The tree of ecstasy and unbearable sadness

The Sydney Launch of The Tree of Ecstasy and Unbearable Sadness by Matt Ottley It was both a privilege and heartrending joy to attend the launch of The Tree of Ecstasy and Unbearable Sadness by Matt Ottley at the Chauvel Cinema in Sydney’s Paddington last night. The movie of the work, composed by Matt and performed by a full […]

Matt Ottley and his Books

Matt Ottley and his books Interview with Matt Ottley at PaperbarkWords I have been a long-time admirer and collector of Matt Ottley’s work. Matt has an exceptional reputation for his artistic and sophisticated picture books. There are too many to list but include Teacup (written by Rebecca Young), Mrs Millie’s Painting, What Faust Saw, Luke’s […]

It’s Not You, It’s Me by Gabrielle Williams

It’s Not You, It’s Me by Gabrielle Williams Author Interview “She wished she’d appreciated it more the first time around – when she was living her own sixteen-year-old life, rather than someone else’s.” I am truly excited to interview Gabrielle Williams after being intrigued and indeed flabbergasted by her YA novels over the years. Gabrielle […]

Future Girl by Asphyxia

“I accept being deaf. I know it’s my lot in life. It doesn’t bother me. I’d rather be deaf than perpetually ill or academically slow or … whatever. So … why the hell am I sniffing like mad, tears snaking down my cheeks?” (Future Girl) Future Girl is Asphyxia’s debut YA novel. It is an […]

The Gaps by Leanne Hall

“Yes. I can almost hear the thoughts of every single girl in my year level. We’re all scared, of almost everything.” (The Gaps) Leanne Hall is such a star writer. If her debut YA novel, This is Shyness, was her only book, she would still go into the annals of Australian YA literature. But […]

Bindi by Kirli Saunders & Dub Leffler

Inside the CBCAShortlist “My cousins, Elsie, Omeo and I sit in these gatheringsby our parents’ sides,the garrall on my shoulder. Often, the Elders come to say wedayo to the budjan.” (Bindi) Bindi (Magabala Books) is an enlightening verse novel by Gunai Woman and award-winning poet and writer Kirli Saunders. It is a lovely blend of […]

Ruby Tuesday by Hayley Lawrence

“Everything is quiet in the forest. For the first time in years, I don’t dream of falling when I close my eyes. No, I dream of flying.” (Ruby Tuesday) Ruby Tuesday is a thoughtfully composed tale about Ruby who lives in a forest near a small Australian town with her disabled mother. They are both […]

Make Believe: M.C. Escher for Kids by Kate Ryan & Cally Bennett

Inside the CBCA Shortlist Make Believe: M.C. Escher for Kids (National Gallery of Victoria) is shortlisted in the CBCA Eve Pownall category for information books. It was written to complement the Escher artworks shown at the Gallery but has an ongoing life of its own after the exhibition. The book is well designed with a […]