Where Snow Angels Go by Maggie O’Farrell

Where Snow Angels Go by Maggie O’Farrell, illustrated by Daniela Jaglenka Terrazzini Where Snow Angels Go is a sumptuous Christmas gift book by Maggie O’Farrell, Edinburgh-based author of the acclaimed novel for adults, Hamnet, a tale of William Shakespeare’s son. Where Snow Angels Go is an illustrated work in picture book form. It is an […]

The Stolen Prince of Cloudburst by Jaclyn Moriarty

Inside the CBCA Shortlist Russell Prize for Humour Writing for Young People “For several years – decades actually – Spellbinders have been worried about the oceans.” (The Stolen Prince of Cloudburst) It is such a pleasure to return to Spindrift in the Kingdom of Storms in Jaclyn Moriarty’s new book, The Stolen Prince of Cloudburst […]

Nature Storybooks

Reviews of Natural History Picture Books from Walker Books Australia Kookaburra by Claire Saxby, illustrated by Tannya Harricks Inside the CBCA Shortlist Dry to Dry: The Seasons of Kakadu by Pamela Freeman, illustrated by Liz Anelli Two new outstanding picture books in Walker Books (Australia) Nature Storybooks series are Kookaburra and Dry to Dry. Like […]

Bindi by Kirli Saunders & Dub Leffler

Inside the CBCAShortlist “My cousins, Elsie, Omeo and I sit in these gatheringsby our parents’ sides,the garrall on my shoulder. Often, the Elders come to say wedayo to the budjan.” (Bindi) Bindi (Magabala Books) is an enlightening verse novel by Gunai Woman and award-winning poet and writer Kirli Saunders. It is a lovely blend of […]

Zoe, Max and the Bicycle Bus by Steven Herrick

“Be brave. Take risks. We’ll heal the bruises with love.” (Zoe, Max and the Bicycle Bus) Steven Herrick is a much-loved Australian writer. He is particularly well known for his verse novels for children and young adults and, although all his books are superb, his verse novel The Spangled Drongo is one of my […]

Pierre’s Not There by Ursula Dubosarsky & Christopher Nielsen

Pierre’s Not There is full of wonder. It is a memorable and ground-breaking new story for 8-12-year-olds by Ursula Dubosarsky (published by Allen & Unwin). As well as being imaginative and relatable, it has a bold structure – the narrative becomes a puppet play. When I heard about this book, I was desperate to read […]

Three by Stephen Michael King

Inside the CBCA Shortlist “One … two … three. One … two … three. Every day was a skip and a hop for Three.” Three by Stephen Michael King (Scholastic Australia) is a beautifully moving, heart-warming story about gratitude. It is perfectly told for young children – and those who share books with them. It […]

Hollowpox & the Magical Jessica Townsend

I was privileged to interview Jessica Townsend about her new book Hollowpox: the Hunt for Morrigan Crow, third in the Nevermoor series of nine books (Hachette Australia), in time for today’s book publication. I have outlined her responses here. Thanks for speaking with PaperbarkWords, Jessica. Hollowpox is a magical sounding title. But what is it […]

Hello Lighthouse by Sophie Blackall

Inside the CBCA Shortlist “On the highest rock of a tiny island at the edge of the world stands a lighthouse. It is built to last forever, Sending its light out to sea.” Hello Lighthouse by Sophie Blackall (Hachette Australia) is shortlisted for the 2020 CBCA Picture Book of the Year Award. This picture book […]

Guwayu – For All Times: A Collection of First Nations Poems

Guwayu – For All Times: A Collection of First Nations Poems Commissioned by Red Room Poetry Edited by Jeanine Leane Published by Magabala Books Guwayu features poems by well-known and acclaimed poets such as Ellen van Neerven, Samuel Wagan Watson, Evelyn Araluen, Ali Cobby Eckermann and Bruce Pascoe as well as exciting new voices. Interview […]