The Story House & Ben’s Library

The Story House by Vikki Conley, ill. Jennifer Faulkner & Ben’s Library by Amani Uduman, ill. Joanna Bartel The Story House and Ben’s Library are new picture books about friendship, stories and books, published by New Frontier. The authors of both books tell Paperbark Words blog something about themselves and their books. The Story House […]

Being Indy by Zoe Gaetjens & Estee Sarsfield

Being Indy by Zoe Gaetjens & Estee Sarsfield Published by WestWords Children’s But Percival had rules. He couldn’t let just anyone cross the bridge. Only certain types were allowed. If folks were too different, there would be chaos. They would squabble. Tease. Bicker. (Being Indy) Being Indy by Zoe Gaetjens, illustrated by Estee Sarsfield is […]

Somewhere You Can Dream by Janeen Brian & Hilary Jean Tapper

Somewhere You Can Dream by Janeen Brian & Hilary Jean Tapper (Published by Allen & Unwin) Guest author post by Janeen Brian about Somewhere You Can Dream for Joy in Books at Paperbark Words blog ‘Creativity needs space to breathe.’ This quote from Australian author-illustrator, Lisa Stewart, caused me to reflect on the space suggested. […]

Storm by Claire Saxby and Jess Racklyeft

Storm by Claire Saxby and Jess Racklyeft (Allen & Unwin) Author piece about Storm from Claire Saxby for Joy in Books at Paperbark Words blog Jess and I have been lucky enough to work on several books together with the fabulous A&U publishing team. Trusting that Jess will find the spaces between my words and […]

My Dreamtime Match by Jacinta Daniher & Taylor Hampton, ill. Janelle Burger

My Dreamtime Match by Jacinta Daniher & Taylor Hampton, ill. Janelle Burger (Lothian Children’s Books, Hachette Australia) “AFL is my number one, I play until the day is done. Today with every kick and bound, We celebrate the Indigenous Round. With every goal, I cheer with glee, An AFL star I hope to be. Footy […]

Castle Crashing by Andrea Rowe & Hannah Sommerville

Castle Crashing written by Andrea Rowe, illustrated by Hannah Sommerville Published by Hardie Grant Andrea Rowe speaks to Paperbark Words blog about Castle Crashing, her exquisite quintessential Australian beach holiday picture book, illustrated by Hannah Sommerville. Castle Crashing is a 2026 Notable Book. My inspiration I have vivid memories of making sandcastles on one of […]

Tiwi war kwampini: Mwarlapwara kangi tingati (Tiwi War Hero: Footprints in the Sand) by Mavis Kerinaiua

Tiwi war kwampini: Mwarlapwara kangi tingati (Tiwi War Hero: Footprints in the Sand) by Mavis Kerinaiua Tiwi War kwampini: Mwarlapwara kangi tingati (Tiwi War Hero: Footprints in the Sand) written, translated and illustrated by Mavis Kerinaiua with support from Laura Rademaker (Published by the Indigenous Literacy Foundation) Disclaimer: Please be advised that this story contains images and names of people […]

Spotlight on Jo Dabrowski Inside the CBCA Shortlist

Spotlight on Jo Dabrowski Inside the CBCA Shortlist Dear Broccoli Shortlisted 2026 CBCA Picture Book of the Year Written by Jo Dabrowski, Illustrated by Cate James (Affirm Press) The Thing About Christmas Shortlisted 2026 CBCA Early Childhood Written by Jo Dabrowski, illustrated by Briony Stewart (Little Book Press) The Making of Martha Mayfield Notable Book […]

Once I was a Giant by Zeno Sworder

Once I was a Giant by Zeno Sworder Published by Thames & Hudson Australia “At daybreak the wanderer scrambled through my branches to warn the birds and tunnelled underneath my roots to warn the insects. Before leaving they called out goodbye. ‘Sun seeker. Sky dancer. Life maker. Thank you.’” (Once I was a Giant by […]

Skipping to Sammy’s Beat by Coral Vass, ill. Blithe Fielden

Skipping to Sammy’s Beat by Coral Vass ill. Blithe Fielden New Frontier Publishing Coral Vass speaks to Paperbark Words blog about her life, career and Skipping to Sammy’s Beat, her new picture book for children aged 3-6 years. I’m Coral. I love writing for children. I also love books, chocolate, good coffee, the theatre and the beach. […]