Twelve-year-old Art and his 10-year-old brother Hilary (named after Hilary Mantel) are best friends and have just moved to Melbourne from their small home town in Queensland because their father has writer’s block. Hilary has taken this turn of events cheerfully in his stride, as he does almost everything. Art is trying to make the best of things and secretly dancing out his worries to classic hits in his bedroom. Their dad’s long-term partner, Sally, knows just how to look after everyone, even though it’s been a big change for her, too. The boys’ mum is only a phone call away, but she’s often a little distracted.

When things quickly become tricky at school for Art, he’s torn between wanting to workshop solutions with Hilary and a feeling that he needs to start dealing with things on his own. Sometimes, two heads are better than one – but not always, as local author and school librarian Karys McEwen deftly illustrates.

The Paperbark Tree Committee is a gorgeous, heartfelt and hilarious tale of navigating change, bullying and growing up, and learning to appreciate loved ones for who they are. For ages 9+.