Just So Stories

Random Reviews and Ramblings from Redcliffe



  • The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane: Deluxe Collector’s Edition – Kate diCamillo. Illustrator: Bagram Ibatoulline

    Walker Books Australia Imprint: Candlewick October 2026 ISBN13:9781536253108 Australia RRP:$27.99 New Zealand RRP:$29.99 When I first read that this was on its way on Kate’s social media, I was thrilled. When I found out that a copy was coming my way, I was even more excited and when it arrived yesterday (28/9) I was absolutely… Read more

  • The Garden of Lost Girls- A. L. Tait

    Scholastic Australia September 2026 ISBN: 9781761729485 RRP: $18.99 Anyone who knows me also knows my obsession with cosy murder/mystery stories. This new one caters to a younger readership of middle grade – think Year 6 upwards – straddling a gap often in this genre. Sam and his cousins, Archie and Grace, have grown up with… Read more

  • How Not to be a Pirate: The Trouble with Curses- Jenny Pearson

    Harper Collins Australia September 2026 Imprint: Usborne GB ISBN: 9781835400968 RRP: $17.99 It certainly was pretty apt that I would be reading this at exactly the right time for Talk Like a Pirate Day – and what fun it was [given my penchant for pirates in general –after all, there was the pirate wedding at… Read more

  • Down the Bush Track, Little Bee – Sarah Jane Lightfoot

    Affirm Press April 2026 Affirm Kids ISBN13: 9781923293526 RRP: AU$ 24.99 / NZ$ 27.99 Sarah Jane Lightfoot’s books are always a treat and this one is certainly that. I knew we had different types of native bees but I’m pretty sure I didn’t know all of those described in this lovely flit around the country.… Read more

  • The Thing About Giants – Christopher Galvin

    Walker Books September 2026 ISBN13:9781529538472 Australia RRP:$17.99 New Zealand RRP:$19.99 It’s always wonderful when you get to read a debut novel, especially MG, that takes a trope (or two) in a completely different and refreshing direction. And this one is so spot on for matching with classroom discussions on big issues confronting the world at… Read more

  • My Tiny Universe – Maryam Master

    Pan Macmillan September 2026 ISBN: 9781761776670 RRP: $16.99 If I’m strictly honest about it – and you should know by now that I am – I’m a little ‘over’ the post-apocalyptic style narratives but there are exceptions. Believe me, this is one of them. From the first page to the last I was utterly invested… Read more