A Song for the King by Katrina Nannestad & Freya Blackwood

A Song for the King Written by Katrina Nannestad, illustrated by Freya Blackwood Published by ABC Kids, HarperCollins Children’s Books Picture Book review by Joy Lawn (Joy in Books) at Paperbark Words blog “Joy! Love! Peace!” (A Song for the King) A Song for the King is the best Australian Christmas book since 2008’s Applesauce and the […]

Between by Anna Walker

Between, written & illustrated by Anna Walker Published by Scribble “Between day and night Between near and far …” (Between by Anna Walker) Interview with Anna Walker about Between Between is a poetic, artistic picture book for all ages. It evokes the imaginative, the intangible, the profound… Thank you for speaking about your powerful, contemplative picture […]

The Enchantment of Golden Eagle by Margaret Wild & Stephen Michael King

The Enchantment of Golden Eagle by Margaret Wild & Stephen Michael King Allen & Unwin Interview with Margaret Wild about The Enchantment of Golden Eagle Thank you for speaking with Paperbark Words, Margaret. Your career in children’s books is highly illustrious and it is a career that continues to exceed expectations. You have stepped out bravely and […]

BIRDY by Sharon Kernot

BIRDY by SHARON KERNOT (Text Publishing) Sharon Kernot has now written and published two high quality YA verse novels. 2018’s The Art of Taxidermy is multi-awarded (see link at the end of this piece to my notes about it on the blog) and her new book, Birdy, shares some of the first novel’s distinctive thematic […]

Grace and Mr Milligan by Caz Goodwin, illustrated by Pip Kruger

Grace and Mr Milligan by Caz Goodwin, illustrated Pip Kruger Guest author: Caz Goodwin Could you tell us about your new picture book, Grace and Mr Milligan? Grace lives next door to old Mr Milligan and his goat Charlie. They are the best of friends. But when Charlie passes away, everything changes. Grace is disturbed […]

Exit Through the Gift Shop by Maryam Master

Exit Through the Gift Shop by Maryam Master, illustrated by Astred Hicks Inside the 2022 CBCA Shortlist Exit Through the Gift Shop is a stand-out middle-fiction novel for mature children in upper primary and for readers in junior secondary school. The combined title and cover are eye-catching. The voice of 12-year-old Ana is striking, memorable […]

Zoe, Max and the Bicycle Bus by Steven Herrick

“Be brave. Take risks. We’ll heal the bruises with love.” (Zoe, Max and the Bicycle Bus) Steven Herrick is a much-loved Australian writer. He is particularly well known for his verse novels for children and young adults and, although all his books are superb, his verse novel The Spangled Drongo is one of my […]