Showing results by narrator "Sarah Bacaller" in All Categories

One day, the King and Queen of a fairy kingdom receive an unfamiliar gift. That gift is a little daughter who is unlike anyone else in the kingdom. They all love her and celebrate her arrival. But then, a Shadow crosses the land and places a curse upon the little daughter, causing her to be different, delayed, unable to speak or walk. Three magic fairies try to overcome this curse by giving gifts to the girl. But the curse can only be broken when the girl herself discovers her unique powers.

This collection follows on from Australian Christmas Yarns Volume I and consists of 10 stories by notable Australian author Mary Grant Bruce (1878-1958). These stories sketch challenges of landscape, relationship, loss and hope.

Between 1896 and 1922, in addition to a series of full-length novels Lucy Maud Montgomery published over 140 short stories. In general, these tales are reflective of the coming of age themes and the sylvan settings which are explored in greater detail in the novels.

In an old house with "too many windows and women", high in the Indian hills, young Hannah lives with her older sister Gloria; her two older brothers; her mother - the Magician; a colorful assortment of aunts, blow-ins and misfits; and her father - the Historian. It is a world of secrets, jealousies and lies, ruled by the Historian but smoothed over by the Magician, whose kindnesses and wisdom bring homely comfort and all-enveloping love to a ramshackle building that seems destined for chaos.

This short biographical work describes the experiences of Chimezie Ihekuna, a Nigerian man born with a facial deformity. From one scenario to the next, Chimezie encounters ostracisation and indifference from peers and elders alike. He reflects candidly here on the impact this has had on his life. His story is an invitation to empathy for all those who listen.

Although his output was small, John of the Cross (1542 - 1591) is considered one of the most important figures in Spanish poetry. All his verses explore the same theme: the search of the soul for union with its creator and the glory of the resulting "mystical marriage". This selection of 20 poems opens with his most famous poem, "The Obscure Night of the Soul" and concludes with a free translation of "Psalm 137 (By the Waters of Babylon)".

Little Tommy the koala bear is sad and lonely in his gumtree in the country. The doctor recommends a trip to the city to brighten him up. While Tommy is in the city, he tries lots of different activities — but those funny Zookie creatures seem to follow him everywhere! This short story was written by Dorothy Wall, the New-Zealand born Australian author who created that famous koala character, Blinky Bill.

This book of 13 silly rhymes about strange animals is sure to delight and confuzzle its young listeners. More Beasts for Worse Children, a collection of nonsense verses for children, was written by English-French writer, historian, and satirist, Hilaire Belloc (1870–1953).

Have you been lately to Lake Pipple Popple? Perhaps you have spotted the Pobble who has no toes? Or maybe you have roosted in the Quangle Wangle’s hat? Certainly Mr. Edward Lear has (he’s written all about it). And now, you can listen to his tales read aloud, full of rhyme, rhythm, and words that you won’t find in the dictionary!

The Fault Lines Founding Liberty explores the tensions inherent in growing up and moving on from faith, family, and past versions of ourselves. With unanswered questions and hovering guilt, a young woman comes to confront the specters of her past through dialogue with an unexpected companion. This process is as uncomfortable as it is transformative.

This collection of short stories by notable Australian author Mary Grant Bruce (1878-1958) reflects on Australian experiences of summertime. Infused with the smells, sounds, and textures of Australian life during the Christmas season, these stories also highlight the strengths and yearnings of their characters.

Greybeards at Play is a short collection of humorous poetry by celebrated British writer and social commentator, Gilbert Keith Chesterton (1874-1936). Published in 1900, it was Chesterton's first publication. These rhymes and sketches spin witty lyrics around themes such as aestheticism, the philosopher's love of nature, and ill-directed altruism, in true Chestertonian style.

Ginger Mick has fallen amongst the ANZACS of Gallipoli - but not before entreating his mate Bill to take care of his sweetheart, Rose. Bill sets out with a local minister to 'rescue' Rose from a life of moral and material poverty, unbeknownst to his wife Doreen (or so he thinks!). The adventure unfolds with the humour, larrikinism, Aussie colloquialisms and pathos characteristic of C.J. Dennis.

A Comic Wake: Extrapolations from Acts' offers two essays exploring themes from the New Testament writings known as Acts. The first essay, "Comedy of Christian Faith" explores the nature of comedy, finding parallels in many dynamics of Christian faith and identity. The second essay, "In the Wake of Acts" explores an absence of mourning as a cultural phenomenon in the early Christian community in Acts, and asks what this might indicate regarding Christian faith and hope.

New South Wales struggled as a new British penal colony, facing drought, famine, social incoherence, and the development of an intransigent military cartel which did not lose any opportunity to exploit the circumstances. Together with an entrepreneurial landowner society led by John Macarthur, they made the task of the Governor, William Bligh (of The Bounty) very difficult.

The 36 poems, many of which are written in Aussie vernacular, highlight the extraordinary, the comic, and the tragic of daily life in Australia. Quirks of culture, geography, and language are simultaneously caricatured and celebrated, while the challenges and ironies of human experience are touched upon with humor and pathos. Many of these poems first appeared in Australian periodicals during the early 20th century. As a collection, Backblock Ballads and Later Verses was first published in 1918 and includes the notorious mock anthem, "The Austra-laise".

Jim of the Hills is a verse novel written by celebrated Australian poet, C.J. Dennis (1876-1938). It is narrated by shy, hard-working Jim, who works for a sawmill in the Australian bush. With characteristic pathos and wit, the story unfolds in twists and turns as Jim encounters Ben Murray, the Widow, Old Bob Blair, and the angel with the sunlit hair. This Australian classic, originally published in 1919, is a true delight.

Digger Smith is an Australian soldier who has fought at Gallipoli. An old mate of Ginger Mick's (The Moods of Ginger Mick), he returns from the war to visit the family of a fellow solder, Jim Flood. Narrated by Bill (the protagonist of The Songs of a Sentimental Bloke and a neighbour of the Floods), the story is woven together with sobering reflections and emotive dynamics expressed within a community of neighbours - friends and families of Australia's soldiers.

Stirling addresses themes including ethical relationality, religious language, biblical hermeneutics, political engagement, and Restoration Movement heritage and ethos. This engagement is fuelled by his conviction that the good news of Christian faith can and must speak deeply into the most pressing issues and concerns of human life.

This is is the second of the verse novels by C.J. Dennis and was published in 1916. It describes the adventures of Ginger Mick, a rough and ready associate of Bill, the major character of The Songs of a Sentimental Bloke. After starting life on the criminal fringes of the dubious neighbourhood of Spadger's Lane, Mick signs up for service in the ill-fated Gallipoli campaign, where he dies a hero's death.