This season, three outstanding new titles for young people place Walker Books at the forefront of trade publishing, and re-inforce the company's commitment to the world's most precious resource - its children.

Title: Curious George’s First Day of School
Author: Margret Rey
Illustrator: H.A.Rey / Anna Grossnickle Hines
Price: $9.95
ISBN: 9781406313918

‘Curious George’ is an animated monkey, child delight, and star of 8 new reading adventures. The exciting list was launched recently, and its prelude title Curious George’s First Day of School is now in Australia. The appealing text is effervescent in style, and showcases George at his very best - an impish monkey celebrating life, learning and ‘new beginnings’.



Title: Measuring Angels
Author: Lesley Ely
Illustrator: Polly Dunbar
Price: 27.95
ISBN: 9781845076399

Measuring Angels (Lesley Ely & Polly Dunbar) gives unique insight and perspective into the changing nature of young friendships. When conflict between two school friends is seen to affect the growth of a precious sunflower, the girls work to mend their hostile relationship. It is a decision that heralds transforming grace in the hearts of all people present - and a time of magical growth for the seedling. As an angel is crafted to support a new, flourishing bloom, (immeasurable) smiles of happiness are conveyed amongst friends, old and new.


Title: Simpson and his Donkey
Author: Mark Greenwood
Illustrator Frane Lessac
Price: $27.95
ISBN: 9781921150180

Simpson and his Donkey (Mark Greenwood & Frane Lessac) is perhaps the finest piece of Australian literature published into April 2008. A sensitively penned portrait of one man’s humanity in war, the volume celebrates the life and story of stretcher-bearer Jack Simpson Kirkpatrick - deployed for service at Gallipoli on 25th April 1915. Simpson enlisted the help of a donkey, and together the pair worked courageously to carry hundreds of wounded ANZACs - from battlefront to the site of a temporary hospital. Conveyed in language, tone and colour appropriate for all readers, the volume will prove fundamental in the re-telling of Australian war history. In legend and legacy, Simpson and his Donkey shines with spirit for all people who have journeyed through war.

Jacqueline Perryman

Walker Books Australia has provided The Bendigo Weekly with a complimentary copy of  Simpson and his Donkey. For your chance to win this remarkable new release, simply place your name, address and telephone number, on the back of a stamped envelope, and send to: Bendigo Weekly "Simpson and his Donkey" Competition P.O. Box 324 Bendigo  VIC 3552.