Fluff: Mess Up! by Matt Stanton

Fluff: Mess Up! by Matt Stanton (ABC Books) “ ‘Hello? Is this Organised Grime?’ Fluff says into the phone. ‘I’m looking for someone to clean our caravan. Yes, it’s urgent. There’s been an accidental food fight and … well, we have a fish with a poop problem.’ ” (Fluff: Mess Up!) Fluff: Mess Up! by Matt […]

A Farm by the Sea by Jillian Packer

A Farm by the Sea by Jillian Packer Published by Berbay Books Jillian Packer writes about her tender, timeless picture book, A Farm by the Sea, to describe how childhood, and the place where you live, grows you into the person you become. Many of her illustrations artfully pay homage to ‘millefleur’ – design style […]

Odder by Katherine Applegate, ill. Charles Santoso

Odder: An Otter’s Story by Katherine Applegate & Charles Santoso Long months pass, and it is finally time, Odder knows, for the pup to move on. From her rooftop perch, she watches the cage open, hears the leap into sweet waves, feels the joy of a loved one set free.’ (Odder, words by Katherine Applegate, […]

Where to Hide a Star by Oliver Jeffers

Where to Hide a Star by Oliver Jeffers Published by HarperCollins Children’s Books Picture Book review by Joy Lawn (Joy in Books) at PaperbarkWords blog “Once there was a boy … and together with his two friends … he would often play hide-and-seek.” (Where to Hide a Star) Perfect for Christmas or all year round, Where to […]

A Wish for Baby by Caz Goodwin & Sara Acton

A Wish for Baby by Caz Goodwin & Sara Acton “I wish for you, dear little one, enchanting dreams each night. And days that bring surprises, full of wonder and delight.” (A Wish for Baby) (A Wish for Baby is published by Affirm Press) A Wish for Baby is an exquisite picture book for babies. […]

Nightsong by Sally Soweol Han

Nightsong by Sally Soweol Han Published by University of Queensland Press Book review by Joy Lawn (Joy in Books) at PaperbarkWords blog Who is Sally Soweol Han? Sally Soweol Han is a new talent and the author-illustrator of two acclaimed picture books. Tiny Wonders won the 2023 CBCA New Illustrator of the Year. Nightsong is […]

The Unwilling Twin by Freya Blackwood

Inside the CBCA Shortlist The Unwilling Twin by Freya Blackwood (HarperCollins Publishers) is shortlisted for the CBCA 2021 Picture Book of the Year. Credit to the judges of the picture book category because of their outstanding list (although I can’t imagine how they will select the winner and honour books from these deserving titles), and […]