Fly & The Lost Library by Jess McGeachin

Fly, written and illustrated by Jess McGeachin (published by Puffin Books) has been shortlisted for the 2020 CBCA Awards for New Illustrator. This award aims to recognise and encourage emerging Australian book illustrators. Jess’s second picture book, The Lost Library has also recently been published. Thank you for speaking to PaperbarkWords, Jess. You’re very welcome! […]

Three by Stephen Michael King

Inside the CBCA Shortlist “One … two … three. One … two … three. Every day was a skip and a hop for Three.” Three by Stephen Michael King (Scholastic Australia) is a beautifully moving, heart-warming story about gratitude. It is perfectly told for young children – and those who share books with them. It […]

Bandits by Sha’an D’Anthes

Sha’an D’Anthes is both author and illustrator of the new picture book, Bandits (published by Lothian Children’s Books). Bandits has great visual impact, is set in a slightly futuristic society and looks at significant issues in a highly appealing way. Thank you for speaking to PaperbarkWords, Sha’an. You have such an interesting name and pseudonym […]

Hello Lighthouse by Sophie Blackall

Inside the CBCA Shortlist “On the highest rock of a tiny island at the edge of the world stands a lighthouse. It is built to last forever, Sending its light out to sea.” Hello Lighthouse by Sophie Blackall (Hachette Australia) is shortlisted for the 2020 CBCA Picture Book of the Year Award. This picture book […]

Bethany Macdonald’s illustrations in ‘Paperboy’

Inside the CBCA Shortlist Paperboy, illustrated by Bethany Macdonald, written by Danny Parker and published by Dirt Lane Press is shortlisted for the 2020 CBCA Awards for New Illustrator. This award aims to recognise and encourage emerging Australian book illustrators. The illustrations in Paperboy are emotionally sensitive and beautiful. They showcase an original style and […]

Small Town by Phillip Gwynne, illustrated by Tony Flowers

“At school we learn about refugees. War. Famine. And persecution. People with nowhere to live.” Thank you for speaking to PaperbarkWords about Small Town, Phillip and Tony. Your new picture book Small Town (Puffin Books) tells an important story about a small town losing its residents and how renewal happens when refugees arrive. How would […]

My Friend Fred by Frances Watts, illustrated by A. Yi

Inside the CBCA Shortlist My Friend Fred by much loved and awarded author Frances Watts, illustrated by A. Yi (published by Allen & Unwin) is ideal for both cat and dog lovers. Even though they are very different from each other, the cat and dog in this tale can still be friends. The story is […]

‘Found’ by Bruce Pascoe & Charmaine Ledden-Lewis

“The man had stolen my mother.” (‘Found’) Found (Magabala Books) is Bruce Pascoe’s first picture book for children. It is illustrated by Kestin Indigenous Illustration Award winner, Charmaine Ledden-Lewis, and tells the fable-like tale of a calf who is alone. When the calf’s family are herded into the back of a truck, the calf escapes. […]

Lisa Kennedy’s Artwork in Wilam: A Birrarung Story

Inside the CBCA Shortlist Wilam: A Birrarung Story is shortlisted for the 2020 CBCA Eve Pownall Award. In this review, I will focus on the illustrations by Lisa Kennedy. The illustrations in Wilam: A Birrarung Story (written by Aunty Joy Murphy & Andrew Kelly, published by Black Dog Books, Walker Books Australia) are by emerging […]

CBCA Book Week 2020

Inside the CBCA Shortlist Traditionally held in August, the Children’s Book Council of Australia Book Week will be held in October 17-23 in 2020. Congratulations to the winners – now announced – and to all the shortlisted authors and illustrators. The CBCA awards are prestigious and influential and now is a great time to have […]