Leo and Ralph by Peter Carnavas

Leo and Ralph by Peter Carnavas (University of Queensland Press) Winner of the Children’s Book category of the 2025 Prime Minister’s Literary Awards 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 […]

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 […]

The Grown-Up’s Guide to Picture Books by Lara Cain Gray ill. Lorena Carrington & Timothy Ide

The Grown-Up’s Guide to Picture Books Written by Lara Cain Gray and illustrated by Lorena Carrington and Timothy Ide Author Interview with DR Lara Cain Gray at PaperbarkWords Thank you for speaking to ‘Joy in Books’ at PaperbarkWords, Lara. I’ve seen adult resource books about picture books but nothing like The Grown-Up’s Guide to Picture Book. It’s fabulous and has so much […]

The Sugarcane Kids and the Empty Cage by Charlie Archbold

The Sugarcane Kids and the Empty Cage by Charlie Archbold Author Interview at PaperbarkWords “Now, if us Sugarcane Kids know anything from our adventures it is that mysteries are layered like fat sandwiches. And when Dad drops me at the golf course, something tells me I’m about to get a big dose of salad filling.” […]

Inside the CBCA 2024 Winners

Inside the CBCA 2024 Winners As I have done every year for almost thirty years now, this year I’m again actively, and in depth where possible, writing about and promoting the CBCA Shortlist and Winners. Inside the 2024 CBCA Shortlist 2024 CBCA Winners & Honour Books CBCA Winner, Honour & Shadow Judging announcement The winners […]

Gymnastica Fantastica! by Briony Stewart

Gymnastica Fantastica! by Briony Stewart (Lothian Children’s Books, Hachette Australia) Gymnastica Fantastica! by Briony Stewart is the popular WINNER of the CBCA 2024 Book of the Year: Early Childhood category. “See, I’m okay! It’s my own special way, That’s how I do it – I do it all day!” (Gymnastica Fantastica!) Author/Illustrator Interview: Briony Stewart Congratulations on Gymnastica Fantastica! being […]

Pamela Allen

My interview with Pamela Allen to celebrate her 90th year and the publication of her new book, Mr McGee and his Hat is in the Weekend Australian newspaper Saturday 20 July 2024 https://www.theaustralian.com.au/arts/review/pamela-allen-still-drawing-for-kids-at-90/news-story/d4a365a71a38c8199bf0153bbb14bbfa Interview with Pamela Allen reproduced in full at the end of this review. More about Pamela Allen and my review of Mr […]