Keeping with my usual "all things Aussie" yearly promotion, here is this year's updated Australiana catalogue. I should have had this catalogue out a few days ago, but better late than never. Of course if the power would stop getting turned off in the street all the time, that would be a big help too! Grrrr ...

There are some fantastic products in it this year ... some great new fiction for adults and children, as well as some wonderful Australiana DVDs.

You can either DOWNLOAD A PDF copy to save to your computer and forward it to your friends or you can read it DIRECT ON THE WEBSITE.

WEBSITE UPDATE: I'm currently doing my best to update my poor website and bring it up-to-date with all the fabulous new technology that's available. The trouble is, there is so much to choose from, I'm becoming totally overwhelmed by the prospect. Bear with me, though. It won't be long now and all will be working perfectly from your mobile devise, your shopping carts won't drop out (nearly driving you insane) and there will be tons of more features too. GREAT NEWS FOR ALL!

Amongst my own favourites in the catalogue are the re-release of the Silver Brumby books by Elyne Mitchell, which are long, long overdue.

The first four books are available now in VOLUME ONE CENTENARY EDITION, with the next four in the series due for release in March. Happily, a whole new generation of children can now enjoy this fabulous series too.

In conjunction with the re-release of the books, there is also a stunning new coffee table style book of Elyne Mitchells beloved High Country. ON THE TRAIL OF THE SILVER BRUMBY is full of the best of the famous authors non-fiction writing, together with stunning photo's taken by her grandson James Auchinleck, this one is a real treasure.

And then there is the true account of her life, written by her daughter Joy Auchinleck. A DAUGHTER REMEMBERS, gives a candid portrayal of Elynes life as a wife, mother and author, living in the Snowy Mountain High Country in the 1900's.

Also worth a special mention, is the latest book by one of my own favourite children's authors, Jackie French. Although officially a sequel sequel to her best-selling novel A WALTZ FOR MATILDA, THE GIRL FROM SNOWY RIVER is just as easily read as a stand-alone book.

Set just after the First World War in the Snowy Mountains High Country, it's a terrific look at how families suffered and then re-adjusted to life after the horrific conflict. Lots of horsy action plus a splash of romance, this book will keep a lot of mum's happy as well as the teenagers.

In case you aren't familar with the work of Jackie French, she is the lady who used to have the children's section on the Burkes Backyard TV series. She was often making craft and cooking or looking for fairies in the garden, but no matter what, was always entertaining and loads of fun.

A lot of her books are based on historical events and are very thoroughly researched, often winning major literary awards. What better way to learn about history than tied up in an exciting story! Jackie French ... a true Aussie legend.

There are so many fans of Aussie fiction writer Carmel Rowley, many of whom have been waiting so anxiously for the release of the her final book in her Daughters of the Wind trilogy. Thankfully THE WINDS OF TIME is now available.

Carmel is a leading Australian breeder of Egyptian horses (and a lovely lady) and in her books she has drawn on her very extensive knowledge of both the breed and the show world, bundling it all up in this exciting drama series. Set in the world of Arabian show horses, Carmel has earned a legion of fans and dedicated followers right around the world.

I recently spoke to Carmel about her latest book and she believes it's the best one yet.

"Jessikah Carey leaves her Darling Downs Arabian stud and heads back to her roots in Egypt. There she discovers a tumultuous and bitter past interwoven with an intriguing mystery, the splendour of Egypt and the lives of her ancestors and their love of the Arabian horse."

I can highly recommend these books if you haven't already discovered them. A terrific fast-moving series packed with action, drama and a splash of romance too.

BOOK 1 - TAILS CARRIED HIGH
BOOK 2 - VOICES IN THE WIND
BOOK 3 - WINDS OF TIME

I have just received the very first episodes of a new TV series, hopefully soon to be gracing our TV screens. THE PONY POWER STABLES is a real winner and one that will keep young children entertained for hours.

This series is much like a reality TV show, but especially tailored for children. Join a group of everyday, young horse lovers as they go about the daily fun and adventure of riding and caring for ponies.

The ponies are to-die-for cute (I want to steal all of them) the joy of the children unmistakable plus there are plenty of tips and learning woven into each episode. An most importantly, The Pony Fairy and her magical horse Wizz the Wise are never far away in keeping their eye on proceedings.

These early DVD's will not be readily available and are well worth grabbing now. When this series is a huge television success, you can all say "I saw it first!"

VOLUME ONE: COME SHOWJUMPING WITH SUNSHINE AND FRIENDS
VOLUME TWO: A DAY AT THE PONY POWER STABLES
VOLUME THREE: HOLIDAY PONY CAMP
VOLUME FOUR: SLEEPOVER AT THE PONY POWER STABLES

RUMOUR: I've also heard from The Pony Fairy that she will soon have her own magical TV series as well. I can't wait for that one!

Isn't it brilliant that Dusty is finally back on DVD! Based on the book by Frank Dalby Davison, this is the original stories of another legendary Aussie "Red Dog".

Station hand Tom Lincoln buys himself a young pup believing it to be a Kelpie, little knowing that it was really half Dingo. Although he trains him to become a formidable working dog, his natural hunting instincts win out in the end and he starts troubling sheep. Ohhhh dear ....

I am madly working away at the moment to get all the dog products well and truly well-stocked. The next catalogue I put out will be a doggy DVD one, so stay tuned for the not too distant future.