Just So Stories

Random Reviews and Ramblings from Redcliffe

  • 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

  • National Day for War Animals

    A few weeks ago I reviewed the beautiful new picture book Wear a Purple Poppy. I was going to schedule it for today but knew that there would be many who would wish to order in time to share, now that everyone is well and truly back at school. So here are a few more Read more

  • I Think of You & Other Poems – Alexander McCall-Smith

    New South Books Nov 2023 | Polygon | 9781846976452 | 112pp | 198x129mm | GEN | AUD$29.99, NZD$34.99 I’ve been a AM-S fan for a long time, but this is the first time I’ve experienced his poetry. As he does throughout much of his prose writing, the author shares his deep love of both his Read more

  • Two Rabbits: even best friends argue sometimes- Larissa Ferenchuk and Prue Pittock

    EK Books January 2024 ISBN: 9781922539656 RRP: $26.99 How utterly adorable is that cover? and how could I possibly resist this one? After all – rabbits!! It is essentially a very simple narrative but one that has a really powerful message, subtly delivered. These two little rabbits are the best of friends but when they have Read more

  • 11 Ruby Road: 1900 – Charlotte Barkla

    Walker Books Australia March 2024 ISBN13:9781760657949 Australia RRP:$16.99 New Zealand RRP:$18.99 Big shout out to my Queensland colleagues especially for this wonderful new middle-grade historical novel set right in our own South Brisbane. In my experience, novels for this age bracket in this genre and in our own locale are rare, so this one fully Read more

  • The Bother with the Bonkillyknock Beast: Miss Mary-Kate Martin’s Guide to Monsters #3 – Karen Foxlee. Illustrated by Freda Chiu.

    Allen & Unwin January 2024 ISBN:9781761470226 RRP: $15.99 Imprint:A & U Children Awards: For one reason or another, I had not yet been introduced to Mary-Kate but that really didn’t preclude any enjoyment of this fun adventure. She comes from a long line of monster hunters – not the kind that want to get rid Read more

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