1
of
1
A Concise Compendium of Wonder
A triptych
Brief Description
A radical collection of reimagined fairytales from three incredible Australian authors, for readers of all ages.In the middle of a great famine, two siblings are cast out into a forest that holds both danger and beauty. Perpetual winter descends upon a giant’s garden after rowdy children...
Read More
Format: Paperback / softback
$3699
Unit price
/
Unavailable
AVAILABLE WITH SUPPLIER
Ships from our Auckland warehouse within 4-6 weeks
Found a better price? Request a price match
A Concise Compendium of Wonder
$3699
Unit price
/
Unavailable
Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and
still learning, it may not be perfect - your
feedback is welcome!
Description
A radical collection of reimagined fairytales from three incredible Australian authors, for readers of all ages.
In the middle of a great famine, two siblings are cast out into a forest that holds both danger and beauty. Perpetual winter descends upon a giant’s garden after rowdy children are shut out by a massive wall. In the year 3099, humans find themselves stranded on the Moon and turn to their one remaining tree for wisdom.
At the centre of each of these stories is an urgent question about humanity’s relationship with nature. But there is also a tiny seed of hope.
Based on the Brothers Grimm’s Hansel and Gretel, Oscar Wilde’s The Selfish Giant and Hans Christian Andersen’s The Little Match Girl, this epic collection from award-winning authors Ceridwen Dovey, Ursula Dubosarsky and Jennifer Mills is destined to be a favourite for all generations.
A Concise Compendium of Wonder is published to coincide with the Slingsby theatre production of the same name, premiering at the Adelaide Festival in March 2026, and includes illustrations by Lorelei Medcalf.
Education notes available here
Book Details
INFORMATION
ISBN: 9781763847545
Publisher: Pink Shorts Press
Format: Paperback / softback
Date Published: 24 February 2026
Country: Australia
Imprint: Pink Shorts Press
DIMENSIONS
Width: 3429.0mm
Height: 5334.0mm
Weight: 250g
Pages: 96
About the Author
Ceridwen Dovey is an Australian author, science writer and filmmaker based on Gadigal country in Sydney. Her books include Only the Astronauts, Blood Kin and Only the Animals.
Ursula Dubosarsky is the award-winning author of over sixty books for young people, and a past Australian Children’s Laureate. She lives on Gadigal country in Sydney.
Jennifer Mills is an author, editor and critic based on Kaurna Yarta (Adelaide). Her latest novel is Salvage, published by Picador Australia.
Also by Ceridwen Dovey
View all-
Only the Astronauts
A transformative new collection from the award-winning author of Only the Animals. Ceridwen Dovey has a rare, wild genius. The stories in Only the Astronauts are extraordinary, funny, delightful and moving. Dovey sees tenderly what it is to be human - from a perspective that is out-of-this-world imaginative. - Anna Funder Adrift in outer space, a motley crew of human-made...Paperback$3500Elsewhere:$3800Unit price /UnavailableAvailableShips in 4-6 weeks -
Only the Animals
Exquisitely written, playful and poignant, Only the Animals is a remarkable literary achievement by the award-winning Ceridwen Dovey, one of our brightest young writers. Perhaps only the animals can tell us what it is to be human. The souls of ten animals caught up in human conflicts over the last century tell their astonishing stories of life and death. In...Paperback$2400Elsewhere:$2600Unit price /UnavailableAvailableShips in 4-6 weeks -
In the Garden of the Fugitives
From the award-winning author of Only the Animals comes an unputdownable novel of obsession, guilt, and the power of the past to possess the present. Almost twenty years after forbidding him to contact her, Vita receives an email from her old benefactor, Royce. Once, she was one of his brightest protegees; now her career has stalled and Royce is ailing,...Paperback$3400Elsewhere:$3700Unit price /UnavailableAvailableShips in 4-6 weeks -
On JM Coetzee
