Cora Seen and Heard by Zanni Louise

Cora Seen and Heard by Zanni Louise (Published by Walker Books Australia) Zanni Louise is a beautiful writer and, true to form, has written a beautiful piece here about putting herself into the story. Guest author post by Zanni Louise about her new children’s middle fiction novel, Cora Seen and Heard, for Joy in Books at PaperbarkWords blog Putting Yourself in […]

The Lorikeet Tree & the Carnegie Medal

The Lorikeet Tree by Paul Jennings The Lorikeet Tree by Paul Jennings (published in Australia by Allen & Unwin and by Old Barn Books in the US) is nominated for the highly prestigious 2024 Yoto Carnegie Medal for Writing. This extraordinary middle-fiction (middle-grade) novel only solidifies Paul Jennings’s outstanding reputation. Some of his previous books […]

A is for Australian Reefs by Frané Lessac

A is for Australian Reefs by Frané Lessac Inside the CBCA Shortlist Inside the 2023 CBCA Shortlist Inside the 2023 Notable Books A is for Australian Reefs by Frané Lessac (published Walker Books Australia) A is for Australian Reefs is the latest in Frané Lessac’s impressive body of picture books. Her books are distinctive for […]

The Fix-It Princess by Janeen brian

Janeen Brian is a highly regarded author based in South Australia. She has a strong backlist of over 100 books for young readers. Some of many highlights are the picture books I’m a Dirty Dinosaur (illustrated by Ann James), Where Does Thursday Go? (illustrated by Stephen Michael King), Where’s Jessie? (illustrated by Anne Spudvilas) and […]

Evie and Rhino

Evie and Rhino by Neridah McMullin, illustrated by Astred Hicks Published by Walker Books Australia Evie and Rhino is a beautifully written middle-fiction novel about a most unusual and significant friendship. Neridah McMullin tells us about Evie and Rhino and about her writing craft at PaperbarkWords: Why a Rhino? Until recently, rhinos weren’t really an […]

The Bravest Word by Kate Foster

The Bravest Word by Kate Foster Kate Foster follows Paws, her well-received novel for children with The Bravest Word (Walker Books). This book is about a boy who is finding life difficult and discovers that he depression. Kate writes engagingly and with authenticity to create empathy and understanding. Kate is a brave and talented author […]

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 […]