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 […]

Searching For Cicadas by Lesley Gibbes, illustrated by Judy Watson

Inside the CBCA Shortlist Searching For Cicadas by Lesley Gibbes, illustrated by Judy Watson (Walker Books Australia) is a superb picture book about cicadas in Australia. It is told from the viewpoint of a boy camping with his Grandpa while they look for cicadas. This book is an adventure! Congratulations on your CBCA shortlisting, Lesley […]

When Billy Was a Dog by Kirsty Murray, illustrated by Karen Blair

Inside the CBCA Shortlist Young children, and those sharing When Billy Was a Dog with them, will love this warm, appealing story. Written by Kirsty Murray and illustrated by Karen Blair (published by Allen & Unwin) this picture book is shortlisted for the Children’s Book Council of Australia 2020 Early Childhood category. Thank you for […]

Ribbit Rabbit Robot by Victoria Mackinlay, illustrated by Sofya Karmazina

Ribbit Rabbit Robot by Victoria Mackinlay, illustrated by Sofya Karmazina (Omnibus Books, Scholastic Australia) is a fun story to read aloud with children or for beginning readers to read themselves. Thank you for speaking to PaperbarkWords, Victoria. Thank you for having me Joy! It’s a major achievement to have a book published and an extra […]

The Giant and the Sea by Trent Jamieson, illustrated by Rovina Cai

“There was a giant who stood on the shore of the sea. She looked out across the water because that is what she had promised to do long, long ago.” The Giant and the Sea by Trent Jamieson, illustrated by Rovina Cai (Lothian Children’s Books) is a significant multifaceted work. It is likely to become […]