A Song for the King by Katrina Nannestad & Freya Blackwood

A Song for the King Written by Katrina Nannestad, illustrated by Freya Blackwood Published by ABC Kids, HarperCollins Children’s Books Picture Book review by Joy Lawn (Joy in Books) at Paperbark Words blog “Joy! Love! Peace!” (A Song for the King) A Song for the King is the best Australian Christmas book since 2008’s Applesauce and the […]

Tim Winton Interview about Ningaloo

Ningaloo: Australia’s Wild Wonder written by Tim Winton illustrated by Cindy Lane Fremantle Press Interview with Tim Winton about Ningaloo “For those who come after” (Ningaloo: Australia’s Wild Wonder) Thank you for speaking about Ningaloo, your clear and powerful non-fiction picture book, with Paperbark Words, Tim. Your book’s subtitle is Australia’s Wild Wonder, and you describe Ningaloo […]

Our Dance by Jacinta Daniher and Taylor Hampton, ill. Janelle Burger

Our Dance by Jacinta Daniher and Taylor Hampton, ill. Janelle Burger Lothian Books, Hachette Australia Finding Our Rhythm: The Journey of Writing ‘Our Dance’ Jacinta Daniher and Taylor Hampton write about creating their exuberant interactive picture book, Our Dance with Janelle Burger for PaperbarkWords blog: Taylor Hampton is a proud Ngiyampaa/Wiradjuri man and Jacinta Daniher is an early […]

Our World Full of Wonder by Jevita Nilson, illustrated by Jess Racklyeft

Our World Full of Wonder by Jevita Nilson, illustrated by Jess Racklyeft Published by CSIRO Publishing “There is a place filled with all this wonder: our world, our home. Shall we go explore?” (Our World Full of Wonder) Author Interview with Jevita Nilson Thank you for speaking about your picture book Our World Full of […]

The Lost History by Melanie La’Brooy

The Lost History by Melanie La’Brooy The Lost History follows the The Wintrish Girl in the excellent ‘Talismans of Fate’ middle fiction high fantasy series by Melanie La’Brooy. The series stands out for its beguiling storylines deftly layered with light and dark threads. These are entertaining, intelligent books. Both are published by UQP (University of […]

The Garden at the End of the World by Cassy Polimeni and Briony Stewart

The Garden at the End of the World by Cassy Polimeni and Briony Stewart Published by University of Queensland Press Inside the CBCA Notables The Garden at the End of the World is a 2024 CBCA Notable Book Guest author post by Cassy Polimeni about her original, inviting and Reassuring picture book, The Garden at the […]

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 […]

Noah Barleywater Runs Away by John Boyne

Noah Barleywater Runs Away by John Boyne Christmas gift / book review A recommended gift book for Christmas is Noah Barleywater Runs Away by John Boyne, illustrated by Oliver Jeffers (published David Fickling Books). Noah Barleywater Runs Away was the first book I was commissioned to review for the Weekend Australian in 2010. The book […]

When You’re Older by Sofie Laguna, illustrated Judy Watson

When You’re Older Illustrator Interview Judy Watson is an exceptional illustrator. She won the Prime Minister’s Literary Award (Children’s Fiction) in 2012 for Good Night, Mice! (written by Frances Watts) and has excelled in other collaborations with Frances and also Lesley Gibbes, Lisa Shanahan and other notable Australian authors. Her new picture book, When You’re […]

The Boy and the Elephant by freya blackwood

The Boy and the Elephant by Freya Blackwood Picture Book Review Freya Blackwood is indisputably one of Australia and the world’s best picture book creators. Her works continually appear on the CBCA awards and winners lists and she has also won the international 2010 Kate Greenaway Medal for illustration. All of her books are standouts. […]