Just So Stories

Random Reviews and Ramblings from Redcliffe

  • Picture Book Month Bonus: Start with a Teapot: an unexpected guide to the art of drawing – Enric Lax

    Walker Books Australia Imprint: Gecko Press ISBN13:9798765670491 Australia RRP:$29.99 New Zealand RRP:$34.99 Invariably, when I’m with a class and we are about to draw, there is always the one – or more – who say ‘But I can’t draw…’ or ‘I’m terrible at drawing…’. I always tell them that I’m not an artist but I Read more

  • Whispers and Roars – Patrick Guest. Jonathan Bentley.

    Simon & Schuster September 2025 As if to prove my comments about these two creators previously in this 2025 line-up of picture books, here is a stunning one with them in combination as they were for the acclaimed The Second Sky. And this one is a good addition to today’s titles focused on well-being for Read more

  • We Are All Amazing – P. Crumble and Jonathan Bentley.

    Scholastic Australia December 2025 ISBN: 9781761725333 RRP: $19.99 This is, I believe, the newest in a series pitched at younger children to encourage them to develop some positive attributes and attitudes. Anything with Jonathan Bentley‘s name attached is a drawcard for me. Not only is his artwork sublime but he’s a thoroughly nice human…amusing and Read more

  • Confetti and the Rainbow Garden – Shane Jenek aka Courtney Act. Illustrated by Dylan Finney.

    Hardie Grant Australia October 2025 Imprint: Pantera Press ISBN:9781763550735 Price:AU$22.99, NZ$24.99 After a hugely successful debut with their memoir Caught in the Act, Shane Jenek/Courtney Act now presents a timely book that encourages young people to understand the shades of difference between us all. Confetti is one of a group of cousins each with their Read more

  • CSIRO Publishing line up!

    I seem to have collected a few so here’s the round-up of all I have left for this year – every single one of utmost excellence as we know we will get from this publishing house, and all of them with subject matter that will engage, fascinate and inform kiddos. Every Rock has a Story: Read more

  • Picture Book Month Bonus: Catching Fire – Suzanne Collins. Illustrated by Nico Delort.

    Scholastic Australia Last year it was the #1 illustrated Hunger Games that was a bonus for Picture Book Month, now it’s equally sumptuous Catching Fire. This trilogy and its numerous spin-offs remains a favourite with so many around the world, myself included. There is just so much to love about it and quite frankly, as Read more

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