Böcker utgivna av Austin Macauley Publishers

The children had played at the beaver pond all afternoon but now with the shadows growing longer and a coolness in the air they knew that it was time to head for home. A short walk through the little wood would find them back in their garden just in time for tea. The eldest and natural leader Erica heads up the little band as they follow the path into the trees. Eliel is next in line, and while he thinks he knows the way he is more comfortable following his older sister and little Grey is content just to follow where the others lead. After a while the path that Erica thought she knew so well has somehow become less familiar and the seeds of doubt have begun to creep in. 'Are we lost?' asks Eliel. 'I'm not sure,' replies Erica, 'but we ought to be home by now.' Before long they emerge into a clearing with several paths leading off but there are no signposts. Feeling tired and anxious, the children sit down to rest on an old log, little knowing that they will remember for ever and ever what is about to happen next.

Fabunmi, a renowned wrestler and farmer who dominated the wrestling competitions in the land of Ooduwa (Oduduwa), becomes gripped by fear when Baale (Chief) Asipa reveals at a wrestlers' meeting that he bears the curse of Shango (the false god). His remarkable achievements, unparalleled strength, and unwavering fearlessness propel him to a land no son of Ooduwa has ever ventured before. As the mightiest in the land and with the support of Iwin, the little fairy, and his family, Fabunmi confronts Shango in the wilderness, ultimately destroying him and his powers. Fabunmi's triumph in liberating the children of Ooduwa from Shango's wrath earns him a revered place at the side of Kabiyesi (the King).

Plastic Bottles on the Beach is our new book that was created as a companion to the previous book entitled, Plastic Bags in Trees. This work is meant to further highlight the serious problem we face with the plastic pollution of our beaches and seas. Together with three of my grandsons we put together our thoughts, images and observations as well as proposed solutions to this ecological scourge. We hope to make the readers more aware of this problem and promote ongoing and new cleanup activities. This book provides educational material as well as civic engagement ideas to young readers.

Pina wondered what a grey blob was doing in a shop filled with beautiful, colourful pots. She was curious about how something so dull could fit in such a vibrant place. Through patience and perseverance, Pina began to understand the potential hidden within the grey blob. She discovered the magic of clay, realizing that with a bit of effort and creativity, she could transform the plain blob into something extraordinary, just like the colourful pots surrounding her. This journey taught her the beauty of transformation and the power of imagination.

The mirror has no preferences. Whoever peers into that pool of light sees a faithful image, albeit laterally inverted. The young boy had looked into the bathroom mirror perhaps a thousand times with casual confidence, but today, the reflection felt surprising and strangely alien. It had to mean something. Thus began a quest that spanned his entire life, filled with many kinds of adventures, both external and internal. His journey crossed continents and led him to explore the deepest places of the mind and heart. It required keen observation and demanded ultimate honesty. Sometimes he stumbled; other times, he rejoiced. Ultimately, his goal was to answer that age-old question: who am I and where do I fit into the scheme of things? This question is everyone's question, and it suggests that by polishing our own mirrors, we might discover something wholly renewed.

In February 1616, William Shakespeare finds himself on the brink of financial ruin and trapped in an unhappy marriage. Desperate for a way out, he agrees to resume his clandestine work for the English secret service. His mission: to report on the Virginia Company and their activities in the Virginia Colony. To maintain his cover, Shakespeare must fake his own death and assume a new identity. As he embarks on this dangerous journey, Shakespeare befriends John Rolfe and his wife Matoaka (Pocahontas), who are visiting England. The couple provides invaluable insights into Virginia, Powhatan society, and the complex situation unfolding in the Colony. Following Mataoka's tragic death, Shakespeare accompanies Rolfe to Virginia, taking on the guise of a tobacco planter. In this new world, Shakespeare must navigate the treacherous waters between the avaricious English colonists and the hostile, embittered Powhatans. Can his experience as a renowned actor and playwright help him survive and thrive in the Colony? And how will the most famous life in history come to an end?

Most know the story of Australia's First Fleet. But who were those convicts, sailors, marines and administrators who travelled to Botany Bay in 1787? And who orchestrated this ambitious expedition? In his meticulously researched new book, John Gardiner pulls back the curtain on the world from which the First Fleet emerged. Delving into English newspapers, official reports, and government documents from the era, Gardiner vividly captures the squalor of London's slums, the rotting hulks on the Thames where prisoners languished, and the hardscrabble lives of those who would people New South Wales. We meet real-life figures like Prime Minister William Pitt, Home Secretary Lord Sydney, and the Fleet's commander, Captain Arthur Phillip. And we discover a society rife with corruption, violence, and despair. Before the First Fleet to Australia paints an unflinching portrait of late 18th century England in all its vulgarity and cruelty. Gardiner's fearless account confronts historical truths often glossed over about the First Fleet's origins. Was this ragged band of convicts a collection of pathetic vagabonds or part of a strategically calculated colonial enterprise? Readers can decide for themselves in this absorbing and revelatory narrative history.

