Just So Stories

Random Reviews and Ramblings from Redcliffe

  • MoonFish  [Poems to make you & Think] – Harry Laing. Various Illustrators

    Ford St Publishing May 2019 9781925804256 RRP: $16.95 Sharing poetry with kiddos is one of my favourite things to do – and even the ones who kind of screw their noses up at first really get into it with the right selection. This will definitely be one of those and I know that many teachers…

  • I am So Clever – Mario Ramos

      Walker Books August 2019 ISBN:  9781776572496 Imprint: Gecko Press Australian RRP: $16.99 New Zealand RRP: $19.99 In my experience kids just love send ups of the Big Bad Wolf and this book will delight those from 4 years upwards with its humorous text and illustrations, along with the references to other fairy tales. Little Red Riding Hood…

  • Ravi’s Roar

    Bloomsbury September 2019 ISBN 9781408892183 Imprint: Bloomsbury Children’s Books RRP: $14.99 This is another of Tom Percival’s splendid picture books which help children to understand and self-regulate their emotions. Many of us (educators) are finding it increasingly challenging to help children to identify and manage their own emotional issues (which also seem to be increasing…

  • Maple the Brave – Chloe Jasmine Harris

      Walker Books May 2019 ISBN: 9781925381924 Imprint: Walker Books Australia Australian RRP: $24.99 I feel terrible for taking so long to get to this beautiful book on my vast review pile because it really is a joy (what can I say, it was the term from hell!) Chloe’s debut picture book as both author and illustrator clearly…

  • The Bookworm – Debi Gliori

    Bloomsbury   ISBN: 9781408893036 Imprint: Bloomsbury Children’s Books       What could delight a teacher-librarian’s heart more than a book about a bookworm? Little Max really really wants a pet of his own but his parents are not very keen. They reject his suggestion of a puppy or a kitten because they chew things…

  • Think Big! – Kes Gray/Nathan Reed

      JUN 25, 2019 | 9781444942132 | RRP $15.99 Hachette If you are looking to inspire your little readers to reach for the stars this will be a fun yet still thought-provoking read. Taking a new twist on the old nursery rhyme Humpty Dumpty and his nursery rhyme friends are discussing what they might like to be when they…

  • How to Save the Whole Stinkin’ Planet – Lee Constable

    Penguin June 2019 ISBN: 9781760890261 Imprint: Puffin RRP: $19.99 With the world’s attention on Mighty Girl Greta Thunberg and her activism for drawing attention to the critical state of the globe this book will be a timely addition to your collection whether for general borrowing or for your own environmental group (we have Champions for Change at our…

  • The Underhills: a Tooth Fairy Story – Bob Graham

    Walker Books Australia October 1st 2019 ISBN: 9781406387612 Imprint: Walker Australian RRP: $24.99 New Zealand RRP: $27.99 Always exciting to see a new Bob Graham story and this one which is a charming companion book to April Underhill, Tooth Fairy will similarly delight young readers of that much-loved title. Mum and Dad need to be away working so the…

  • Q&A with the AMAZING Mem Fox!

    Photo Credit: Penguin Books Welcome to Just So Stories Mem! What an absolute honour to be able to have this exchange with you – many thanks! I’ve had the great pleasure of attending various of your presentations and PD events over the years and every time have come away energised and re-enthused. Your passion is…

  • The National Archives: World War II The Story Behind the War that Divided the World – Nick Hunter

    Bloomsbury ISBN: 9781526605580 Imprint: Bloomsbury Children’s Books RRP: $17.99 Given the continued interest shown by young people in the history of the World Wars, not to mention those students who are studying this period of modern history, this book is a valuable addition to any shelves. Nick Hunter holds a degree in modern history and…