Best Selling Books by Niki Daly

Bau knows as many dances as there are seeds in a calabash rattle. But she does not know the magic dance of the rainbull, which brings the rains -- only the rainmaiden knows that. One day, a terrible drought seizes the land, and Bau sets off in search of the rainmaiden to save her people.

Alastair D''Arcy McDermott - otherwise known as Al - is less than thrilled at his holiday project: helping out at the local old people''s home. How did he end up getting stuck with old Violet Rose and batty Major Maddocks? But then he meets the sinister Mrs Black, and the fun begins - Al''s on his greatest mission yet ... And don''t miss the first story of Al''s adventures, OPERATION ITCHY BUM.

Jackson the donkey works very hard, carrying loads of mielies, carrots and potatoes up the hill to market every week, from the little farm where he lives with the farmer, his wife Beauty and his son Goodwill. But one day Jackson just stops, halfway up the hill. The farmer pushes him, pulls him, shouts at him. But Jackson WILL NOT BUDGE. Just as the farmer is about to beat his donkey, little Goodwill comes running up the hill. Quickly he whispers something in the donkey''s ear - and, straightaway, the old donkey gets to his feet. The farmer is astonished. What could be the secret of the boy''s message? "Well," says Goodwill, "Mama told me it''s the little things like saying please and thank you, that make a big difference in this world." And from that day on, the farmer remembers to thank his old donkey for helping him, and Jackson does his work willingly.

In this version of "Little Red Riding Hood," set in Ghana, a young girl fails to heed Granny''s warning about the dangers of talking to strangers.

Alistair D''Arcy McDermott has a great mum and a great dad who love him very much ... but aren''t so keen on each other. He also has a best friend with a wicked laugh and a teacher who wears tight white trousers and likes humiliating kids. So when his mum decides that she''s going on a blind date with the teacher from hell, Burke the Jerk, Al''s worst nightmare has come true. And when she tells him that they''re going on holiday with her new man, Al''s got to do something drastic. He packs his bag of total destruction and heads off for the holiday of a lifetime ...

This highly original, genially dotty and beautifully crafted book is meant entirely for our enjoyment and delectation. Lovingly written and illustrated by award-winning children''s author Niki Daly, this whimsical story for adults has been conceived in the style of Edward Lear and is full of visual puns, quirky delights, leg-pulls and japes that will tickle your fancy and amuse your eye as no other book has done for a long time. The book is in colour throughout with faux marbled paper on the case and a paper jacket that comes out of an older tradition of bookmaking.

A controversial new teacher at Bayside Preparatory School introduces the exciting world of art to aspiring artist Bettina Valentino and her fifth-grade classmates, encouraging them to see everyday life in a different way.

With his granddaughter''s help, Papa Lucky takes his love of dancing into the street and makes some extra money.

Little Josh is ignored by his sister and her friend as they play, until he interests them in a game he creates.

A toy mouse longs to have an adventure he can tell his friends about.

A most unusual family goes out on a weird shopping trip.

Jamela is responsible for fattening up the chicken intended for Christmas dinner, but instead she gives it a name and makes it her friend.

A father''s drinking causes pain and embarrassment to his family, until he begins to attend Alcoholics Anonymous meetings.

When Fran trespasses in her big brother''s room and dresses up like a monster, she finds that he forgives her and enjoys her new scary identity.

Henrietta is very helpful around the house--even handling medical emergencies when her father cuts his finger.

There was once a time when Sun and Moon lived on the earth--but that was before the rapturous Sun invited the never-ending Sea to visit in this playful version of an eastern Nigerian (Ibibio) creation myth. "This delightful story is outfitted in humor, a mock seriousness, and drama....A wondrous and alluring work."--Kirkus Reviews.

In Renaissance Venice, Angelo, longing to be as famous a clown as his grandfather, decides to do something special with his small part in his grandfather''s commedia dell''arte production during Carnival.