Just So Stories

Random Reviews and Ramblings from Redcliffe

  • A Friend for George – Gabriel Evans

    Penguin Australia May 2023 Anyone who has taught or worked with children will probably agree that we can never have enough books about friendship, and in particular, how to be a good friend. Once I probably would have said this is most true of the younger grades but realistically, more and more, I see kids Read more

  • Hope is the Thing – Johanna Bell & Erica Wagner

    Allen & Unwin January 2023 ISBN:9781761180026 Publisher:A&U Children’s Imprint:A & U Children RRP: $24.99 This is another visually stunning picture book which has a deeply meaningful text but also truly superb artwork, which would be so perfect to utilise as inspiration in a learning environment. Taking its cue from one of Emily Dickinson’s most well-known Read more

  • The Midnight Panther – Poonam Mistry

    Allen & Unwin January 2023 ISBN:9781787418929 Publisher:Bonnier Imprint:Templar RRP: $24.99 I think this is the most visually stunning book I’ve seen in a long time. In fact, it is breathtakingly beautiful, and demands close scrutiny of the intricate and rich illustrations. A beautiful fable of identity and self-belief, the little panther is insecure in a Read more

  • A Joyful Life – Rosemary Karinki, with Summer Land

    Hardie Grant March 2023 ISBN:9781741177886 Publisher:Hardie Grant Explore RRP: $34.99 I’ve been reading a lot of kids’ books the past few weeks so to have a couple of bios/memoirs has been good. I’ve had this one sitting to one side (i.e. moving box!) for a few months, it was wonderful to finally get to it Read more

  • Meet the Author: Q&A with Wendy Orr

    If you were paying attention a week or so ago, you will have read my review of Wendy’s fabulous new MG novel, Honey and the Valley of the Horses. Now I have the great pleasure of introducing Wendy to you in this Q&A. Welcome to Just So Stories, Wendy, and what a privilege it is Read more

  • Book Week’s a’coming

    It will soon be my 2nd Book Week not in a library, whether primary, secondary or public, and as I don’t have to be turning myself inside out, thought I might share a few thoughts/reflections as some parents go into a tailspin, some kids go into meltdown or hyper-excitement, many t-l’s are 50/50 on whether Read more

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