RUNT by Craig Silvey

Runt by Craig Silvey, illustrated by Sara Acton (published by Allen & Unwin) Author interview with Craig Silvey “’I just wanted to tell you that I don’t think Runt is afraid. In fact, he looks like a very brave dog indeed. For a long time he didn’t have anyone. And then you found each other, […]

When You’re Older by Sofie Laguna, illustrated Judy Watson

When You’re Older Illustrator Interview Judy Watson is an exceptional illustrator. She won the Prime Minister’s Literary Award (Children’s Fiction) in 2012 for Good Night, Mice! (written by Frances Watts) and has excelled in other collaborations with Frances and also Lesley Gibbes, Lisa Shanahan and other notable Australian authors. Her new picture book, When You’re […]

We Love You, Magoo by Briony Stewart

Inside the 2021 CBCA Shortlist We Love You, Magoo is written and illustrated by much-loved author-illustrator Briony Stewart. It is shortlisted for the CBCA Book of the Year: Early Childhood awards and is published by Penguin Random House Australia. Thank you for speaking to PaperbarkWords, Briony. No worries! My Pleasure! I have loved and promoted […]

Grumble Boats by Susannah McFarlane, illustrated by Tamsin Ainslie

Thank you for speaking to PaperbarkWords, Susannah and Tamsin. Your picture book Grumble Boats (Affirm Press) is an original and uplifting picture book for young children about expressing and dealing with grumpiness and the relationship between Emma and her Grandma. It accentuates Grandma’s kindness and wisdom, Emma’s trust and their mutual love. Susannah, I love […]

Of Boys and Boats by Ian Trevaskis

I was first aware of Ian Trevaskis’s writing through his picture book Edge of the World (illustrated by Wayne Harris). This is a superb work. Ian’s new novel for young people, Of Boys and Boats (Ford St) is a very special book based on the author’s own early years in Geelong. Set in 1956 during […]

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 […]