Prepare to embark on a captivating journey through the heart of Scotland in this thought-provoking and enlightening book. Join Richard Gault as he recounts his month-long walk from the southernmost tip of Scotland to Inverness, covering half the length of the country. More than just a travelogue, this book will inspire you to see the familiar in new ways, from the tiniest midge to the most majestic mountain. As Richard traverses the Scottish landscape, he uncovers a rich tapestry of history spanning two thousand years. He reveals Scotland as a land of saints, myths, and monsters; a land of heroes and villains; a land with surprising connections to distant countries. Through his journey, you'll discover how Scotland played a pivotal role in shaping the modern world, even paving the way (quite literally, in one instance) for progress. By the end of this book, you'll find yourself filled with a deeper appreciation for the past and a renewed sense of wonder for Scotland's nature, people, and landscapes. But the journey doesn't end there. Richard's experiences will leave you pondering profound questions about the present and future, inviting you to reflect on your own relationship with the world around you. Informative, thought-provoking, and utterly engaging, this book is one you'll find yourself recommending to friends time and time again. Step into Richard's shoes and embark on an unforgettable journey through Scotland's history, beauty, and soul.

It's time for Ana to go to sleep, but she is not ready to go to bed yet. She is on a mission to find her bedtime companions. Back and forth she goes, carrying toy after toy to sleep beside her. Where will they all go? Mum and Dad are rather confused. What is going on? Will Ana manage to sleep after all?

When Roly Roller and his crew roll into town, Dark, gloomy clouds fill the sky over Decorator Land. As Roly rolls along, splashing grey paint on the ground, A menacing smile has replaced his usual frown. With each splash of grey, another beautiful colour is lost. Oh no! A town without colour! Roly and his crew must be STOPPED! Ready to do battle against Roly is a family of paintbrushes in dungarees, Dad loves red, Mum loves yellow, Ross loves blue, and Mable loves green. Will grey win over colour, or colour win over grey? Join the characters in Decorator Land to find out which one will be triumphant today!

What is a memory? I always thought that memories belonged to a person but recently something has been stealing the memories of my grampa. The good thing about a memory is that it usually belongs to more than one person... I can keep my memories of grampa safe even when his are gone. A story about Alzheimer's Dementia to be shared by families who are experiencing the challenges of this illness.

Alex McDonagh is a 25-year-old girl who's well and truly stuck in a rut! In a dead-end retail job and living alone in a tiny Sydney flat, she lies awake at night searching for solutions to her mounting problems and formulating a plan to escape the debt-ridden hole she's in. Turning to alcohol is not the escape she needs. There seems to be no way out. But just when she thinks she's hit rock bottom, help comes from some very unlikely sources. Through them, Alex learns life lessons that show her not only the person she has become, but how others perceive her as well. This presents a unique opportunity to change course and ultimately help not just herself, but everyone close to her too. How Alex will use this chance to lead a full and satisfying life is for her alone to discover.

In Camran's Race to Gold: A Tale of Training and Triumph, follow the exhilarating journey of young Camran, the fastest boy in his school. Known for his athletic prowess, Camran's dreams of winning the gold medal are jeopardized when he becomes captivated by his tablet, neglecting his training. Will Camran learn his lesson in time? Join him as he realizes the importance of hard work, determination, and staying focused. With every turn of the page, children will be captivated by Camran's adventures and cheer him on as he trains harder than ever before. Camran's Race to Gold encourages young readers to put down their tablets, engage in physical activity, and strive to be their best. Join Camran on his quest for victory, and discover the joy of chasing your dreams in this uplifting tale of resilience and triumph!

Gaming mad and hoodie-clad, Giz the elf loves his job as a games console tester - perhaps a little too much, his fellow elves might say. Many hours each day 'Gaming Giz' would spend gaming in his zone, watched by his army of followers around the world. Despite often irritating his colleagues with his noise, Giz works hard to make sure his work is always completed on time. That is of course until the excitable young elf was to eventually lose touch with 'reality'...

Meet George, a tiny mouse with a big heart who prefers the comfort of his cozy home. Despite his aversion to adventure, excitement always finds him. This Christmas, George's quiet life is turned upside down by unexpected holiday escapades. Join him on a heartwarming journey filled with surprises, new friends, and the true spirit of the season in this delightful tale for all ages.

