Just So Stories

Random Reviews and Ramblings from Redcliffe



  • Enola Holmes and the Mark of the Mongoose #9- Nancy Springer

    Allen & Unwin August 2023 ISBN:9781761180613 Publisher:A&U Children’s Imprint:A & U Children RRP: $19.99 We are big Enola fans here, both books and Netflix adaptations, so a bit morose that this is the final in the series *sad face*. But it is certainly a ripper of a finale, with another very clever blend of historical Read more

  • A Load of Love and other feelings…

    This past week’s posts already had some ‘love’ but here are two more, just because it makes sense that they should be wrapped up together in one sweet parcel, so to speak. Feelings are Wild – Sophy Williams. Illustrated by Gavin Scott Allen & Unwin July 2023 ISBN:9781761180262 Publisher:A&U Children’s Imprint:Albert Street Books RRP: $19.99 Read more

  • I love You Because I Love You – Mượn Thị Văn. Illustrated by Jessica Love.

    Harper Collins Australia ISBN: 9780008531652ISBN-10: 000853165X This is essentially a quite simple book, but it is also one that is packed with layers to absorb and reflect upon, as it examines the concept of love across a wide spectrum of diverse people. Using what is generally known as a call-and-response technique, the first statement is relayed “I Read more

  • Lots of Things to Know about Weather – Emily Bone. Illustrated by Katia Gaigalova

    Harper Collins Australia July 2023 I’ve had this one at the ready, in my bag to share with a class for the last week and, as luck would have it, just didn’t have the right opportunity to do so. But today, while I have some time of my own, I thought it was high time Read more

  • The Unlikely Heroes Club – Kate Foster

    Walker Books Australia ISBN13:9781760655969 Imprint: Walker Books Australia Australia RRP:$16.99 New Zealand RRP:$18.99 Some of my readers will recall that I recently reviewed The Bravest Word, and may also be familiar with Paws, In her new book, Kate returns to the theme of autism that was a focus in the latter, and provides readers with Read more

  • The Skull (follow up) in the wild

    Today was the first opportunity I’ve had to share The Skull in a classroom. I had Year 4s and they were completely and utterly rapt. There was a frisson of tension, and some audible intakes of breath, some shocked squeaks at various moments, a constant murmuring of “I love this book!”…….so afterwards, I invited them Read more