The Australian Capital Territory is a treasure trove for naturalists, despite being without a coastline, without rainforest or without deserts. A wealth of biodiversity is found there, due to the close proximity of three major habitat types: the great western woodland grassy plains bump up against the inland edge of the coastal hinterland mountain forests, while the whole south-eastern Australian Alps system reaches its northern limit in the Brindabella Ranges. Each of these habitats has its own rich suite of plants and animals, so a great diversity of life can be found within an hour’s drive of Parliament House. A Bush Capital Year introduces the fauna, flora, habitats and reserves of the Australian Capital Territory and includes the most recent research available. It also emphasises often unappreciated or even unrecognised urban wildlife. For each month of the year there are 10 stories which discuss either a species or a group of species, such as mosses and mountain grasshoppers. While never anthropomorphic, many of the stories are written from the organism’s point of view, while others are from that of an observer. Beautiful paintings complement the text and allow better visualisation of the stories and the subjects. 2011 Whitley Award Commendation for Regional Natural History.

In this charming and concise book, Nicholas Brown looks beyond the clichés to illuminate the colourful history of Australia's capital.

Nature has the power to restore us, but can it wash away our darkest truths? Set amid the red dust and heat of the Australian Kimberley wet season and the smoky backdrop of the holy river Ganges in India, this is a novel about rebirth and remembrance. Brian, a Vietnam veteran, has been missing for twenty years. Matt dreams of one day finding his own path like his heroic father, as Beth's religious fervour propagates a childhood of parental disappointment. Losing her battle with Cystic Fibrosis, Rachel Hudson asks her family for one last request: a journey to the exotic and the unknown. Ever the free spirit, she administers a dose of her notorious wanderlust. The Happiness Jar reveals the power of letting go of the memories that we think sustain us. It's a story about tightly held beliefs, the fragility of family and how quickly faith can fold when we release the burdens we place on ourselves and each other. Previously winning/shortlisted for the below awards this title is being republished: Winner, ACT Writing and Publishing Award for Fiction 2014; Runner Up, FAW Christina Stead Award 2013; Runner Up, FAW Jim Hamilton Award 2010; Shortlist, Penguin Varuna Scholarship 2011; Shortlist, HarperCollins Varuna Award 2011.

A 32pp illustrated children's book celebrating our nation's capital, Canberra, from the viewpoint of a child.