Australian Backyard Birdies by Andy Geppert

Andy Geppert writes about his new book, Australian Backyard Birdies: I thought I loved birds more than anyone else…. until my daughter Harri came along, that was. Harri was an early bird herself. She used to wake up before most roosters and our daily ritual was to go straight outside onto our small back deck […]

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 […]

Grumble Boats by Susannah McFarlane, illustrated by Tamsin Ainslie

Thank you for speaking to PaperbarkWords, Susannah and Tamsin. Your picture book Grumble Boats (Affirm Press) is an original and uplifting picture book for young children about expressing and dealing with grumpiness and the relationship between Emma and her Grandma. It accentuates Grandma’s kindness and wisdom, Emma’s trust and their mutual love. Susannah, I love […]

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 […]

Arno and His Horse by Jane Godwin, illustrated by Felicita Sala

Arno and His Horse, written by Jane Godwin and illustrated by Felicita Sala (Scribble), is a warm, thoughtful story with much to discover. The reader is invited into an intriguing scene established in the opening pages to share in the dilemma about what has happened to Arno’s horse. Through this, they discover much about Arno […]

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 […]

The Tree by Graeme Base

Graeme Base is one of Australia and the world’s foremost picture book creators, renowned for Animalia and The Waterhole, amongst other treasures. His new book, The Tree (Puffin Books) is a fable. It begins timelessly, “This is the story of …” The tale is perfectly formed and elegantly illustrated to show the tree as a […]

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 […]

Where the Dragons Live by Serena Geddes

Where the Dragons Live is Serena Geddes’s new picture book. It is published by Aladdin (Simon & Schuster) and is a companion story to Rosie and Rasmus. Thank you for speaking to PaperbarkWords, Serena. You’re welcome and thank you for being so patient waiting for my reply. What is your background in children’s books, illustration […]