Kindness as a Superpower The Kindness Project a middle grade verse novel by Deborah Abela Increasing in popularity, verse novels are a very important and innovative form. Of course, we have some standout verse novelists from the adult list with Dorothy Porter, Les Murray, Alan Wearne and others. Equally significant are our verse novelists for […]
Read More The Kindness Project by Deborah AbelaThe Lost Library by Rebecca Stead & Wendy Mass ‘ “All of life is a mystery, in a way. And that makes every single one of us a detective.” … Evan sat there for a few seconds, looking at his desk. He was trying to solve a mystery, he realized: the mystery of the little […]
Read More The Lost Library by Rebecca Stead & Wendy MassLast-Place Lin by Wai Chim, illustrated by Freda Chiu Published by Allen & Unwin “Last-Place Lin. Last-Place Lin. Last-Place Lin. At first, I say the words in my head, then I chant them. My feet match the rhythm.” (Last-Place Lin) Author Interview with Wai Chim Thank you for speaking about Last-Place Lin with Joy in […]
Read More Last-Place Lin by Wai Chim, illustrated by Freda ChiuEgg by Clare Atkins, illustrated by Harrison Vial Clare Atkins is an exceptional Australian author who writes across a range of platforms, including YA novels, scriptwriting and now a stunning picture book, Egg (University of Queensland Press). Clare has a big heart and is able to embody her characters and their situations thoughtfully to create […]
Read More Egg by Clare Atkins & Harrison VialEdwina Wyatt writes as beautifully and with as much care for PaperbarkWords about her new children’s novel, The Magic of Magnolia Moon, as she does in her books. The Magnolia Moon trilogy (Walker Books Australia) is shaping up to be an exquisite and important body of work for children. Edwina Wyatt writes about The Magic […]
Read More The Magic of Magnolia Moon by Edwina WyattThe Christmas Pig by J.K. Rowling Book Review ‘Christmas Eve is a night for miracles and lost causes.’ (The Christmas Pig by J.K. Rowling) J.K. Rowlings’ The Christmas Pig, illustrated by Jim Field, published by Little Brown and Hachette Children’s Group, is a magical way to embrace the Christmas season. The outer jacket illustration in […]
Read More The Christmas Pig by J.K. RowlingExit 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 […]
Read More Exit Through the Gift Shop by Maryam MasterThe Genesis of Fozia and the Quest of Prince Zal by Rosanne Hawke The wonderful Rosanne Hawke has written about her new book Fozia and the Quest of Prince Zal and how it fits into her flood series. Set in Pakistan, these books are of great appeal and interest for mid to upper primary and […]
Read More Fozia and the Quest of Prince Zal by Rosanne HawkePicture Books from Walker Books Australia Ten Little Figs by Rhian Williams & Nathaniel Eckstrom Bear in Space by Deborah Abela & Marjorie Crosby-Fairall The Biscuit Maker by Sue Lawson & Liz Anelli To the Bridge: The Journey of Lennie and Ginger Mick by Corinne Fenton & Andrew McLean Ten Little Figs by Rhian Williams […]
Read More Counting, Kindness & Courage in Picture Books“I am your mother and I want to make your life less painful in any way I can. Your journey will ebb and flow, like a river searching for the sea. You will not, I know, be dragged under. Like any journey, it will begin with the first step. You will meet your guides along […]
Read More The Forest of Moon and Sword by Amy Raphael
