Revolutionary Voices for Democracy

Two hundred and fifty years ago, victory in the American Revolution empowered its founding fathers to consider a glorious ‘revolutionary idea’: a democracy of inclusiveness and diversity for all. Yet, America’s revolution never meant to include the enslaved, who lived in small, dark squares of windowless slave houses.

At Philadelphia, Pennsylvania’s Constitutional Convention of 1787, compromises perpetuated America’s ‘slave society’ based on free labour, benefiting its citizenry to the detriment of America’s slave row. For the next seventy-eight years, ‘America’s democracy’ permitted this vile system of slavery to continue. However, slave revolutions, revolutionary voices, and prayers persisted. As the smoke cleared from the battlefields of the American Civil War, Juneteenth (June 19, 1865) granted America a full Independence Day.

The question remains to this very day whether the formerly enslaved and their descendants will ever fully receive the rights, reparations, and benefits of full citizenship in our American democracy. Revolutionary voices must continue to set an example for the entire world of the revolutionary idea that is democracy.

The next 250 years will answer this question as America approaches its 500th anniversary.

Glance

From the coal mines of Northern England, which fuelled the Allies in World War II, to the war-torn streets of Saigon after the Vietnam War, two young souls charted their paths to America in the 1980s. Despite their vastly different journeys, fate brings them together in Indiana, where they uncover a collection of papers penned by a young Abraham Lincoln and hidden by his friend Eleanor Smith. This remarkable discovery ignites a shared quest to uncover the true significance of the documents for Lincoln and his childhood companion. As they delve deeper into their investigation, the revelations they uncover prove as transformative as the journey that brought them together.

Wild Elephant Adventures with Lofty

“The day was hot, the air was still and dust devils danced across the bush as Lofty waited in the shade at the edge of the forest, sometimes lifting his great trunk to test the air for scent. Suddenly there it was, the smell of humans and the guns they carried; he knew the poachers were not far away.”

“Suddenly and shockingly, there was an explosion of water and a huge crocodile leapt out of the shallows and fastened its jaws onto a young elephant’s leg, dragging him back into the water.”

“Raising his trunk to its full extent, Lofty caught the faint but distinctive smell that came from burning grass and trees, and knew that this was the start of a bush fire, always a great danger to animals caught in its path.”

Travel the bush tracks and forests of Africa with Lofty the elephant and experience the sights and sounds of wild Africa. See through the eyes of an elephant, the dangers and challenges faced by him and his herd as they follow their ancient migration routes across this vast continent.

Don't Call Me a Scaredy Cat

Don’t Call Me a Scaredy-Cat tells the story of a young boy with many fears. During a family trip, a poor decision leads him on an unexpected journey to confront those fears head-on. The adventure takes a dramatic turn, culminating in a heartwarming reunion with his loving father.

This touching tale allows parents and children to explore the transformation of fear into courage, learning together how to become true overcomers.

The Girl Downstairs

Embark on a mesmerizing journey with Samantha, a seven-year-old with an extraordinary secret that unfolds each night beneath the creaky floors of her cozy home on Dixie Avenue. In this enchanting tale, strange noises in the dark awaken Samantha’s courage, leading her to discover a mysterious girl and her magical teddy bear. As storms brew and fears loom, Samantha learns the true power of bravery, friendship, and the unexpected bonds that weave through the tapestry of our lives.

In The Girl Downstairs, author Danny Phillips crafts a heartwarming narrative that transcends the ordinary. Samantha’s nightly adventures, fuelled by the resilience of a child’s spirit, promise an unforgettable blend of mystery, magic, and moments that tug at your heartstrings. Phillips, renowned for his cinematic storytelling prowess, paints vivid scenes that come to life with each turn of the page. Will Samantha conquer her fears, or will the enchantment of the secret sanctuary forever captivate her imagination? Immerse yourself in a world where courage knows no age and discover the extraordinary in the ordinary – a tale that will leave you believing in the magic that surrounds us all.

Destiny

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).

The Journal

In the fifth instalment of this enchanting series, Billy embarks on a quest to uncover his ancestors’ mysterious connection to the fairy village. Guided by the wizard’s advice, Billy sets out on a journey to the neighbouring town, where a whimsical adventure awaits. From navigating the tranquil waters of the canal on a boat to encountering a mischievous possum and delving into the archives at the records office, Billy’s determination to unravel the secrets of his family’s past leads him through a series of captivating twists and turns.

Pina Discovered Clay

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.

Before the First Fleet to Australia

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.

The Elf That Couldn’t Stop Gaming

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’…

Merry Christmas George

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.

Dr Ouchy and Nurse Kitty: Kookaburra’s Laugh Debacle

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?