Max, a young teen on the verge of adulthood and a mental breakdown, finds himself at a crossroads when his past catches up with him and his future promises more hardship and distress. This collision forces him to his breaking point. In his lowest moment, a light within him is activated, triggered by the energy of the equinox as it reaches its peak and the veil thins, awakening dormant powers within Max. He opens himself to the wonder and potential beyond the physical plane, moving beyond his mundane struggles to fit in and feel normal. Max's newfound power to travel inadvertently opens a portal to a dark dimension, inviting Darklings to Earth, who seek Max's power to free their master, Umbra. Max's life is thrust into chaos as he faces old and new threats in both inner dimensions and the outer world. New allies come to his aid, and he awakens to the light and strength within him. He must confront his inner demons and those threatening Earth, discovering his potential as realms, realities, and dimensions become his guide to self-discovery. The Awakening has begun...

A wild romp through the Australian bush as one man seeks to fulfill his dream of meeting a platypus. This vibrant adventure brings to life some of Australia's most beloved animals. Written in rhyming verse, this delightful tale will have you hooked from beginning to end.

The Preference is about the unfolding of relationships amid complex desires. Although it is a novel of feelings and love, it is by no means an historical romance of the traditional type. Highly individual in its way, it follows the lives of two bright girls from privileged backgrounds from their teen years to early womanhood. Intriguing and unique, Croft's vivid portrayal of 19th-century life, combined with rich character dynamics, creates an unforgettable 'keyhole' look at sexual and emotional power-play in the mid-1800s. A plethora of well-defined characters move this story along. It's a book that can be appreciated on different levels, but is a treat for anyone with a penchant for the Victorian era... or a taste for the sensual. Insightful, erotic and humorous, exploring profound issues and compelling scenarios, this period drama is written with wit and honesty and was inspired by private archived diaries, defying some of the accepted stereotypes of the times. Its sequel, The Entitlement, is the next to follow.

Dr Ouchy and Nurse Kitty are always ready to help when someone is sick. But when a Kookaburra loses his laughter in the magical forest, all the children and animals become worried and call for help! Will Dr Ouchy and Nurse Kitty make it on time to bring Kookaburra's laughter back?

Which would you deem the most contemptible sinner: a gluttonous guzzler, a lusty lecher, or maybe a hubristic artist? As the reader, the judgment lies with you alone. Stride forth and unravel the timeless riddle of humanity's repetitive transgressions in this collection of moral fables for modern times. The tales traverse the ages, yet remain ceaseless in their relevance. None can claim immunity from sin's snare - all who live have fallen. From the first bite that banished man from paradise to the perpetual flaws and falsehoods that yet shackle our noble potential, this canonical catalogue chronicles the salacious sins, devious vices and egoic traps which persist in beguiling even the best of us.

Prince Durst, the leader of his tribe in Wales is a troubled man. The Welsh dragons, the food of his nation, are becoming extinct. He can't let his people starve, but what will he do? He will need to travel to far off shores to find a land of food. Setting sail in his ship he voyages far, far away and discovers the land of Zitan, ruled by a Queen tormented by dragons! Helping the Queen with her troublesome pests she rewards the Prince for his help and bravery. The Prince can now return home to his people with the answer to all his worries and problems!

Are you finding it challenging to get your child to eat a variety of foods, especially fruits and vegetables? Is mealtime often a battle? If so, this book is your solution. Inside, you'll find creative snack and meal ideas that cleverly incorporate hidden fruits and vegetables, ensuring your child enjoys a diverse and nutritious diet.

Laugh, cry, and feel wonder alongside 26 real-life wanderers in Portraits of Travel. In 2015, Caroline Bouron embarked on a journey across the Pacific to discover what drives people to forsake comfort for life on the move. She ended up interviewing 26 globetrotting voyagers from 12 countries and all walks of life - cyclists, sailors, nomads traveling for weeks or years at a time. Though their reasons for roaming varied widely, the travellers shared one thing: encounters that profoundly shaped their trips and their selves. With raw candour recalling both breathtaking vistas and bumpy roads, the voyagers recount outstanding memories from chance romantic trysts to brushes with death that forever altered their worldviews. And interspersed with travel tips and hidden gems worth visiting across the protagonists' homelands, their stories may just provide the inspiration for your next adventure. From lifelong nomad to novice wanderer, anyone with a flicker of wanderlust will see themselves reflected in these pages. So, grab your backpack and traverse the world through the eyes of these intrepid souls.

Discover the heartwarming tale of saying goodbye to a beloved pet in Bye Bye Doggie by Nacia Jardine. This touching story gently guides young readers through the emotions of losing a furry friend, offering comfort and understanding during a difficult time. With soothing rhymes and vibrant illustrations, children will learn to cherish the happy memories of their pets and find solace in remembering the joy they brought. Perfect for families navigating the loss of a pet, Bye Bye Doggie is a tender and thoughtful book that helps children cope with loss and celebrate the special bond they shared.