The Secrets of Magnolia Moon by Edwina Wyatt

Inside the CBCA Shortlist The Secrets of Magnolia Moon by Edwina Wyatt, illustrated by Katherine Quinn (Walker Books Australia) is shortlisted for the Children’s Book Council of Australia in the Book of the Year: Younger Readers category. The Secrets of Magnolia Moon is an appealing story about Magnolia Moon told in lyrical, engaging writing. Congratulations […]

Lisa Kennedy’s Artwork in Wilam: A Birrarung Story

Inside the CBCA Shortlist Wilam: A Birrarung Story is shortlisted for the 2020 CBCA Eve Pownall Award. In this review, I will focus on the illustrations by Lisa Kennedy. The illustrations in Wilam: A Birrarung Story (written by Aunty Joy Murphy & Andrew Kelly, published by Black Dog Books, Walker Books Australia) are by emerging […]

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 […]

Worse Things by Sally Murphy, illustrated by Sarah Davis

“We have no words for her today but we are here to show her she is not alone.” (Worse Things) A new verse from Sally Murphy is a special occasion. Sally has written three great verse novels for children – Pearl Verses the World, Toppling and Roses are Blue – and has now followed these […]

Levi Pinfold & The Dam

Queensland-based illustrator, Levi Pinfold has been shortlisted for The Dam in what is probably the world’s most prestigious award for illustration, the Kate Greenaway Medal. The Dam is written by Carnegie and multi awarded medallist David Almond who wrote Skellig, Clay, Slog’s Dad and other renowned books. Levi Pinfold previously won the Greenaway Medal for […]

The Book of Chance by Sue Whiting

“Sounds to me like a young girl who was hurting and feeling let down by her friends. I think you should try to reach out to her and see if you can make amends. Show some grace. Some kindness.” (The Book of Chance) Thank you for speaking to PaperbarkWords, Sue. Thanks for having me, Joy! […]

Tooth Fairies, something lost, surprising stones and a forgotten bear

The Underhills: A Tooth Fairy Story by Bob Graham The Corner of My Eye by Colin Thompson The Book of Stone by Mark Greenwood & Coral Tulloch Nop by Caroline Magerl Bob Graham is undoubtedly one of Australia’s and the world’s best picture book creators. The Underhills: A Tooth Fairy Story is his new companion […]

Laura Bloom and Mika & Max

Mika & Max (Walker Books) is distinctive because of Laura Bloom’s superb writing, excellent characterisation and evocation of place. It is likely to be nominated for awards. Thank you for speaking to PaperbarkWords, Laura. It’s a pleasure, Joy. Thanks so much for having me. Could you begin by telling us about some of your previous […]

Remy Lai and Pie in the Sky

Thanks for speaking with Paperbark blog, Remy. Thank you for having me! I was impressed and touched while reading Pie in the Sky (Walker Books Australia), your debut novel illustrated with comics about Jingwen, his younger brother Yanghao and their mother who move to Australia. You have shared intense feelings and experiences while keeping the […]

Waves: for those who came across the sea

Inside the CBCA Shortlist Waves: for those who came across the sea by Donna Rawlins, illustrated Mark Jackson & Heather Potter Waves (Walker Books Australia) is narrative non-fiction structured chronologically to show ‘waves’ of refugee movement to Australia. It is told in a factual style to show both current and historical reality and uses first […]