Postscript: Life, Love and Loss in Australian Letters by the National Library of Australia

Postscript: Life, Love and Loss in Australian Letters by the National Library of Australia Publisher Lauren Scott writes about Postscript for Paperbark Words blog The National Library of Australia holds millions of letters in its collections. In them, you can trace the research of a historian or map the web of literary friendships between our […]

Running in Circles by Shivaun Plozza

Running in Circles by Shivaun Plozza (UQP) Running in Circles Guest Blog by Shivaun Plozza for Paperbark Words blog While researching a different book I stumbled across an article on unsolved mysteries in Australia, which included an entry on something called the ‘Tully Saucer Nest.’ When I visit schools for author talks and the kids […]

The Stolen Bairn by Katrina Macdonald Roe

The Stolen Bairn by Katrina Macdonald Roe Published by Riveted Press Guest author post by Katrina Macdonald Roe about The Stolen Bairn for Joy in Books at Paperbark Words blog Ancient faery tales grow like trees and fall from Skye Usually, my ideas for stories grow slowly, like trees. They start with a seed, which can take months or even years […]

The Thylacine and the Time Machine by Renée Treml

The Thylacine and the Time Machine by Renée Treml The Thylacine and the Time Machine: a wild ride through the past and possible future of the Tasmanian Tiger written and illustrated by Renée Treml (Allen & Unwin) The Thylacine and the Time Machine is a graphic novel shortlisted in the Eve Pownall non-fiction category of […]

Of Flame and Fury by Mikayla Bridge

Of Flame and Fury by Mikayla Bridge INSIDE THE CBCA 2026 SHORTLIST (Macmillan Australia) “Though she’d loved those stories, they weren’t the real reason she’d latched on to Savita – at least, not in in recent years. Something about Savita’s immortality made Kel feel safe in a way that nothing else could. No matter what […]

Somewhere You Can Dream by Janeen Brian & Hilary Jean Tapper

Somewhere You Can Dream by Janeen Brian & Hilary Jean Tapper (Published by Allen & Unwin) Guest author post by Janeen Brian about Somewhere You Can Dream for Joy in Books at Paperbark Words blog ‘Creativity needs space to breathe.’ This quote from Australian author-illustrator, Lisa Stewart, caused me to reflect on the space suggested. […]

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 […]

Something Terrible: Tim Tie-Your-Shoelaces by Sally Barton, illustrated by Christopher Nielsen

Something Terrible: Tim Tie-Your-Shoelaces by Sally Barton ill. Christopher Nielsen (Walker Books Australia) Something Terrible: Tim Tie-Your-Shoelaces by Sally Barton, illustrated by Christopher Nielsen is shortlisted for the 2026 CBCA Books of the Year: Younger Readers. Congratulations on Something Terrible: Tim Tie-Your-Shoelaces being shortlisted by the CBCA, Sally, and thank you for speaking to Joy in Books at Paperbark Words […]

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 […]