New Releases by Gregory Rogers

Picture storybook telling the story of three friends who sail their homemade boat down the local creek. The journey becomes an inner voyage for Audrey, who is trying to deal with the challenges of growing up and accepting loss. Crew has written many child and young adult books including ''Strange Objects'', which won the 1991 Children''s Book Council Book of the Year Award, and ''First Light'', which won the 1994 CBC Picture Book of the Year. Rogers has previously illustrated the After Dark series and ''Tracks'' (also written by Crew) and won the Kate Greenway Medal for ''Way Home''.

This is a moving story of a young boy who dresses up in his parents clothes (his father''s underpants on his head and his mother''s dress!!) and waltzes around the house - a beautiful princess. But his image and confidence is shattered when his favourite ''cool'' cousin calls him a ''weirdo''. But his mother brings his smile and laughter back with a little bit of encouragement. PRINCESS MAX was the winner of the 2001 Australian Family Therapists'' Award for Children''s Literature for Picture Books and Younger Readers.

Where did the curious, saucer-shaped clouds appear from? Why had the mystical depressions formed in the wheat fields? How could a wheat crop be ready to harvest in a matter of days? And most of all for Micah, what would be the outcome. After all he had disobeyed. Suggested level: primary, intermediate.

In the ''After Dark'' series'' for 10 to 14 year olds. Hiro, a lonely and artistic Japanese boy comes to live on Thursday Island. Local bullies force him to take part in their war games, but how can Hiro defend himself when his only weapons are a paintbrush and paper? The author''s other publications include ''Strange Objects'' and ''Mama''s Babies''.

First published in 1988. Dramatic novel in the ''Takeaway'' series for 8 to 14 year olds. Jodie is ecstatic when she wins the Greenvale Junior Show Jumping Championship, however her life is changed forever when she develops a crippling disease. The awardwinning author''s other publications include ''StormBoy'' and ''Blue Fin''.

Dedicated to the largely unsung, mostly unseen workers for young people in need, this evocative picture book by Libby Hathorn will stir hearts everywhere. With stunning illustrations by Gregory Rogers, this is the story of Shane and a cat with no name as the wander the streets at night on their way home. In 1995, Gregory won the Kate Greenaway Medal for his illustrations in WAY HOME. He is the first, and to date the only, Australian illustrator ever to have won this prestigious British award.

Janet was friendless until Lola, a smelly. brutish and disheveled new schoolmate, shows up in class. Invited to spend the night at her new-found friend''s house, Janet accepts despite the curious and spooky rendezvous point -- Bent-Back Bridge. Oddly enough, Janet hasn''t been seen since!

A volume of humorous verse for teenagers by a performance poet who has worked extensively in schools.