Make Them Say Poo: a gross book perfect for giggles by Stephen (Steve MinOn), illustrated by Rudi de Wet

Make Them Say Poo: a gross book perfect for giggles by Stephen (Steve MinOn), illustrated by Rudi de Wet (Affirm Press, Simon & Schuster) Make Them Say Poo: a gross book perfect for giggles is a subversively funny picture book filled with hidden surprises. It delights in trickery, wordplay and fun. Thank you for speaking to PaperbarkWords, […]

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 […]

The Embarrassing Confessions of Gracie Sparks by Fiona Harris

The Embarrassing Confessions of Gracie Sparks by Fiona Harris Affirm Press, Simon & Schuster Extract from Gracie’s diary in The Embarrassing Confessions of Gracie Sparks at PaperbarkWords blog 4 pm After a very average start, I’m happy to report that today turned into one of my top five birthdays of all time. My best friends, […]

Tom Jellett & Will Fin Win, The Train at the End of My Street …

Interview with Tom Jellett, featuring Will Fin Win? from the ‘Your Next Read’ series & The Train at the End of My Street – Joy Lawn interviews Tom Jellett at Paperbark Words blog about Your Next Read, The Train at the End of My Street and his books and cartoons – Thank you for speaking to […]

Another Year Around the Sun by Katrina Germein, ill. Alice Lindstrom

Another Year Around the Sun by Katrina Germein, illustrated by Alice Lindstrom Affirm Press, Simon & Schuster Another Year Around the Sun – Creators’ Inspiration Katrina Germein In thinking about the inspiration for Another Year Around the Sun, I can’t pinpoint one moment; even revisiting my drafts doesn’t help. It’s just there. A story about […]

When the Mountain Wakes by Matt Shanks

When the Mountain Wakes by Matt Shanks Affirm Press, Simon & Schuster “Somewhere, towards the beginning of time … a mountain rose from the ocean and came to rest above the clouds. Life sang a lullaby, and the mountain slept for many millions of years. Until one day … ” (When the Mountain Wakes) When […]

Your Kid’s Next Read / Your Next Read

YOUR KID’S NEXT READ & YOUR NEXT READ YOUR KID’S NEXT READ (YKNR) ANNOUNCE NEW JUNIOR FICTION SERIES AIMED TO KEEP KIDS READING – AND LOVING IT – FOR LIFE! “YKNR: a community, a podcast and a newsletter all aimed at growing readers and writers” Interview with the YKNR team: Megan Daley (award-winning teacher-librarian and […]

Seven Wherewithal Way: Into the Faerie Realm by Samantha-Ellen Bound

Seven Wherewithal Way: Into the Faerie Realm by Samantha-Ellen Bound Affirm Press Samantha-Ellen Bound writes about Seven Wherewithal Way: Into the Faerie Realm, the fourth and final book in her middle-fiction series. Thank you for speaking to Joy in Books at PaperbarkWords blog about Seven Wherewithal Way: Into the Faerie Realm , Samantha-Ellen. Tell us about writing Seven Wherewithal Way: Into the […]

The Big Backyard Plan by Kirsten Ealand and Laura Stitzel

The Big Backyard Plan by Kirsten Ealand and Laura Stitzel Published by Affirm Press Guest Author & Illustrator Post by Kirsten Ealand and Laura Stitzel Thank you for speaking to Joy in Books at PaperbarkWords blog about your picture book The Big Backyard Plan, Kirsten and Laura. The Big Backyard Plan is a story about four friends – Azumi, Theo, Bree […]

Brave in Every Which Way by Maddy Mara

Brave in Every Which Way by Maddy Mara ill. Lauren Degraaf Published by Affirm Press Author Interview with Maddy Mara Congratulations on the publication of your important, affirming picture book, Brave in Every Which Way, Maddy Mara, and thank you for speaking with Joy in Books at PaperbarkWords. Guest Author Post by Maddy Mara about Brave Every Which Way Maddy […]