How to Sail to Somewhere by Ashleigh Barton

How to Sail to Somewhere by Ashleigh Barton Lothian Children’s Books (Hachette Australia) Author Interview with Ashleigh Barton about How to Sail to Somewhere ‘I have used to go there with my mum. She loved books. She said they were the adventure you could have when you couldn’t have an adventure. Whatever that means.’ (How […]

Little Bones by Sandy Bigna

Little Bones by Sandy Bigna UQP Author Interview with Sandy Bigna about Little Bones “Keep going, Nico whispers as I get higher and higher. My legs are shaking so hard I don’t know how they’re even Supporting me. ‘Keep going,’ Bird echos Nico from inside my bag. My chest wants to explode from the thrashing […]

Inside The CBCA 2025 Shortlist & Winners

INSIDE THE CBCA 2025 SHORTLIST & WINNERS The Children’s Book Council of Australia (CBCA) Shortlisted Books for 2025 have been announced. Follow the links to those books I have already reviewed, or interviewed the author or illustrator, at PaperbarkWords blog. I will add to this list until the winners are announced in August. Congratulations to those creators who […]

Hazel’s Treehouse by Zanni Louise, illustrated by Judy Watson

Hazel’s Treehouse by Zanni Louise & illustrated by Judy Watson Walker Books (Australia) “‘What’s today?’ asks Odette, sitting up stretching. ‘Sunday,’ says Hazel with a yawn. Poky lies on her chest. This morning, Poky is the colour of mandarins and sunsets. It’s a warm and snuggly colour for an echidna.” (Hazel’s Treehouse) The pairing of […]

The Midwatch by Judith Rossell

The Midwatch by Judith Rossell Hardie Grant Children’s Publishing Author Interview with Judith Rossell about The Midwatch ‘Miss Mandelay says we should all learn as many useful things as we possibly can,’ said Harriet, ‘so we’re ready.’ ‘Holy mackerel. Ready for what?’ asked Maggie. Harriet took a bite and said with her mouth full, ‘Ready […]

Leo and Ralph by Peter Carnavas

Leo and Ralph by Peter Carnavas (University of Queensland Press) Author/illustrator Interview at PaperbarkWords “Leo dropped the telescope and rolled over, laughing. Ralph always cracked him up like that. They had … dreamt of planets with funny names, imagined the creatures that lived there and the spaceships they might fly. If Mum didn’t call out to […]

Where to Hide a Star by Oliver Jeffers

Where to Hide a Star by Oliver Jeffers Published by HarperCollins Children’s Books Picture Book review by Joy Lawn (Joy in Books) at PaperbarkWords blog “Once there was a boy … and together with his two friends … he would often play hide-and-seek.” (Where to Hide a Star) Perfect for Christmas or all year round, Where to […]

We the Sea Turtles by Michelle Kadarusman

We the Sea Turtles: A Collection of Island Stories by Michelle Kadarusman Published by Pajama Press Book review by Joy Lawn (Joy in Books) at PaperbarkWords blog “Lately, our songs are filled with more sorrow than joy. Human pollution is choking our oceans. Garbage and fishing nets are strangling us. Human activity is causing natural disasters that […]

The Lost History by Melanie La’Brooy

The Lost History by Melanie La’Brooy The Lost History follows the The Wintrish Girl in the excellent ‘Talismans of Fate’ middle fiction high fantasy series by Melanie La’Brooy. The series stands out for its beguiling storylines deftly layered with light and dark threads. These are entertaining, intelligent books. Both are published by UQP (University of […]

Secret Sparrow by Jackie French

Secret Sparrow by Jackie French Secret Sparrow by national treasure Jackie French (HarperCollins Australia) has just been shortlisted for the 2024 ARA Historical Prize alongside Two Sparrowhawks in a Lonely Sky by Rebecca Lim(Allen & Unwin) and Spies in the Sky by Beverley McWilliams (Pantera Press) in the Children and Young Adult category. The winner will […]