Just So Stories

Random Reviews and Ramblings from Redcliffe

  • The Worst Kids in the World – Barbara Robinson

    ISBN 10: 0099427400  ISBN 13: 9780099427407 Publisher: Random House UK, 1996 I’ve just finished my 30th year of teaching (yes, late starter) and in that very first year with a rather interesting Year 5 class in rural Qld, I read them this at the end of the year. I didn’t know the book at that stage but it was recommended for Read more

  • A Child’s Christmas in Wales – Dylan Thomas. Illustrated by Peter Bailey.

    Orion Children’s Books 2014 Hachette I first fell in love with Dylan Thomas’ work when I heard Richard Burton recite Under Milkwood, in my English class at St George Girls’ High School circa early 1970s. (see the final video for some wonderful RB vocal deliciousness). So I was thrilled with this gift from my bestie Read more

  • What You Need to be Warm – Neil Gaiman

    Bloomsbury October 2023 ISBN 9781526660619 Imprint Bloomsbury Children’s Books RRP: $19.99 This morning (Sunday 10/12/23) The Kid and I went to the city by train to an event, and as we crossed over the Brisbane river and I looked back to the Coronation Drive/Riverside expressway I noticed something. In some places, there are gaps between Read more

  • The Boy Who Slept Through Christmas – Matt Lucas. Illustrated by Forrest Burdett.

    Harper Collins Australia October 2023 To be completely honest, when I first got this one I thought – uggh, another “celebrity” book – so many, most disappointing IMO. But with Xmas coming up, I was determined to give it a go to add to my rather scanty list of new festive releases, and to be Read more

  • From the archives: The Nutcracker

    Read more

  • Juniper’s Christmas – Eoin Colfer.

    Harper Collins Australia November 2023 It’s been a while since we’ve heard from Eoin (well, me at least) but this one was definitely worth a wait. I absolutely think it’s one of the most original Christmas MG novels I’ve ever read, and I loved every word of it. It encapsulates so much about contemporary life, Read more

Archived Reviews