Derek 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 ShanksCastle Crashing written by Andrea Rowe, illustrated by Hannah Sommerville Published by Hardie Grant Andrea Rowe speaks to Paperbark Words blog about Castle Crashing, her exquisite quintessential Australian beach holiday picture book, illustrated by Hannah Sommerville. Castle Crashing is a 2026 Notable Book. My inspiration I have vivid memories of making sandcastles on one of […]
Read More Castle Crashing by Andrea Rowe & Hannah SommervilleInked by Karen Wasson, illustrated Jake A Minton Published by Figment Books (Hardie Grant Publishing) “I wish I could blend in.” (Inked) Inked is a graphic novel shortlisted in the Younger Reader category of the 2026 CBCA awards. It was also the first graphic novel to be shortlisted for the Ampersand Prize for an unpublished manuscript. […]
Read More Inked by Karen Wasson, illustrated by Jake A MintonAdventures on the Dreaming Path by Paul Callaghan, illustrated by Dylan Finney Pantera Press Paul writes about the creation of his children’s book, Adventures of the Dreaming Path, a follow up to his ABIA Award winning and best-selling adult book, The Dreaming Path for PaperbarkWords blog: Introduction I belong to Worimi/Birpai Country – saltwater country, […]
Read More Adventures on the Dreaming Path by Paul CallaghanRun by Sarah Armstrong Hardie Grant Children’s Publishing 2026 CBCA Shortlisted Book When I was a kid, I used to dream of heading off into the wilderness and surviving by my wits. Sadly, the closest I ever came to that was building a treehouse up the back of our 13-acre block on the Central Coast […]
Read More Run by Sarah ArmstrongGUS GORDON: Into the Bewilderness & picture books Author-illustrator Interview with Gus Gordon, featuring Into the Bewilderness, at PaperbarkWords “Is there more to this life? … Maybe we’re missing out on something here in the woods? What if there’s something else out there? Beyond the trees. Beyond the horizon, where the sun goes down into the […]
Read More GUS GORDON: Into the Bewilderness & picture booksInto the Mouth of the Wolf by Erin Gough (Hardie Grant Children’s Publishing) Into the Mouth of the Wolf written by Erin Gough is shortlisted for the 2025 CBCA Book of the Year: Older Readers. Congratulations on Into the Mouth of the Wolf being shortlisted by the CBCA, Erin, and thank you for speaking to Joy in Books at Paperbark Words blog. Author […]
Read More Into the Mouth of the Wolf by Erin GoughThe Garden of Broken Things by Freya Blackwood (HarperCollins Australia) Inside the 2025 CBCA Shortlist 2025 CBCA Shortlist 2025 CBCA Notable Books Freya Blackwood is one of our most accomplished and highly regarded picture book creators. Two of her books are shortlisted in the 2025 CBCA Picture Book of the Year category: The Garden of […]
Read More The Garden of Broken Things by Freya BlackwoodThe Midwatch by Judith Rossell Hardie Grant Children’s Publishing Author Interview with Judith Rossell about The Midwatch ‘Miss Mandelay says we should all learn as many useful things as we possibly can,’ said Harriet, ‘so we’re ready.’ ‘Holy mackerel. Ready for what?’ asked Maggie. Harriet took a bite and said with her mouth full, ‘Ready […]
Read More The Midwatch by Judith RossellThe Truck Cat by Deborah Frenkel, illustrated by Danny Snell Published by Bright Light (Hardie Grant Children’s Publishing) Author/illustrator Interview at PaperbarkWords “Some cats are house cats. Some are apartment cats. Some cats live on farms. Some live in the city. But Tinka was a truck cat.” (The Truck Cat) Welcome and thank you for […]
Read More The Truck Cat by Deborah Frenkel, illustrated by Danny Snell
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