A Song for the King by Katrina Nannestad & Freya Blackwood

A Song for the King Written by Katrina Nannestad, illustrated by Freya Blackwood Published by ABC Kids, HarperCollins Children’s Books Picture Book review by Joy Lawn (Joy in Books) at Paperbark Words blog “Joy! Love! Peace!” (A Song for the King) A Song for the King is the best Australian Christmas book since 2008’s Applesauce and the […]

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 […]

Clementine’s Christmas by Annie White

Clementine’s Christmas by Annie White (New Frontier Publishing) Everyone I know loves celebrating Christmas and versatile author/illustrator Annie White adds to the festivities with her new Christmas picture book, Clementine’s Christmas. Clementine, Annie’s endearing canine character, experiences her own Christmas in this warm, funny story. Thank you for speaking to Joy in Books at PaperbarkWords blog, Annie. Guest author post […]

Christmas Books

Christmas Collectables First, some Classic Christmas Books … Like many book lovers, I have a special collection of treasured Christmas books gathered over the years. Many are works of art. I’m talking here about seasonal books that are specifically designed about Christmas (not general books that could be given as Christmas gifts). Some timeless highlights […]

Affirming, Fun Picture Books

Affirming, Fun Picture Books by Affirm Picture Books & More Reviews by Joy in Books at Paperbark Words blog All books reviewed in this survey are published by Affirm Press There’s something magical happening at Affirm Press. A small independent press, they are absolutely punching above their weight by publishing many of Australia’s best picture book creators (as well […]

Calm, Sleepy, Joyful Books

Calm, Sleepy, Joyful Books Book Reviews by Joy in Books at PaperbarkWords blog Most of these picture books are calm or sleepy books that help children relax and unwind. There is also an empathetic book about a grandma with dementia and a Play School Christmas book. All the books are published by ABC Books, except one by HarperCollins. A […]

Christmas Always Comes by Jackie French & Bruce Whatley

Christmas Picture Book Book Review Christmas Always Comes is the tale of a very Australian Christmas. As always, former Australian Children’s Laureate Jackie French tells the story expertly, here with the narrative enhanced through dialogue and lyrical descriptions. Bruce Whatley’s illustrations depict the size, vast distance, colours and dryness of the Australian countryside, with splashes […]

Wishyouwas by Alexandra Page

Wishyouwas: the tiny guardian of lost letters by Alexandra Page, illustrated by Penny Neville-Lee “The Sorters live in the tunnels and rescue lost letters. They’re in terrible danger. You have to save them.” (Wishyouwas) Wishyouwas is a lovely novel for children that conjures Christmas in 1950s snowy London. It is a charming, adventurous story written […]

The Christmas Pig by J.K. Rowling

The Christmas Pig by J.K. Rowling Book Review ‘Christmas Eve is a night for miracles and lost causes.’ (The Christmas Pig by J.K. Rowling) J.K. Rowlings’ The Christmas Pig, illustrated by Jim Field, published by Little Brown and Hachette Children’s Group, is a magical way to embrace the Christmas season. The outer jacket illustration in […]