Busy Beaks by Sarah Allen

Inside the 2021 CBCA Shortlist Most books shortlisted for the 2021 CBCA Book of the Year: Early Childhood award are fiction. Busy Beaks by Sarah Allen (Affirm Press) has broken the mould in fine style. It is a superb non-fiction picture book about Australian birds. Thank you for speaking to PaperbarkWords, Sarah. Congratulations on Busy […]

Your Birthday Was the Best! by Maggie Hutchings, illustrated by Felicita Sala

Inside the 2021 CBCA Shortlist Russell Prize for Humour Writing for Young People “I ATE SO MUCH I FELL ASLEEP ON YOUR CAKE.” (Your Birthday Was the Best!) Your Birthday Was the Best! written by Maggie Hutchings and illustrated by Felicita Sala (Affirm Press) is shortlisted for the 2021 CBCA Picture Book of the Year […]

How to Make a Bird by Meg McKinlay & Matt Ottley

Inside the CBCA Shortlist “So you will gather it into your hands and cast it gently upon the air.” (How to Make a Bird) How to Make a Bird written by Meg McKinlay, illustrated by Matt Ottley (Walker Books Australia) is shortlisted for the CBCA 2021 Picture Book of the Year. It is an exceptional, […]

Ellie’s Dragon by Bob Graham

Inside the CBCA Shortlist Ellie’s Dragon by Bob Graham (Walker Books Australia) is shortlisted for the CBCA 2021 Picture Book of the Year. It is an exceptional work. Bob Graham is, of course, one of Australia and the world’s best picture book creators for young children. His work is gentle yet piercingly observant, humorous yet […]

Inside the 2021 CBCA Shortlist Books

The Children’s Book Council of Australia (CBCA) Shortlisted Books for 2021 has been announced. Follow the links to those I have already reviewed or interviewed the author or illustrator on the blog. I will add to this list until the winners are announced in August. Congratulations to those creators who have been shortlisted. Sincere commiserations […]

The Boy Who Steals Houses by C.G. Drews

Inside the CBCA Shortlist “I had nowhere to go, he wants to say. I’m the boy of nothing and nowhere. I’m invisible and forgotten, a thief of dust and cobwebs and house keys.” (The Boy Who Steals Houses) The Boy Who Steals House by C.G. Drews (Orchard Books/Hachette Australia) has been nominated for the prestigious […]

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 […]

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 […]

Vikki Wakefield and This is How We Change the Ending

Inside the CBCA Short List Vikki Wakefield is one of Australia’s best contemporary YA authors. This is How We Change the Ending (Text Publishing) is her best book and my YA novel of the year. It may well be the perfect YA novel. It is highly engaging yet gives a profound insight into the character […]