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 […]
Read More The Phantom Surrealist by Geoffrey GatesBetsy & 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 […]
Read More Betsy & Bon by Simon HoweThe 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 […]
Read More The Nardi Puzzle by Gabriella PageProtector 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) […]
Read More Protector of Beyond by Shara CurlettINSIDE 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 & […]
Read More INSIDE THE CBCA 2026 WINNERSDerek 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 […]
Read More Derek by Anne Donaldson, illustrated by Matt ShanksDarkest 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, […]
Read More Darkest Night, Brightest Star by Barry JonsbergWild 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 […]
Read More Wild Darling by Alexandra MoodySuzy Zail & A New Kind of Beautiful (Walker Books Australia) “I want to be brave. But I just dropped the Wild Thing tag and I don’t need a new story: The Adventures of Brave Girl.” (A New Kind of Beautiful) Author Interview: Suzy Zail Suzy shares her thoughts about A New Kind of Beautiful […]
Read More Suzy Zail & A New Kind of BeautifulThe Escape Game by Marissa Meyer & Tamara Moss Published by Penguin Books ‘Not that long ago, she would’ve said that her favorite thing was getting into the rhythm of the room, absorbing the puzzles. But now? “The people,” she said. “It’s so nice being around others who are as obsessed with escape rooms as […]
Read More The Escape Game by Marissa Meyer & Tamara Moss
paperbarkwords.blog 