From South Africa to Australia, Dovey draws on family history to explore the Nobel Prize-winning writer's work, tracing an intellectual heritage that has been passed from mother to daughter. I was born in the year J.M. Coetzee published his third novel, Waiting for the Barbarians. My mother read this dark, disturbing book with its multiple scenes of torture as she...Hardback$2600Unit price /UnavailableAvailableShips in 4-6 weeks -
Life After Truth
At their fifteen-year reunion, a group of Harvard graduates—labouring with early middle age, marriage and children, unrealised aspirations and a depressing political climate—rekindle old loves and old resentments. Fifteen years after graduating from Harvard, five close friends on the cusp of middle age are still pursuing an elusive happiness and wondering if they've wasted their youthful opportunities. Jules, already a...PaperbackSold Out
Also by Ursula Dubosarsky
View all-
The Return of the Word Spy (B&W)
Excellent source of fun information about the English language, suitable for children of 6 years and up. Much more fun to be had with the English language at the hands of this literary duo. Discover hidden and silent languages, the secrets of grammar, dying words, and newborn words...Paperback$2300Unit price /UnavailableAvailableShips in 4-6 weeks -
Hercules Quick's Big Bag of Tricks
Ursula Dubosarsky was the Australian Children's Laureate 2020-2021 Hercules Quick's Big Bag of Tricks follows the story of Hercules Quick, an aspiring magician who dreams of owning a special box of magic tricks. The catch? The box is expensive, and Hercules doesn’t have any money. But living in a big apartment block does have its advantages. With Aunt Alligator and...Paperback$2299Unit price /UnavailableAvailableShips in 4-6 weeks -
The Blue Cat
Ursula Dubosarsky is the Australian Children's Laureate for 2020 - 2021A boy stood in the playground under the big fig tree. 'He can't speak English,' the children whispered.Sydney, 1942. The war is coming to Australia - not only with the threat of bombardment, but also the arrival of refugees from Europe. Dreamy Columba's world is growing larger. She is drawn...Paperback$2299Unit price /UnavailableAvailableShips in 4-6 weeks -
Ethan Eats
Ethan Eats is the delightful tale of a young boy who eats everything except peas! But what will Ethan do when there's nothing else to eat? This exciting new series by celebrated author Ursula Dubosarsky, with illustrations by Annie White, offers children their first foray into reading real novels. The stories are designed to be approximately 650 words in length,...Paperback$1299Unit price /UnavailableAvailableShips in 4-6 weeks -
Ethel the Penguin
Ethel the Penguin's in my class,Though she doesn't sit next to me.Miss Ink likes Ethel to sit by herself,She can be a bit lawless, you see. Everyone needs a best friend like Ethel. She's not afraid of teachers. She's not afraid of heights. In fact, she's totally WILD! An exuberant picture book about the vicarious joy of an unruly friend...Hardback$2299Elsewhere:$3999Unit price /UnavailableIn StockShips today -
Puffin Nibbles: The Deep End
Becky has reached the point in her swimming lessons when she has stopped being a Frog and has moved up to be a Platypus. She has to go into the deep end, and she's not at all sure that she's ready for it. She wishes she could be a Frog for just a little while longer. Puffin Nibbles: The Deep...Paperback$1799Unit price /UnavailableAvailableShips in 4-6 weeks -
The Word Spy
Dear Readers, You may not know me, but I know you... I am - the WORD SPY. I have been in hiding for many, many years, but the time has now come at last for me to emerge from undercover and share some of the secrets I have learned in my many, many years as - the WORD SPY. Oh...Paperback$2100Elsewhere:$2300Unit price /UnavailableAvailableShips in 4-6 weeks -
The Golden Day
There were only eleven of them, like eleven sisters all the same age in a large family. Because it was such a very small class, they had a very small classroom, which was perched at the very top of the school. "Today, girls," said Miss Renshaw, "we shall go out into the beautiful garden and think about death." So off...Paperback$2300Elsewhere:$2499Unit price /UnavailableAvailableShips in 4-6 weeks -
