The Song of Stork and Dromedary by Anjet Daanje (translated by David McKay) (Scribe Publications) The Song of Stork and Dromedary is a masterful labyrinthine roman à clef. Dutch author, Anjet Daanje uses different voices and literary forms to inhabit sisters who represent the Brontë sisters, as well as others, to amplify their tale. extract […]
Read More The Song of Stork and Dromedary by Anjet DaanjeSamantha Wheeler & The Lost Island Author Interview: Samantha Wheeler Samantha shares her thoughts about nature and her new middle-fiction novel, The Lost Island, with Joy in Books at PaperbarkWords blog Wonder Before Worry. How books can help children develop closer connections with nature by Samantha Wheeler A connection with nature goes beyond simply being outdoors. We sometimes talk about […]
Read More Samantha Wheeler & The Lost IslandThe Phantom Surrealist by Geoffrey Gates (Transit Lounge) “… Thus I was introduced to that gorgeous Australian surrealist, Robert J. Wake, to whom this book is dedicated. I have since understood the significance of the painting in broad historical and cultural terms, but what I saw at the time was an amorphous red bulge on […]
Read More The Phantom Surrealist by Geoffrey GatesBetsy & Bon by Simon Howe Betsy & Bon written & illustrated by Simon Howe (UQP) Betsy & Bon is a gift-packaged hardcover book of three gentle, whimsical stories for young children. It explores empathetic and collaborative friendship and community, imaginative play and the natural world. It is recommended for ages 5-8. Thank you for speaking to […]
Read More Betsy & Bon by Simon HoweProtector of Beyond by Shara Curlett (Penguin Books) “ ‘Today, you will have the honour of touching an Oath Stone,’ Charleston announces. ‘For those of you who produce a spark, you will leave this realm forever, entering into a training programme to fulfil your lifelong duty as a Protector of Beyond.’ ” (Protector of Beyond) […]
Read More Protector of Beyond by Shara CurlettINSIDE THE CBCA 2026 WINNERS The Children’s Book Council of Australia (CBCA) Winning and Honour Books for 2026 have been announced. Congratulations to everyone involved. Follow the links to those books I have already reviewed, or interviewed the author or illustrator, at PaperbarkWords blog. Book of the Year: OLDER READERS WINNER Darkest Night, Brightest Star, Barry Jonsberg (Allen & […]
Read More INSIDE THE CBCA 2026 WINNERSDerek by Anne Donaldson, illustrated by Matt Shanks (Little Hare, Hardie Grant) “Derek was a fish with many questions.” (Derek) INSIDE THE CBCA 2026 SHORTLIST Derek is the humorously perceptive Honour-awarded picture book in the Early Childhood category of the 2026 CBCA awards. It is also the Early Childhood Shadow Judging winner. Interview with Derek creators Anne […]
Read More Derek by Anne Donaldson, illustrated by Matt ShanksDarkest Night, Brightest Star by Barry Jonsberg (Allen & Unwin) INSIDE THE CBCA 2026 SHORTLIST “ ‘Think about this,’ Dad said. If you are to be the brightest star, like Diego Maradona, then you must go through the dark bits first. The practice. Working hard even when you don’t want to. You understand?’” (Darkest Night, […]
Read More Darkest Night, Brightest Star by Barry JonsbergWild Darling by Alexandra Moody (HarperCollins Australia) ‘Something about her expression hit me square in the chest. She never smiled or laughed when I was around. The way her eyes were sparkling now felt like discovering a rare hidden treasure. The thought stopped me short. Did I actually like making her laugh? She shook her […]
Read More Wild Darling by Alexandra MoodySuzy Zail & A New Kind of Beautiful (Walker Books Australia) “I want to be brave. But I just dropped the Wild Thing tag and I don’t need a new story: The Adventures of Brave Girl.” (A New Kind of Beautiful) Author Interview: Suzy Zail Suzy shares her thoughts about A New Kind of Beautiful […]
Read More Suzy Zail & A New Kind of Beautiful
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