The Stolen Bairn by Katrina Macdonald Roe

The Stolen Bairn by Katrina Macdonald Roe Published by Riveted Press Guest author post by Katrina Macdonald Roe about The Stolen Bairn for Joy in Books at Paperbark Words blog Ancient faery tales grow like trees and fall from Skye Usually, my ideas for stories grow slowly, like trees. They start with a seed, which can take months or even years […]

The Thylacine and the Time Machine by Renée Treml

The Thylacine and the Time Machine by Renée Treml The Thylacine and the Time Machine: a wild ride through the past and possible future of the Tasmanian Tiger written and illustrated by Renée Treml (Allen & Unwin) The Thylacine and the Time Machine is a graphic novel shortlisted in the Eve Pownall non-fiction category of […]

Dingoes Up Close by Jane Forge

Dingoes Up Close by Jane Forge (Wild Dog Books) Guest author post by Jane Forge about Dingoes Up Close for Joy in Books at Paperbark Words blog I think my first ‘encounter’ with dingoes came in the form of Dick Roughsey’s picture book, The Giant Devil-Dingo. I found that story quite scary at the time, but it ended happily with the […]

Of Flame and Fury by Mikayla Bridge

Of Flame and Fury by Mikayla Bridge INSIDE THE CBCA 2026 SHORTLIST (Macmillan Australia) “Though she’d loved those stories, they weren’t the real reason she’d latched on to Savita – at least, not in in recent years. Something about Savita’s immortality made Kel feel safe in a way that nothing else could. No matter what […]

Somewhere You Can Dream by Janeen Brian & Hilary Jean Tapper

Somewhere You Can Dream by Janeen Brian & Hilary Jean Tapper (Published by Allen & Unwin) Guest author post by Janeen Brian about Somewhere You Can Dream for Joy in Books at Paperbark Words blog ‘Creativity needs space to breathe.’ This quote from Australian author-illustrator, Lisa Stewart, caused me to reflect on the space suggested. […]

Storm by Claire Saxby and Jess Racklyeft

Storm by Claire Saxby and Jess Racklyeft (Allen & Unwin) Author piece about Storm from Claire Saxby for Joy in Books at Paperbark Words blog Jess and I have been lucky enough to work on several books together with the fabulous A&U publishing team. Trusting that Jess will find the spaces between my words and […]

The Prime Minister Problem by Brenton Cullen

The Prime Minister Problem by Brenton Cullen Guest Post about The Prime Minister Problem by Brenton Cullen for Paperbark Words Blog Loneliness is often talked about like it only touches certain people. Kids feel it at school, sitting on the edges of friendship groups. Older people feel it in quieter homes or aged care, where […]

My Dreamtime Match by Jacinta Daniher & Taylor Hampton, ill. Janelle Burger

My Dreamtime Match by Jacinta Daniher & Taylor Hampton, ill. Janelle Burger (Lothian Children’s Books, Hachette Australia) “AFL is my number one, I play until the day is done. Today with every kick and bound, We celebrate the Indigenous Round. With every goal, I cheer with glee, An AFL star I hope to be. Footy […]

Castle Crashing by Andrea Rowe & Hannah Sommerville

Castle Crashing written by Andrea Rowe, illustrated by Hannah Sommerville Published by Hardie Grant Andrea Rowe speaks to Paperbark Words blog about Castle Crashing, her exquisite quintessential Australian beach holiday picture book, illustrated by Hannah Sommerville. Castle Crashing is a 2026 Notable Book. My inspiration I have vivid memories of making sandcastles on one of […]

Inked by Karen Wasson, illustrated by Jake A Minton

Inked by Karen Wasson, illustrated Jake A Minton Published by Figment Books (Hardie Grant Publishing) “I wish I could blend in.” (Inked) Inked is a graphic novel shortlisted in the Younger Reader category of the 2026 CBCA awards. It was also the first graphic novel to be shortlisted for the Ampersand Prize for an unpublished manuscript. […]