Dingoes Up Close by Jane Forge

Dingoes Up Close by Jane Forge (Wild Dog Books) Guest author post by Jane Forge about Dingoes Up Close for Joy in Books at Paperbark Words blog I think my first ‘encounter’ with dingoes came in the form of Dick Roughsey’s picture book, The Giant Devil-Dingo. I found that story quite scary at the time, but it ended happily with the […]

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 […]

Debra Dank Interview: Ankami – to give life to –

Ankami – to give life to – by Debra Dank (Echo Publishing) “So this is a story about time and words and ways because though many of the stories that lived here for thousands of years still wait to be told and freed to travel with the wind, other stories need attention now. These newer […]

Godaku Tjukurpa

Godaku Tjukurpa Tjitji Tjutangku Nyakula Kulintjaku Various contributors Interview about Godaku Tjukurpa with Louise Sherman, head of the Australian Languages Team (ALT), Bible Society Australia Thanks to speaking to ‘Joy in Books’ at Paperbark Words blog about Godaku Tjukurpa, Louise. Congratulations on the publication of this beautiful and important children’s book and for its shortlisting […]

I’m Not Really Here by Gary Lonesborough

I’m Not Really Here by Gary Lonesborough (A&U Books for Children and Young Adults) I’m Not Really Here by Gary Lonesborough is the WINNER of the CBCA 2025 Book of the Year: Older Readers category. “Back in my room, I stare at myself in the mirror of my wardrobe. As I sip my glass of water, […]

Theatre Reviews for ArTsHub

Theatre reviews by Joy Lawn include The Spare Room Belvoir St, The Talented Mr Ripley STC, Bloom STC, The Play That Goes Wrong, Opera House, The Glass Menagerie The Ensemble, The Lover & The Dumb Waiter The Ensemble etc. Read them here. Big Girls Don’t Cry: Theatre Review, other theatre & Art Reviews My full […]

Open Your Heart to Country wins PM Children’s Literature Award

Borderland by Graham Akhurst

Borderland by Graham Akhurst Borderland by Graham Akhurst (UWA Publishing $22.99) “I thought of songlines and creation story pathways. I wondered what ancient knowledges, Laws, and songs lay across that land. ‘And this is where they will be mining?’ I asked”. (Borderland) It seems as though everyone is reading Graham Akhurst’s debut Borderland, an atmospheric YA […]

Ask Aunty: Seasons (An introduction to First Nations seasons)

Ask Aunty: Seasons (An introduction to First Nations Seasons) By Aunty Munya Andrews Illustrated by Charmaine Ledden-Lewis Published by Hardie Grant Explore Ask Aunty: Seasons by Aunty Munya Andrews with illustrations by Charmaine Ledden-Lewis is published by Hardie Grant Explore. Available in stores nationally from 15 November, RRP $24.99. “I love my culture and I love […]

Dirrarn by Carl Merrison & Hakea Hustler

Dirrarn by Carl Merrison & Hakea Hustler Illustrated by Dub Leffler Published by Magabala Books “Mia felt so far from home. Growing up in a remote outback community, she had still faced her share of bullies. She’s dealt with it in her own way then. Telling a teacher sometimes worked, other times a big brother […]