The Boy and the Dog Tree by Fiona Wood

The Boy and the Dog Tree Written by Fiona Wood Illustrated by Judy Watson Published by University of Queensland Press Interview with Fiona Wood Argos had said, ‘Quests do not always announce themselves.’ There was no dragon or treasure or lost kingdom but Mitch had discovered the world anew with Argos. Quests were […]

Jo and the No Interview with Judy Watson

JO and the NO by Kyle Mewburn Illustrated by Judy Watson Published by Dirt Lane Press, WestWords Credit to Judy Watson for the images used in this interview Inside the CBCA Notables Inside the CBCA 2026 Notable Books 2026 Notables at the CBCA ‘Jo took a deep breath. Then stood up And held out a […]

Hazel’s Treehouse by Zanni Louise, illustrated by Judy Watson

Hazel’s Treehouse by Zanni Louise & illustrated by Judy Watson Walker Books (Australia) “‘What’s today?’ asks Odette, sitting up stretching. ‘Sunday,’ says Hazel with a yawn. Poky lies on her chest. This morning, Poky is the colour of mandarins and sunsets. It’s a warm and snuggly colour for an echidna.” (Hazel’s Treehouse) The pairing of […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

Searching For Cicadas by Lesley Gibbes, illustrated by Judy Watson

Inside the CBCA Shortlist Searching For Cicadas by Lesley Gibbes, illustrated by Judy Watson (Walker Books Australia) is a superb picture book about cicadas in Australia. It is told from the viewpoint of a boy camping with his Grandpa while they look for cicadas. This book is an adventure! Congratulations on your CBCA shortlisting, Lesley […]