The Midwatch by Judith Rossell

The 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 […]

Meg Rosoff and Almost Nothing Happened

Meg Rosoff and Almost Nothing Happened Published by Bloomsbury Author interview with Meg Rosoff ‘Eurostar was showing a twenty-minute delay, which was perfect because if I didn’t get something to eat before I boarded the train I’d have to eat my own liver. I joined the queue for a sandwich with my mate, Moe, and […]

Leo and Ralph by Peter Carnavas

Leo and Ralph by Peter Carnavas (University of Queensland Press) Author/illustrator Interview at PaperbarkWords “Leo dropped the telescope and rolled over, laughing. Ralph always cracked him up like that. They had … dreamt of planets with funny names, imagined the creatures that lived there and the spaceships they might fly. If Mum didn’t call out to […]

Thunderhead by Sophie Beer

Thunderhead by Sophie Beer Author Interview at PaperbarkWords “I know that what I’m going through right now is the rather unfortunate end result of a few troublesome cells. It isn’t the universe conspiring against me. It’s just bad luck, a random event in a meaningless mess. But I read somewhere that humans are programmed to […]

Taronga Presents by Kristin Darell

Taronga Presents by Kristin Darell, ill. Laura Wood Published by Penguin Random House Australia Kristin Darell is a treasure in the Australian children’s literature space. As well as being a relatively new author of two series: Taronga Presents (for readers aged 7 and up) and Football Fever, she is the Program Manager for the Australian […]

Clementine’s Christmas by Annie White

Clementine’s Christmas by Annie White (New Frontier Publishing) Everyone I know loves celebrating Christmas and versatile author/illustrator Annie White adds to the festivities with her new Christmas picture book, Clementine’s Christmas. Clementine, Annie’s endearing canine character, experiences her own Christmas in this warm, funny story. Thank you for speaking to Joy in Books at PaperbarkWords blog, Annie. Guest author post […]

Laughter is the Best Ending by Maryam Master, illustrated by Astred Hicks

Laughter is the Best Ending by Maryam Master illustrated by Astred Hicks Author/illustrator Interview at PaperbarkWords ‘You’re not supposed to laugh at funerals. That’s the number-one rule of funerals. Everybody knows that. Even my pea-brain pet chihuahua, Jox, knows it. But I can’t help it. Tears (of the laughter variety) are rolling down my face. […]

The Lost History by Melanie La’Brooy

The Lost History by Melanie La’Brooy The Lost History follows the The Wintrish Girl in the excellent ‘Talismans of Fate’ middle fiction high fantasy series by Melanie La’Brooy. The series stands out for its beguiling storylines deftly layered with light and dark threads. These are entertaining, intelligent books. Both are published by UQP (University of […]

The Robbery Written and illustrated by Joaquin Camp

The Robbery Written and illustrated by Joaquin Camp Picture book published by Berbay Publishing “The plan was very simple: Thief 1, Thief 2 and Thief 3 would dig a tunnel … and rob a bank at night.” (The Robbery) The Robbery tells a surprising tale about three thieves. They look similar but have distinct personalities […]

The Sugarcane Kids and the Empty Cage by Charlie Archbold

The Sugarcane Kids and the Empty Cage by Charlie Archbold Author Interview at PaperbarkWords “Now, if us Sugarcane Kids know anything from our adventures it is that mysteries are layered like fat sandwiches. And when Dad drops me at the golf course, something tells me I’m about to get a big dose of salad filling.” […]