Author: joylawn

Book advocate. Joy Lawn is a freelance book reviewer and book judge specialising in literary fiction and children's and YA literature. She has recently judged the Prime Minister’s Literary Awards, Qld Literary Awards - Fiction & Non-Fiction Book Award (chair), IBBY Australia Honour Books for Writing & Illustration, and has judged the NSW Premier's Literary Awards, Russell Prize for Humour Writing, CBCA, Davitt Women's Crime Book awards & Aurealis Awards. Joy loves moderating sessions at Writers’ Festivals, including Brisbane, Byron, Sydney & Central Coast, reviews theatre & books for ArtsHub, books for Books + Publishing & writes the editorial and feature articles for Magpies magazine. Joy promotes Australian literature here and overseas. 'A great book compels you to reread your own soul.' — Richard Flanagan, The Narrow Road to the Deep North

No! Never! by Libby Hathorn & Lisa Hathorn-Jarman, illustrated by Mel Pearce

Inside the CBCA Shortlist No! Never! (Lothian Children’s Books) is a humorous cautionary tale about sweet young Georgie told in deft rhyme by Libby Hathorn, one of Australia’s most highly regarded writers for children, and her daughter Lisa Hathorn-Jarman. It is illustrated by Mel Pearce. Thank you for speaking with PaperbarkWords, Libby and Lisa. Whose […]

Love is Strong as Death by Paul Kelly

I loved the introduction. It was empowering. There is a relief when you hear your words said, your experience that you were too busy, fearful or muddled to express. In his foreword to Love is Strong as Death, Paul Kelly has captured the magic and the mystery that poetry is to me – that it […]

The Illustrated Encyclopaedia of Ugly Animals by Sami Bayly

Inside the CBCA Shortlist The Illustrated Encyclopaedia of Ugly Animals (Lothian Children’s Books) is a fascinating and beautifully designed book that is garnering enthusiastic response from young and older readers, as well as in book awards. Natural history illustrator Sami Bayly has selected animals that seem to be ugly but she has found beauty in […]

The Bible in Australia: A cultural history by Meredith Lake

The Bible in Australia: A cultural history concludes, “And while the church’s own record has been very mixed, and at times patently destructive, the Bible, variously interpreted, continues to appear in startling ways – as a source of inspiration, power and practical wisdom.” If you are looking for a great read and you enjoy history […]

Deep Water by Sarah Epstein

“I’m always telling Dad that country people are far too trusting. Everyone may know everyone in small towns, but can we ever truly know anyone?” (Deep Water) Thank you for speaking to PaperbarkWords, Sarah. Thank you for having me, Joy! Where are you based and how are you involved in the Australian YA community? I […]

Andrew Levins & Nelson: Pumpkins and Aliens

Children looking for something fun to read will enjoy Andrew Levins’ debut book, Nelson: Pumpkins and Aliens. It is the first in a new series about Nelson, a boy who detests vegetables. Parents will also be happy that their children are reading a story that promotes healthy eating, especially in such an enjoyable way. Thank […]

Starting Secondary School: The Essential Handbook for every Australian family by Michael Carr-Gregg & Sharon Witt

Starting Secondary School (Penguin Random House Australia) by child and adolescent psychologist and founder of Canteen, Michael Carr-Gregg and experienced teacher and founder of the Resilient Kids Conference, Sharon Witt is a practical, easy-to-read guide. It is aimed at parents with a child entering Year 7 in secondary school but is also useful for parents […]

How to Grow a Family Tree by Eliza Henry-Jones

“Life hasn’t stopped just because something difficult has happened. Something strange and unexpected. Life keeps trucking on …” (How to Grow a Family Tree) Thank you for speaking to PaperbarkWords, Eliza. Where are you based and how are you involved in the world of Australian literature? I’m based on a small farm in the Yarra […]

The Dam by David Almond & Levi Pinfold

The Dam is written by Carnegie and multi awarded medallist David Almond who wrote Skellig, Clay, Slog’s Dad and other renowned books. It is illustrated by Queensland-based artist Levi Pinfold who previously won the Greenaway Medal for Black Dog. Levi Pinfold has now been shortlisted for The Dam in what is probably the world’s most […]

The Book of Chance by Sue Whiting

Inside the CBCA Shortlist “Sounds to me like a young girl who was hurting and feeling let down by her friends. I think you should try to reach out to her and see if you can make amends. Show some grace. Some kindness.” (The Book of Chance) Thank you for speaking to PaperbarkWords, Sue. Thanks […]