Hometown written & illustrated by Shaun Tan (Allen & Unwin) “Feel with your head and think with your heart” (Hometown) Hometown is Shaun Tan’s exemplary new picture book/graphic novel. Interview with Shaun Tan, creator of Hometown Thank you for speaking with Paperbark Words, Shaun. Thanks! Grateful for the opportunity. How is Hometown a book for […]
Read More Hometown by Shaun Tan‘Crime, romance, fantasy and coming of age: the epic adventure of writing across middle-grade genres’ By A. L. Tait Guest author post by the amazing Allison Tait about writing across middle-grade genres for Joy in Books at PaperbarkWords blog When I visit schools for author talks, I always tell students that the number one question […]
Read More A.L. Tait: the epic adventure of writing across middle-grade genresHow to Make the World Cup and Survive Grade Five by Carla Fitzgerald Published by UQP Guest author post by Carla Fitzgerald about How to Make the World Cup and Survive Grade Five for Joy in Books at PaperbarkWords blog Students would often give me ideas for my next ‘survive grade five’ book during school […]
Read More How to Make the World Cup and Survive Grade Five by Carla FitzgeraldHari’s Bones written by Danny Parker, illustrated by Rache Antonio, music by Matt Ottley (One Tentacle Publishing) ‘Hari wouldn’t climb a tree, wasn’t tempted by trampolines, bicycles, skateboard or scooters. And she was happy, Hari and her bones.” (Hari’s Bones) Interview with Rache Antonio, illustrator of Hari’s Bones & Matt Ottley, composer of Hari’s Bones Thank […]
Read More Hari’s Bones by Danny Parker, illustrated by Rache Antonio, music by Matt OttleyHigh Land by Sarah Hawthorn (Transit Lounge) Guest author post by Sarah Hawthorn about High Land for PaperbarkWords blog High Land: the story behind the story During Covid my daughter Tessa – then single – spent weeks in lonely lockdown at her home in Melbourne, whilst I was tucked away in country NSW. We’d chat […]
Read More High Land by Sarah HawthornS.I.G.M.A. 1 Web of Spies by Tim Ayliffe Published by Simon & Schuster “ ‘It’s not always about winning, mate,’ Henry Speed had said. ‘It’s about doing your best. Being your best. You learnt something about yourself today. How to be brave.’ “ (Web of Spies) Author Interview with Tim Ayliffe Thank you for […]
Read More S.I.G.M.A. 1 Web of Spies by Tim AyliffeThe 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 […]
Read More The Song of Stork and Dromedary by Anjet DaanjeSamantha 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 […]
Read More Samantha Wheeler & The Lost IslandThe 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 Howe
