Pierre’s Not There by Ursula Dubosarsky & Christopher Nielsen

Pierre’s Not There is full of wonder. It is a memorable and ground-breaking new story for 8-12-year-olds by Ursula Dubosarsky (published by Allen & Unwin). As well as being imaginative and relatable, it has a bold structure – the narrative becomes a puppet play. When I heard about this book, I was desperate to read […]

The Other Side of the Sky by Amie Kaufman & Meagan Spooner

The Other Side of the Sky is another stunning collaboration between Amie Kaufman & Meagan Spooner. It is published by Allen & Unwin. It is a dual narrative featuring a duel between science and magic. It traverses power and politics, climate change, romance, identity, prophesy, colour, music and light. Thank you for speaking to PaperbarkWords, […]

The Erasure Initiative by Lili Wilkinson

It was such a pleasure to speak with Lili for the launch of her new YA novel, The Erasure Initiative (Allen & Unwin) at Readings Bookstore, Melbourne. I’ve enthusiastically read Lili’s books since the start of her career, beginning with Joan of Arc (on which I wrote the teacher notes for the publisher) and Scatterheart, […]

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 […]

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 […]

Deep Water by Sarah Epstein

“I’m always telling Dad that country people are far too trusting. Everyone may know everyone in small towns, but can we ever truly know anyone?” (Deep Water) Thank you for speaking to PaperbarkWords, Sarah. Thank you for having me, Joy! Where are you based and how are you involved in the Australian YA community? I […]

Ursula Dubosarsky & Ask Hercules Quick

Ask Hercules Quick by Ursula Dubosarsky, illustrated by Andrew Joyner Ask Hercules Quick is a beautifully imagined and composed story by esteemed author Ursula Dubosarsky about Hercules who does odd jobs to save for a box of magic tricks. The story incorporates humour and intrigue and, while complete and satisfying, provides space for children to […]

Bold Tales for Brave-Hearted Boys by Susannah McFarlane

I thoroughly enjoyed Susannah McFarlane’s previous book Fairytales for Feisty Girls and Susannah has now written a companion book, Bold Tales for Brave–Hearted Boys. Both these books are full of child-appeal and are lovely gifts. Thank you for speaking to PaperbarkWords, Susannah. A pleasure, thanks for the opportunity! Where are you based and how are […]

Brisbane Writers Festival 2019 ‘Compassion’ with Tim Costello, Eve L Ewing & Ben Hobson

‘This Way Humanity’ was the theme of the Brisbane Writers Festival this year. I was honoured to moderate a session, The Incredible Uplift of Compassion, a subject that embodied the theme. Authors on the panel were the venerable Tim Costello, vivacious Chicago-based Marvel writer Eve L. Ewing and Ben Hobson, Brisbane-based author of two recent […]

Wai Chim and The Surprising Power of a Good Dumpling

The Surprising Power of a Good Dumpling (Allen & Unwin) is a young adult novel for mature secondary students. It has an engaging heroine, a vibrant bustling restaurant setting, a difficult home situation, and some weighty themes. Thank you for speaking to Paperbark blog, Wai. I reviewed your first novel, Freedom Swimmer, for the Weekend […]