The Song of Stork and Dromedary by Anjet Daanje

The Song of Stork and Dromedary by Anjet Daanje (translated by David McKay) (Scribe Publications) The Song of Stork and Dromedary is a masterful labyrinthine roman à clef. Dutch author, Anjet Daanje uses different voices and literary forms to inhabit sisters who represent the Brontë sisters, as well as others, to amplify their tale. extract […]

Samantha Wheeler & The Lost Island

Samantha Wheeler & The Lost Island Author Interview: Samantha Wheeler Samantha shares her thoughts about nature and her new middle-fiction novel, The Lost Island, with Joy in Books at PaperbarkWords blog Wonder Before Worry. How books can help children develop closer connections with nature by Samantha Wheeler A connection with nature goes beyond simply being outdoors. We sometimes talk about […]

The Phantom Surrealist by Geoffrey Gates

The Phantom Surrealist by Geoffrey Gates (Transit Lounge) “… Thus I was introduced to that gorgeous Australian surrealist, Robert J. Wake, to whom this book is dedicated. I have since understood the significance of the painting in broad historical and cultural terms, but what I saw at the time was an amorphous red bulge on […]

Betsy & Bon by Simon Howe

Betsy & Bon by Simon Howe Betsy & Bon written & illustrated by Simon Howe (UQP) Betsy & Bon is a gift-packaged hardcover book of three gentle, whimsical stories for young children. It explores empathetic and collaborative friendship and community, imaginative play and the natural world. It is recommended for ages 5-8. Thank you for speaking to […]

The Nardi Puzzle by Gabriella Page

The Nardi Puzzle by Gabriella Page (Wombat Books) With shades of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory but set in an escape room scenario, Gabriella Page’s The Nardia Puzzle is a middle-fiction page-turner. Article by Gabriella Page for PaperbarkWords blog: On doing the things that scare you I was 21 when I arrived in Italy. I […]

Protector of Beyond by Shara Curlett

Protector of Beyond by Shara Curlett (Penguin Books) “ ‘Today, you will have the honour of touching an Oath Stone,’ Charleston announces. ‘For those of you who produce a spark, you will leave this realm forever, entering into a training programme to fulfil your lifelong duty as a Protector of Beyond.’ ” (Protector of Beyond) […]

INSIDE THE CBCA 2026 WINNERS

INSIDE THE CBCA 2026 WINNERS The Children’s Book Council of Australia (CBCA) Winning and Honour Books for 2026 have been announced. Congratulations to everyone involved. Follow the links to those books I have already reviewed, or interviewed the author or illustrator, at PaperbarkWords blog. Book of the Year: OLDER READERS WINNER Darkest Night, Brightest Star, Barry Jonsberg (Allen & […]

Derek by Anne Donaldson, illustrated by Matt Shanks

Derek by Anne Donaldson, illustrated by Matt Shanks (Little Hare, Hardie Grant) “Derek was a fish with many questions.” (Derek) INSIDE THE CBCA 2026 SHORTLIST Derek is the humorously perceptive Honour-awarded picture book in the Early Childhood category of the 2026 CBCA awards. It is also the Early Childhood Shadow Judging winner. Interview with Derek creators Anne […]

Darkest Night, Brightest Star by Barry Jonsberg

Darkest Night, Brightest Star by Barry Jonsberg (Allen & Unwin) INSIDE THE CBCA 2026 SHORTLIST “ ‘Think about this,’ Dad said. If you are to be the brightest star, like Diego Maradona, then you must go through the dark bits first. The practice. Working hard even when you don’t want to. You understand?’” (Darkest Night, […]

Wild Darling by Alexandra Moody

Wild Darling by Alexandra Moody (HarperCollins Australia) ‘Something about her expression hit me square in the chest. She never smiled or laughed when I was around. The way her eyes were sparkling now felt like discovering a rare hidden treasure. The thought stopped me short. Did I actually like making her laugh? She shook her […]