Florence & Fox by Zanni Louise, illustrated by Anna Pignataro

Florence & Fox by Zanni Louise, illustrated by Anna Pignataro Inside the 2022 CBCA Notable Books Author & Illustrator Interview Congratulations on your picture book Florence & Fox (Walker Books Australia) being recognised as a Notable Book in the 2022 CBCA Early Childhood category, Zanni and Anna. Thank you both for speaking to Joy in […]

Pearly and Pig and the Great Hairy Beast by Sue Whiting

Much-loved and prolific author, Sue Whiting tells PaperbarkWords about her new children’s novel Pearly and Pig and the Great Hairy Beast (published by Walker Books Australia). Sue writes about Pearly and Pig and the Great Hairy Beast: Pearly and Pig and the Great Hairy Beast is a page-turning adventure story set in Antarctica that blends […]

The tree of ecstasy and unbearable sadness

The Sydney Launch of The Tree of Ecstasy and Unbearable Sadness by Matt Ottley It was both a privilege and heartrending joy to attend the launch of The Tree of Ecstasy and Unbearable Sadness by Matt Ottley at the Chauvel Cinema in Sydney’s Paddington last night. The movie of the work, composed by Matt and performed by a full […]

Matt Ottley and his Books

Matt Ottley and his books Interview with Matt Ottley at PaperbarkWords I have been a long-time admirer and collector of Matt Ottley’s work. Matt has an exceptional reputation for his artistic and sophisticated picture books. There are too many to list but include Teacup (written by Rebecca Young), Mrs Millie’s Painting, What Faust Saw, Luke’s […]

The Magic of Magnolia Moon by Edwina Wyatt

Edwina 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 […]

The Beatryce Prophecy by Kate DiCamillo, illustrated by Sophie Blackall

The Beatryce Prophecy by Kate DiCamillo, illustrated by Sophie Blackall (published by Candlewick Press & Walker Books Australia) Author Interview “There will one day come a girl child who will unseat A king and bring about a great change.” (The Beatryce Prophecy) Kate DiCamillo’s books for children are amongst the best in the world. Titles […]

A Weekend With Oscar by Robyn Bavati

ROBYN BAVATI WRITES: ON A WEEKEND WITH OSCAR Several years ago, I joined a local Toastmasters club and met Jacqui, a friendly and outgoing young woman with Down syndrome who attends our meetings with her dad. I have three adult children myself, and two of them had considerable difficulties at school. One of the ongoing […]

How to Make a Bird by Meg McKinlay & Matt Ottley

Inside the CBCA Shortlist “So you will gather it into your hands and cast it gently upon the air.” (How to Make a Bird) How to Make a Bird written by Meg McKinlay, illustrated by Matt Ottley (Walker Books Australia) is shortlisted for the CBCA 2021 Picture Book of the Year. It is an exceptional, […]

Ellie’s Dragon by Bob Graham

Inside the CBCA Shortlist Ellie’s Dragon by Bob Graham (Walker Books Australia) is shortlisted for the CBCA 2021 Picture Book of the Year. It is an exceptional work. Bob Graham is, of course, one of Australia and the world’s best picture book creators for young children. His work is gentle yet piercingly observant, humorous yet […]

INTRODUCING D’LILA LARUE

Introducing D’Lila LaRue by Nette Hilton and illustrated by A. Yi, published by Walker Books Australia The wonderful Nette Hilton has sent this message about her new book for 5-8 year-olds. My newest book is called ‘Introducing D’Lila LaRue’ and I thought, as I discovered her one day when I was on a book idea […]