Tibby's Leaf
Tibby feels like everything is going wrong. Her big brother Clarence is all grown up, and doesn't want to play with her any more. If Clarence says there aren't any pixies except in books, then what exactly did Tibby see in the bush, peering out from behind a leaf? Ursula Dubosarsky has created a charming story inspired by a postcard...Paperback$1599Unit price /UnavailableAvailableShips in 4-6 weeks -
Too Many Elephants in this House
In Eric's house there were too many elephants - in the living room, in the kitchen, in the bathroom, even in his bedroom! The elephants take up a lot of space, but Eric loves every one of them. So when his mum says they have to go, Eric comes up with a clever solution to a very BIG problem ...From...Paperback$2200Unit price /UnavailableAvailableShips in 4-6 weeks -
Trim the Cat
Born on a rocking ship in the middle of the ocean, Trim is no ordinary cat. Fearless, clever and full of heart, Trim sails into stormy seas and on grand adventures with his best friend and fellow explorer Matthew Flinders. But when disaster strikes, Trim must find courage and hope will he ever see his beloved captain again?Hardback$3299Unit price /UnavailableAvailableShips in 4-6 weeks -
Fairy Bread
Becky only wants fairy bread for her birthday party, so she and her mother make fairy bread, lots of it. But no one eats it, and Becky won't let it be thrown away. She thinks of lots of things to do with the fairy bread—making dolls' clothes and bookmarks—but there is still so much left! For ages 6 to 10....Paperback$1299Unit price /UnavailableAvailableShips in 4-6 weeks
More from Arts & Culture
View all-
Dylan's PickBold Types
A tribute to 32 truly independent bookshops throughout Aotearoa New Zealand, from north of Auckland down to Dunedin, and coast to coast. Jane Ussher's photographs show every bookstore in its unique nature - including behind the counter, smoko rooms, the mess which tells the hardworking story behind the joy of matching books with customers. Jemma Moreira's careful editing has crafted...Hardback$5500Elsewhere:$7000Unit price /UnavailableAvailableShips in 1 week -
New ReleaseDisney Moana: The Official Cookbook
Embark on a culinary adventure with Moana of Motunui with Pacific recipes inspired by Moana and Moana 2! After a long day of sailing to see how far you’ll go or keeping the demigod Maui out of trouble with Te Fiti, catch a break with the delicious dishes in Moana: The Official Cookbook! Featuring more than 50 recipes spanning the...Hardback$4499Elsewhere:$5299Unit price /UnavailableIn StockShips today -
This Angry Pen of Mine
This Angry Pen of Mine by Layne Staley invites you to dive into the untold creative world of Layne Staley, the legendary voice behind Alice in Chains. This extraordinary collection showcases his handwritten lyrics, deeply personal poetry, stunning original artwork, rare photos, fan tributes, and so much more. Step into the world of Layne Staley like never before. For the...Hardback$7299Elsewhere:$8999Unit price /UnavailableIn StockShips today -
They Bloom Because of You
Bestselling author and Instagram sensation Jessica Urlichs returns with a new collection of beautifully observed poems about the ever-evolving journey of motherhood - the hard, the magic and the fleeting. ‘A raw and honest read that makes you feel seen and understood in a way that will bring you to tears.’ - Hilary Swank ‘A book to keep close and...Paperback$3000Elsewhere:$3600Unit price /UnavailableIn StockShips today -
Leaves of Grass
A collectible new Penguin Classics series offers beautiful, slim, clothbound editions of ten favourite poets. In 1855, Walt Whitman published his first collection of poetry, Leaves of Grass. The volume received great praise from leading Transcendentalist poet Ralph Waldo Emerson. This encouragement led to what would become a lifelong project, as Whitman expanded and rewrote the volume until his death...Hardback$2200Elsewhere:$2400Unit price /UnavailableIn StockShips today -
