Just So Stories

Random Reviews and Ramblings from Redcliffe

  • 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

  • Creativity: your daily gift – Meredith Gaston Masnata

    Hardie Grant November 2023 ISBN: 9781743799154ISBN-10: 1743799152 RRP: $29.99 If you have come thus far, and not yet discovered Meredith Gaston Masnata‘s glorious books, do yourself a favour and rush to your nearest bookstore. I first discovered them a few years back when I was revamping our very tired, very boring, very neglected non-fiction collection and we were Read more

  • Smoke & Mirrors – Barry Jonsberg

    Allen & Unwin January 2024 ISBN: 9781761180750 Publisher: A&U Children’s Imprint: A & U Children RRP: $19.99 Anyone who has ever read a Jonsberg book will know that there is always more, just beneath the surface, and this particular title is especially apt. This was one of my favourite reads in December, and I quickly Read more

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