New Releases by Frances Watts

"Et! Émilie, pourquoi sommes-nous sur une page blanche?" "Elle ne sera pas blanche longtemps. Nous allons être dans une HISTOIRE, Édouard!" Édouard n''a jamais fait partie d''une histoire auparavant et il n''est même pas sûr de savoir comment ça marche. Par bonheur, Édouard et son amie Émilie sont accompagnés par une voix dans la page (c''est moi, le narrateur) qui les guide à travers une fantastique aventure qui renferme une INTRIGUE étonnante, des DÉCORS spectaculaires et quelques PERSONNAGES très amusants. Donc, ouvre le livre et découvre comment on fabrique des histoires.

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. . . .

Maxwell Mouse the photographer is trying to take school photos at South Furriest Public School. But some students just won''t stay still! And others won''t look at the camera! Can Maxwell get all of the students to SAY CHEESE?

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+

Stories for One Year Olds is an anthology of five best-selling Little Hare stories. Beautifully illustrated by Australia''s finest illustrators, each story has been selected to engage and delight the busy toddler. Titles include, Kisses for Daddy, B is for Bedtime, Duck, The Way I Love You and Me and You.

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.

A Choco-pops robot + a practical joke that goes wrong + a talking rock + organic rodent pies + a face that''s stuck + a plan for revenge + an out-of-control imaginary fairy + a nit epidemic + five kids and one chimp in space = one hilarious book.

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!

It''s Lady Beatrix''s birthday, and Sir Walter is planning a celebration at Flamant Castle. Everyone is excited, except the pigeon, who is needed for a very special job. So when the pigeon goes missing, it looks like Sir Walter''s plans will be ruined. Can Tommy find her friend and save the celebrations?

Someone is playing tricks at Flamant Castle. At first they seem funny, but Sir Benedict is not amused. He thinks the trickster is Tommy - and unless the tricks stop, he will send her away from the castle! Can Tommy find out who the real trickster is before she is banished forever?

''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. Evil plans are stirring and it''s up to Tommy to save Flamant Castle!