Great Writers and the Cats who Owned Them
Throughout history, cats and writers have bonded together in a magical combination of comfort, companionship and inspiration. The famous authors featured here range from Samuel Johnson, whose cat Hodge dined on oysters, and Edward Lear, whose charismatic cat Foss was missing half his tail, to Margaret Mitchell, L. M. Montgomery and Dorothy L. Sayers, who rescued her kitten Blitz from...Hardback$3999Unit price /UnavailableIn StockShips today -
Beautiful Chaos
The Instant Sunday Times Bestseller Selected poems from bestselling author and Instagram poet, Jessica Urlichs. 'These words awaken the magic of life by celebrating the ordinary.' - Giovanna Fletcher Motherhood is messy and beautiful, and hard and humbling. We adore our children and sometimes we miss ourselves. Beautiful Chaos is a collection of raw, honest poems about motherhood, capturing everything...Paperback$2900Elsewhere:$3500Unit price /UnavailableIn StockShips today -
To the Women - The New Collection of Wise Words Every Woman Needs
THE COMPLETELY UPDATED COLLECTION WITH OVER 70 BRAND NEW POEMS, FROM THE SUNDAY TIMES NO.1 BESTSELLING AUTHOR OF WILD HOPE AND WORDS TO LIVE BY 'Amazing . . . Donna's words speak to my heart' Davina McCall To the Women is a celebration of the beauty, strength, and joy of being a woman. A love letter to our deep capacity...Hardback$2999Unit price /UnavailableIn StockShips today -
Wreck This Journal: Now in Colour
The creative journey continues with Wreck This Journal: Now in Colour by Keri Smith, the latest and most vibrant edition of the groundbreaking series that redefined journaling. Celebrating its 10th anniversary, this edition brings the playful destructiveness of the original to life in dazzling full colour, adding a dynamic new dimension to the beloved prompts. Whether you're a seasoned Wreck-er,...Paperback$2500Elsewhere:$2800Unit price /UnavailableIn StockShips today -
A Thousand Feasts
THE INSTANT #1 SUNDAY TIMES BESTSELLER From award-winning writer Nigel Slater, comes a new and exquisitely written collection of notes, memoir, stories and small moments of joy. 'Nigel Slater’s prose is the rarest delicacy of all: exquisite yet effortless, filled with heart, tenderness, yearning and humour' ELIZABETH DAY For years, Nigel Slater has kept notebooks of curiosities and wonderings, penned...Paperback$2999Unit price /UnavailableIn StockShips today -
The Odyssey
The Odyssey by Homer is a monumental epic that has enthralled readers for centuries with its rich tapestry of adventure and human struggle. It chronicles the perilous journey of Odysseus, the cunning King of Ithaca, as he strives to return home after the fall of Troy. During this ten-year odyssey, Odysseus confronts myriad dangers, both natural and supernatural, that test...Paperback$2499Elsewhere:$2800Unit price /UnavailableIn StockShips today -
Deliver Me from Nowhere (Movie Tie-In)
An updated movie tie-in edition of the fascinating story behind the making of Bruce Springsteen's most surprising album, Nebraska, and its pivotal role in the rock legend's career. The inspiration for the major motion picture starring Jeremy Allen White and Jeremy Strong. The fascinating story behind the making of Bruce Springsteen's most surprising album, Nebraska, revealing its pivotal role in...Paperback$3199Elsewhere:$3999Unit price /UnavailableIn StockShips today
Why buy from us?
Book Hero is not a chain store or big box retailer. We're an independent 100% NZ-owned business on a mission to help more Kiwis rediscover a love of books and reading!
Service & Delivery
Our warehouse in Auckland holds over 100,000 books, toys, board games and puzzles in-stock so you're not waiting for your order to arrive from overseas.
Auckland Bookstore
We're primarily an online store, but for your convenience you can pick up your order for free from our bookstore, which is right next door to our warehouse in Hobsonville.
Our Gifting Service
Books make wonderful thoughtful gifts and we're here to help with gift-wrapping and cards. We can even send your gift directly to your loved one.
