Punctuation Mark

'Mark loved punctuation. For starters, it looked funky, and its symbols are understood in all languages. There's a sign for an exclamation and a question, a dollar, brackets, an AND, an AT and an ASTERISK, as well as one for an ELLIPSIS...a dot, dot, dot.' This special picture book cleverly combines words and visuals for a delightful dose of wordplay and fabulous fun with grammar. Punctuation Mark fills a gap in the market by crossing the boundary between fiction and fact; the content is educational in a cheeky, playful way.

Winston & George

Gorgeously illustrated, this is the story of a crocodile and a crocodile bird. These animals exist in a symbiotic relationship. Crocodile birds pick leaches and lice from the crocodile's skin and cry out whenever they see danger. In this story, Winston is a patient crocodile, George is a prankster and their story is both sweet and dramatic.

John Miller spent much of his youth tramping about the woods and swamps of Morris County, New Jersey. Later, these adventures inspired his children's books and articles.

Giuliano Cucco was an artist and illustrator. He and his wife were killed in a traffic accident in Rome in 2006. He is survived by a son and two grandchildren.

The mitten

Includes the recipe for Grandma's delicious hot cocoa (as mentioned in the story) on the back cover
Summary: A retelling of the Ukrainian traditional tale of how a boy's lost mitten becomes a refuge from the cold for an increasing number of animals

'Avaiki Tautau : homeland beneath the stars

Homeland Beneath the Stars
Teipe is a child born to the Ngati Tinomana on Rarotonga hundreds of years ago.
As an infant he witnesses a battle in which his father is nearly killed.

In response his ariki (high chief) Tamatea, selects people, including Teipe's family, friends and the girl Karu, chosen to be his future va'ine (wife). They accompany the ariki's own family on a settlement voyage to 'Avaiki Tautau - a huge, half legendary land with mountains that belch fire but a land where they dream of peace and plenty.

On this eventful voyage approaching his new home, conflicted with fear and a sense of adventure, Teipe learns many ocean navigation skills handed down from his ancestors.

To survive his people will need to live with change.
Leaving both Rarotonga and their childhoods behind, Teipe and his friends grow in confidence and rise to the challenge.

Lillibutt's Te Araroa adventure

New Zealand author; New Zealand illustrator
Summary: Lillibutt is lonely so she sets off from Cape Reinga on a very long walk to visit her kunekune cousins at the Auckland Zoo. As she travels down the country on Te Araroa she meets others along the way and overcomes some scary challenges during her long adventure. (Back cover)

Stegosaurus : armored defender

Summary: "In graphic novel format, text and illustrations present Stegosaurus, its characteristics and probable behavior, and information about extinction" - Provided by publisher.

Triceratops : Three-horned giant

Summary: "In graphic novel format, text and illustrations present Triceratops, its characteristics and probable behavior, and information about extinction" - Provided by publisher.

Sleepy time crime

Inside cover: Superman created by Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster
Summary: When Streaky won't wake form his catnap, his friend Super-Turtle discovers something shell shocking. The Super-Cat's kibbles are filled with and evil ingredient, and Ignatius Iguana is to blame. Can Super-Turtle nab this vile reptile before it's too late, or will Streaky be forever sleepy?

The fastest pet on earth

Wonder Woman created by William Moulton Marston
Summary: Chauncey the Cheetah is loose on Paradise Island, but Jumpa the kangaroo isn't worried.

The amazing mini-mutts

Inside cover: Superman created by Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster, Batman created by Bob Kane
Summary: Krypto, Ace, and other Super-Pet pooches visit the Bowwow Boot Camp to show a new breed of heroes a few old tricks. But the evil Brainicat wants to teach the canine cadets a lesson as well. When he shrinks them all to microscopic size, the prep-school pups must quickly learn to step up!