change history?Jackie French waves history, myth and fantasy together into one enthralling tale of horse dancers, earthquakes and tsunamis, as well as love and courage, from beyond recorded time.Ages 10-14

A delightful and entertaining peek into the life of one very busy wombat!Ages: 3-7 MondayMorning: Slept.Afternoon: Slept.Evening: Ate.Scratched.Night: Ate.A typical day. Don''t be fooled. this wombat leads a very busy and demanding life. She wrestles unknown creatures, runs her own digging business, and most difficult of all - trains her humans. She teaches them when she would like carrots, when she would like oats and when she would like both at the same time. But these humans are slow learners.Find out how one wombat - between scratching, sleeping and eating - manages to fit the difficult job of training humans into her busy schedule.

In the third title about this pair of friends, Mole and Shrew are short of cash, so they head into the working world with hysterical results. Illustrations.

Captain Cook''s goat is the first of many historical animals to bring the past to life. the HM Bark Endeavour is sailing to tahiti to map the transit of Venus, but there are rumours that once the task is completed, Lieutenant James Cook has a set of secret orders - orders that command him to search for the Great South Land. Isaac is twelve and has joined the crew of the Endeavour as a master''s servant, good for scrubbing decks and not much else. He''s certainly not considered good enough to fetch hay for the Goat who will provide fresh milk for Cook and his officers. And this goat even has more experience at sea than Isaac - she has already sailed around the world once, watching the ocean and lands slip by from her spot on the quarterdeck. Over the months on board the Endeavour, a friendship grows between the Goat and Isaac, one that will last through shipwreck, bushfire and illness. A friendship that helps in the discovery of exotic new lands ... Ages 9 - 13

While running from the truth to escape painful memories of losing his eye, seventeen-year-old Luke gets himself into a series of dangerous situations.

One day, while Mole is out shopping, he overhears Buzzard telling someone that she is going to have Rabbit and his family for dinner. Could this be true? Could Buzzard be plotting to eat the whole Rabbit clan? It''s up to Mole and his brave friend Shrew to get to the bottom of the situation. Illustrations.

When Viking raiders attack Hekja''s peaceful village and take her and her puppy prisoner, they are at first terrified of the strange new surroundings. Soon, to their amazement, they find their place within the clan and embark on incredible sea voyages.

Australian Children''s Laureate, book lover and dyslexia sufferer Jackie French gives a wonderful insight into how you can help your child discover a world of books. Does your child love books, but can''t stay still long enough to focus on reading one? Would you like to improve your child''s reading ability? Don''t know where to begin to stimulate a greater love of reading in your child? Award-winning author Jackie French knows what it is to struggle with reading and literacy. Drawing on her own experience with dyslexia, Jackie has written this book to help parents identify the possible reading difficulties their children may have. All children learn differently, and Jackie offers many fun and rewarding way s to help launch your child into literacy. these include games for coordination, concentration and focus as well as helpful steps to kickstart your child into reading and to foster a life-long love of books. I SPY A GREAt READER is filled with a wealth of advice, anecdotes and activities - it''s a book every parent should own.

BUStER LIVES IN tHE HAPPIESt WOLF CLAN AROUND. Dad can catch dried cow pats with his teeth, Mum''s corgi milkshakes are to die for (unless you happen to be a corgi) and Aunty Paws mkes one of the best dead rat sandwich in the world. One day Mum and Dad disappear without a trace. Have Buster''s parents been wolfnapped? And now, Uncle Wal is leader of the pack. He wants the clan to move from Werewolf Mountain, and for Buster to go to SCHOOL! But Buster has other plans... Find out what Buster discovers as this thrilling and hilarious adventure unfolds in the Wacky family series! Ages 7+