Just So Stories

Random Reviews and Ramblings from Redcliffe



  • Anzac Ted -(10th Anniversary edition): Belinda Landsberry

    EK Books March 2024 ISBN: 9781922539755 RRP: $29.99 Sometimes appearances are misleading, as adults we know that. So for some children who see a battered, raggedy and worn-out teddy bear with missing parts, it would be natural to be dismissive or even contemptuous. My own Tedward is, after 67 years, in a pretty sad and sorry Read more

  • Q&A with Belinda Murrell

    Q&A with Belinda Murrell

    Welcome to Just So Stories, Belinda! And how exciting to have you here at last (I have no idea why it’s taken so long really!). But with the debut of another brand-new series, it certainly is good timing. Let’s start off at the very beginning. Tell us about Belinda the little girl: family (of course, Read more

  • The Daredevil Princess and the Goblin King [#2] – Belinda Murrell. Illustrated by Rebecca Crane.

    Penguin Random House February 2024 After a slight hiccup in delivery, here is #2 in Belinda’s fun new series for your younger readers. Those kiddos who are now so proud of being able to read ‘chapter books’, all of whom will relish the humour and adventure in these stories. Princess Tillie, now constantly accompanied by Read more

  • Little Matilda and the Lost Bunny – Caz Goodwin. Illustrated by Shaney Hyde.

    February 2024 It took Little Matilda a while to find friends so it is understandable that she isn’t always aware of how important it is to treat our friends (indeed, anyone) with kindness. And, as we know, for Smalls their emotions can run rampant, as they haven’t quite yet learned to self-regulate these. Little Matilda Read more

  • How to Avoid Being Eaten by Sharks… and Other Advice – John Larkin. Illustrated by Chrissie Krebs.

    Walker Books February 2024 ISBN13:9781760657451 Australia RRP:$16.99 New Zealand RRP:$18.99 Truth be told, I do already know how to avoid being eaten by sharks. That’s why it’s The Kid who surfs, not me! So the opening page of this hilarious book of wisdom completely resonates with me. There is one absolute sure-fire method to avoid being Read more

  • Ferris – Kate DiCamillo

    Walker Books Australia April 2024 ISBN13:9781760659240 Australia RRP:$19.99 New Zealand RRP:$24.99 I got the ARC of this a week or so ago (27/2 today) and, of course, binged it in one night because – well, it’s Kate and it’s just marvellous, as one would expect. I mean – have you ever read one of Kate’s Read more