Just So Stories

Random Reviews and Ramblings from Redcliffe

  • Alight: a story of fire and nature- Sam Lloyd. Illustrated by Samantha Metcalfe.

    CSIRO Publishing | June 2023 | $ 24.99ISBN: 9781486315444 What a terrific book, and the timing is just perfect! Already, we have seen fires threatening homes, wildlife and people and it’s still so early in the season. This is a super way to explain to children, that non-Indigenous people can learn from the First Nations Read more

  • Alex Rider: Nightshade Revenge #14 – Anthony Horowitz

    Walker Books September 2023 ISBN13:9781529517422 Australia RRP:$17.99 New Zealand RRP:$19.99 My fondness for Alex’ adventures is pretty well-known, and some people may remember my huge excitement with an exchange I had with the boy spy’s creator, Anthony himself, when I did my promo for Alex’ 20th anniversary. Well I remember our collective sadness when we Read more

  • Where Will the Sleepy Sheep Sleep? – David Metzenthen. Illustrated by Jonathan Bentley.

    Allen & Unwin August 2023 ISBN:9781761066160 Publisher:A&U Children’s Imprint:A & U Children RRP: $19.99 We know that little kids love wordplay (who doesn’t?), and this will be an ideal book to showcase the fun we can have with language. It will be a riotous read-aloud romp but also a completely comprehensive classroom curriculum companion….*grin*. Take Read more

  • Nerra Deep Time Traveller: The Broken Rainbow – Tasma Walton & Samantha Campbell

    SCHOLASTIC AUSTRALIA PTY LTD October 2023 ISBN: 9781760264567ISBN-10: 1760264563 RRP: $15.99 If you have readers who have been enjoying the Wylah series (and other First Nations contemporary narratives), then this new series is going to be a sure-fire winner. Nerra is a young girl with a strong connection to her culture and Country. She is especially close Read more

  • Shearer- Neridah McMullin/Michael Tomkins

    Walker Books Australia September 2023 ISBN13:9781760653163 Imprint:Walker Books Australia Australia RRP:$26.99 New Zealand RRP: $28.99 Again, Neridah McMullin has delighted me by bringing another significant Australian of the past to a new generation. When I was growing up in the Boomer years, we still referred to ‘Jackie Howes’ (singlets) and I definitely knew why they Read more

  • The Stars Did Wander Darkling – Colin Meloy

    Walker Books Australia January 2023 ISBN: 9781760657192 RRP: $17.99 Think The Goonies. Think The Lost Boys. Think Stranger Things. In fact, think 80s vibe horror for middle grade, and you will begin to get some idea about this fabulous latest from Meloy. Yes, it has been loitering in my brain since I read it early Read more

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