Just So Stories

Random Reviews and Ramblings from Redcliffe

  • Ella and the Mystery of the Missing Frogs – Cassy Polimeni. Illustrated by Hykie Breeze.

    UWA Publishing Distributed by Simon & Schuster March 2026 #3 in the Ella’s froggy series is another engaging read for those early chapter books readers in your circle – the ones who are growing more confident with their sustained reading. Each of these charmers has presented a narrative to which kids will relate and make… Read more

  • I’d Rather Be a Shark – Philip & Laura Bunting

    The Buntings have done it again with an uproariously look at ‘what if…’ when a child is fed up with having to use their manners, or being kind to everyone and taking turns, smiling sweetly and, as for sharing – phooey! What if….one salty kid could transform into a salty, snapping toothy SHARK! That would… Read more

  • The Prime Minister Problem – Brenton Cullen

    Riveted Press April 2026 Dist: Simon & Schuster ISBN13: 9781764256728 RRP: AU$ 17.99 / NZ$ 19.99 Brenton Cullen’s debut novel is a terrific read for middle-grade. This young man has been a keen writer since childhood and is now making his dream of writing professionally come true. And what a great start this is! It’s… Read more

  • What’s That? Australian Sharks, Rays and Skates – Myke Mollard

    Woodslane Press March 2026 ISBN: 9781923350151 RRP: $24.99 Once again Myke Mollard brings his passion for the natural world and, especially, our own Australian animals to young readers in an informative, engaging and entertaining format. Sharks have been very much in the news again over summer and I, for one, have been well-pleased at the number… Read more

  • The Man From Snowy River: Australian Classics for Little Ones Banjo- Paterson/Cate James. llustrated by Cate James.

    Penguin Australia April 2026 I will be the first to say that at first sight I thought – ummm, how is this going to work? But you know what? Somehow it does. Taking lines from the poem as a cue on each page the text is combined with a background colour and a number, so:… Read more

  • Books in Homes

    Yesterday I did my first gig for Books in Homes, which is just such a fantastic initiative to promote a love of books and reading to kiddos. I went to Carole Park SS and while it was a mission to get there, what a delightful little school it is. Their student leaders were fabulous and… Read more

Archived Reviews