The Story House by Vikki Conley, ill. Jennifer Faulkner & Ben’s Library by Amani Uduman, ill. Joanna Bartel
The Story House and Ben’s Library are new picture books about friendship, stories and books, published by New Frontier. The authors of both books tell Paperbark Words blog something about themselves and their books.
The Story House
Author Vikki Conley Q&A
1.What inspired you to write The Story House?
While working with World Vision, I met children who had very little – but they always had stories. Even in places without books or schools, storytelling was alive and powerful. That stayed with me. This book grew from those moments.
2. Why is storytelling such a central theme in your work?
Because stories connect us. They comfort us, teach us and help us imagine something beyond our world or circumstances. I’ve seen how powerful that can be, especially for children facing uncertainty.
3. What do you hope readers take away from the book?
A sense of wonder – but also perspective. I hope it opens gentle conversations about how different children live, and how something as simple as a story can bring hope, connection and possibility.
4. How does your real-world experience shape the authenticity of the book?
The landscapes, the broken classroom, the community routines (eg water collection and pounding of food), and even the small, powerful moments are inspired by real experiences and conversations.
In Africa, a child once told me, “If I can get an education, I can become a leader and help bring peace to my country.” The Story House is, in many ways, for that child – and for all children whose stories deserve to be heard.
5. Why is this story important?
At its heart, this is a story about hope – how even without books, stories can still change a child’s world. They offer comfort, connection and the possibility of something more. The story gently highlights the importance of access to books and education for all children – everywhere.
https://www.newfrontier.com.au/files/teachers_notes/the-story-house-teaching-notes-1.pdf
Ben’s Library
Author Amani Uduman Q&A
- What is the story about?
Elissa shares her of love of books and reading with Ben, a young boy who uses a wheelchair, after coming across his street library. Through a blossoming friendship, they build the contents of Ben’s library.
- What inspired you to write Ben’s Library?
I used to love visiting my school library and my local library as a child. I enjoyed the whole process of selecting, borrowing, reading and returning the books down the library chute.
In addition, I worked at sessional kindergarten where there was a street library just outside the centre. The children were intrigued by the regular visitors that would drop past to either borrow or donate a book of their own.
- Who are your favourite authors?
I have too many authors to name. However, one of my childhood favourites was Enid Blyton, particularly the Amelia Jane and Faraway Tree series.
- What do you enjoy writing?
I love writing picture book stories. I’ve written many stories in prose and now, dabbling in rhyme. It’s quite challenging, yet extremely enjoyable.
- What’s your favourite food?
Anything with chocolate in it.
https://www.newfrontier.com.au/files/teachers_notes/bens-library-teaching-notes.pdf
The Story House at New Frontier Publishing
Ben’s Library at New Frontier Publishing
Vikki Conley at Paperbark Words blog
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