We Love You, Magoo by Briony Stewart

Inside the 2021 CBCA Shortlist We Love You, Magoo is written and illustrated by much-loved author-illustrator Briony Stewart. It is shortlisted for the CBCA Book of the Year: Early Childhood awards and is published by Penguin Random House Australia. Thank you for speaking to PaperbarkWords, Briony. No worries! My Pleasure! I have loved and promoted […]

The Unwilling Twin by Freya Blackwood

Inside the CBCA Shortlist The Unwilling Twin by Freya Blackwood (HarperCollins Publishers) is shortlisted for the CBCA 2021 Picture Book of the Year. Credit to the judges of the picture book category because of their outstanding list (although I can’t imagine how they will select the winner and honour books from these deserving titles), and […]

Wombat., Not Cute, and other inimitable books by Philip Bunting

Inside the 2021 CBCA Shortlist WOMBAT WINNER Russell Prize for Humour Writing for Young People Not Cute. is shortlisted for the 2021 CBCA Picture Book of the Year, and Philip Bunting also has what is probably a record-breaking three other books as Notables – Wombat., Give Me Some Space! and Who am I? (I reviewed […]

Busy Beaks by Sarah Allen

Inside the 2021 CBCA Shortlist Most books shortlisted for the 2021 CBCA Book of the Year: Early Childhood award are fiction. Busy Beaks by Sarah Allen (Affirm Press) has broken the mould in fine style. It is a superb non-fiction picture book about Australian birds. Thank you for speaking to PaperbarkWords, Sarah. Congratulations on Busy […]

Your Birthday Was the Best! by Maggie Hutchings, illustrated by Felicita Sala

Inside the 2021 CBCA Shortlist Russell Prize for Humour Writing for Young People “I ATE SO MUCH I FELL ASLEEP ON YOUR CAKE.” (Your Birthday Was the Best!) Your Birthday Was the Best! written by Maggie Hutchings and illustrated by Felicita Sala (Affirm Press) is shortlisted for the 2021 CBCA Picture Book of the Year […]

How to Make a Bird by Meg McKinlay & Matt Ottley

Inside the CBCA Shortlist “So you will gather it into your hands and cast it gently upon the air.” (How to Make a Bird) How to Make a Bird written by Meg McKinlay, illustrated by Matt Ottley (Walker Books Australia) is shortlisted for the CBCA 2021 Picture Book of the Year. It is an exceptional, […]

Ellie’s Dragon by Bob Graham

Inside the CBCA Shortlist Ellie’s Dragon by Bob Graham (Walker Books Australia) is shortlisted for the CBCA 2021 Picture Book of the Year. It is an exceptional work. Bob Graham is, of course, one of Australia and the world’s best picture book creators for young children. His work is gentle yet piercingly observant, humorous yet […]

Carole Wilkinson, Earth Matters and Matthew Flinders

Inside the CBCA Shortlist Matthew Flinders: Adventures on leaky ships “It’s not too late. Together we can save our climate … The state of our planet matters. You can help make it a safe and healthy place for us.” (Earth Matters) Carole Wilkinson is one of Australia’s most popular and enduring writers for young people. […]

Inside the 2021 CBCA Shortlist Books

The Children’s Book Council of Australia (CBCA) Shortlisted Books for 2021 has been announced. Follow the links to those I have already reviewed or interviewed the author or illustrator on the blog. I will add to this list until the winners are announced in August. Congratulations to those creators who have been shortlisted. Sincere commiserations […]

Inside the 2021 CBCA Notable Books

The Children’s Book Council of Australia (CBCA) Notable Books for 2021 have been announced. Follow the links to those books I have already reviewed or interviewed the author or illustrator about on the blog. I will add to this list until the winners are announced in August. See CBCA Shortlist post Congratulations to those creators […]