BUSHFIRE: There is a fire coming, and we need to move quickly. Mum and Dad start packing bags, grabbing woollen blankets, the first-aid kit, torches, and then the photo albums. Dad puts Ruby on her lead and ties her up near the back door. My chest feels hollow, like a birdcage.

Atmospheric and intensely moving, this is the story of a family experiencing a bushfire, its devastating aftermath, and the long process of healing and rebuilding.

BUSHFIRE: 'One small spark brought fire awake. Winding like a small black snake. Fire flickered, fire crept. Flames snickered, bushfire leapt...'

Inspired by the bushfires that have affected many Australians, Fire is a moving and sensitive story of a natural disaster as seen through the eyes of a cockatoo. The fire mercilessly engulfs homes and land, leaving a path of destruction. But from the ruins, courage, kindness and new life grows.

FARM LIFE: Alison Lester grew up on a farm by the sea in eastern Victoria. My Farm is her story of a memorable year, the year she got a palomino pony for Christmas. All the seasons are depicted with child-like mischief and humour.

FARM LIFE / SEASONS: Rick is coming to visit the farm again. But will he recognise the farm? Will he have as much fun as last time? Same friend. Same farm. Totally different landscape. A book about the great cycles of nature that rule our lives, from award-winning author John Heffernan. Note: features images of dead animals.