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 […]

Three by Stephen Michael King

Inside the CBCA Shortlist “One … two … three. One … two … three. Every day was a skip and a hop for Three.” Three by Stephen Michael King (Scholastic Australia) is a beautifully moving, heart-warming story about gratitude. It is perfectly told for young children – and those who share books with them. It […]

Small Town by Phillip Gwynne, illustrated by Tony Flowers

“At school we learn about refugees. War. Famine. And persecution. People with nowhere to live.” Thank you for speaking to PaperbarkWords about Small Town, Phillip and Tony. Your new picture book Small Town (Puffin Books) tells an important story about a small town losing its residents and how renewal happens when refugees arrive. How would […]

My Friend Fred by Frances Watts, illustrated by A. Yi

Inside the CBCA Shortlist My Friend Fred by much loved and awarded author Frances Watts, illustrated by A. Yi (published by Allen & Unwin) is ideal for both cat and dog lovers. Even though they are very different from each other, the cat and dog in this tale can still be friends. The story is […]

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 […]