Just So Stories

Random Reviews and Ramblings from Redcliffe

  • The Festival you have when you’re not having THE Festival

    Unless you’ve been under a rock or locked up (some of you probably should be !) or had some other weird stuff happening in your life, you would know about the furore over the Adelaide Writers’ Festival. While there was a lot of ‘stuff’ in the media, there wasn’t much said about the kids lit… Read more

  • Living in the Past – Ancient History with a Twist of Fun

    I’ve had a passion for ancient history since I was a nerdy kid. I still have my Ancient Civilisations book my darling mum bought me when I was around 10 years old. I snaffled all my seven-years-older brother’s ancient history textbooks when he was done with them. I aced my project in 6th class on… Read more

  • What Rhymes with Murder?Penny Tangey

    Simon & Schuster Yesterday (as of time of writing this 21/1), I was treated to a guided tour of the stunning new Caloundra library [Thank you to Karen and Fran, my exemplary tour guides and instant friends!] and, at the mention, of Rhyme Time, I happily gave them a heads-up on this great new title… Read more

  • Words Matter – Anita Fitch Pazner & Sophie Casson

    The Story of Hans and Sophie Scholl, and the White Rose Resistance The Story of Hans and Sophie Scholl, and the White Rose Resistance New South Books Publisher: Groundwood Books 9781773069708 January 2026 AUD$29.99, NZD$34.99 While I have known of Hans and Sophie Scholl for many years, as would anyone who follows groups such as… Read more

  • Newcastle: the lives and times of a city – Scott Bevan

    New South Publishing October 2025 9781742238043  RRP: $39.99 Why on earth would a Sydney girl ask to review a book about Newcastle? Growing up and all through school, I knew virtually nothing about Newcastle beyond ‘coal’ ‘dirty industry’ and of course, ‘worst of the worst convicts‘. But then, as an adult and somewhere around the… Read more

  • Board Book Bonanza!

    Mr McGee – Pamela Allen Penguin Australia February 2026 Some top-shelf board book editions with a much-loved character plus some fresh new titles for the Smallest Smalls in your circle. First up is that popular chap, Mr McGee whose last book I reviewed in 2024, the year in which Pamela Allen turned 90. How lovely… Read more

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