Just So Stories

Random Reviews and Ramblings from Redcliffe



  • These Little Feet – Hayley Rowsthorne & Briony Stewart

    Allen & Unwin October 2023 ISBN:9781761069017 Publisher:A&U Children’s Imprint:Albert Street Books RRP: $19.99 For those of us who have had the joy of a new baby within snurfling distance, either our own or someone else’s – don’t you just love that poring over their tiny toes, their wee fingers, little ears, button mouths, and all Read more

  • Being a Cat: a tail of curiosity – Maria Gianferrari. Pictures by Pete Oswald

    Harper Collins Australia August 2023 It seems that for most people it’s either one or the other. Cats or Dogs (always one of my most popular weekly ‘This or That’ votes in my libraries!) For me, it’s cats. I’ve owned dogs and loved dogs but I find it hard to live without a cat. Although, Read more

  • How to Write a Poem – Kwame Alexander & Deanna Nikaido. Art by Melissa Sweet.

    Harper Collins Australia October 2023 I really think this is one of the ‘prettiest’ picture books I’ve seen this year. I actually received it months ago but it was far too early to post a review so I’ve had it sitting in drafts for yonks! So then I decided I should save it for Picture Read more

  • Busy Betty & the Circus Surprise – Reese Witherspoon. Illustrated by Xindi Yan.

    Penguin Australia October 2023 Busy Betty is back in her second fun story, still bursting with questions and ideas, and still getting into pickles. In this story, Betty is keen to do something special for her mum and after a few ideas, she comes up with a fantastic idea. A circus!! When you have clever Read more

  • Say My Name – Joanna Ho. Illustratated by Khoa Le.

    Harper Collins Australia October 2023 Another one I’ve been saving with anticipation for this month! We have come to expect sheer lyrical text accompanied by stunning illustrations, along with the cross-cultural themes, from Joanna Ho’s picture books. This one continues with a wonderful exploration of rich traditions, language and customs. Beginning with herself, six children Read more

  • The Bill Dup – Zewlan Moor & Simon O’Carrigan

    Windy Hollow Books September 2023 ISBN: 97819211364366436 RRP: $27.99 Any of us with children or working with children, very often find ourselves chuckling over malapropisms (though this figure of speech is not confined to kiddos!). Just the other day, I was reminded of one time when The Kid was small, and still having great difficulties Read more