Muttonfish Magic by Aunty Ruth Simms & Lucy Robertson, illustrated by Jasmine Seymour

Muttonfish Magic by Aunty Ruth Simms & Lucy Robertson ill. by Jasmine Seymour Published by Magabala Books “Muttonfish Magic honours the Kameragyl and Bidjigal people, the traditional custodians of the land around Kamay (Botany Bay) and Guriwal (La Perouse). With sensory lyricism, Bidjigal Elder Ruth Simms and Lucy Robertson depict a loving First Nations family inspired […]

The Messy Bath Monster Interview with Tina Wilson, Joan Wilson & Matt Ottley

The Messy Bath Monster by Tina Wilson (words & pictures), Joan Wilson (knitting) & Matt Ottley (music) (One Tentacle Publishing) ‘Monkey knew there was a monster lurking in the bath because it made such a BIG mess! “It must be a HUGE monster,” thought Monkey. It gurgled and it roared … And left puddles on […]

Inside the 2026 CBCA Notable Books

The Children’s Book Council of Australia (CBCA) Notable Books for 2026 have been announced. Follow the links to those books I have already reviewed or interviewed the author or illustrator at PaperbarkWords blog. NB I will add reviews and interviews here and on the Inside the 2026 Shortlist page on the blog (once the shortlist is announced) until the […]

My Brother Otto by Ingrid Laguna

My Brother Otto by Ingrid Laguna (Text Publishing) “In the middle of her desk was her laptop. She had whole folders of stories on there. She opened to a screen she had titled The Invisible Girl and added some notes. No one sees the girl. Her colours are fading. She hides behind her cowgirl boots.” […]

Departure(s) by Julian Barnes

Departure(s) by Julian Barnes Published by Jonathan Cape, an imprint of Vintage, Penguin Random House Julian Barnes is the eminent English author who won the 2011 Booker Prize for his novel The Sense of an Ending. He is a ‘hybrid’ author, whose books range from the fictional Flaubert’s Parrot and The Only Story to non-fiction, […]

Debra Dank Interview: Ankami – to give life to –

Ankami – to give life to – by Debra Dank (Echo Publishing) “So this is a story about time and words and ways because though many of the stories that lived here for thousands of years still wait to be told and freed to travel with the wind, other stories need attention now. These newer […]

Helen Milroy & Dingo’s Dream

Dingo’s Dream and Tales From the Bush Mob by Helen Milroy Magabala Books Interview with Helen Milroy Thank you for speaking to PaperbarkWords, Helen. I believe that you are part of the much-loved Sally Morgan’s family. Could you please tell us something about your family relationships and background. In my family, we were brought up […]

The Gifts of Reading for the Next Generation curated by Jennie Orchard

The Gifts of Reading for the Next Generation curated by Jennie Orchard The Gifts of Reading for the Next Generation: essays on nurturing a passion for reading. Inspired by Robert Macfarlane, curated by Jennie Orchard, contributors include Matt Ottley, Alice Pung, Nardi Simpson, Shankari Chandran, Michael Morpurgo, Tristan Bancks, William Boyd and others. Published by […]

Between by Anna Walker

Between, written & illustrated by Anna Walker Published by Scribble “Between day and night Between near and far …” (Between by Anna Walker) Interview with Anna Walker about Between Between is a poetic, artistic picture book for all ages. It evokes the imaginative, the intangible, the profound… Thank you for speaking about your powerful, contemplative picture […]

Crimson Velvet Heart by Carmel Bird

Crimson Velvet Heart by Carmel Bird Transit Lounge Crimson Velvet Heart is the twelfth novel from the accomplished Australian writer Carmel Bird. It revivifies the dynasty and descendants of Louis XIV in 17th century Versailles. The following extract for PaperbarkWords blog is from the start of novel: A Child Is Born in Savoy from Crimson […]