Just So Stories

Random Reviews and Ramblings from Redcliffe



  • 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

  • The Lucky Shack – Apsara Baldovino/Jennifer Falkner

    Harper Collins July 2023 This is essentially a simple story but there is a depth to it that many will find both heart-warming and thought-provoking. Written from the PoV of the shack (being a great introduction to the idea of personification), this humble little dwelling goes through changes wrought by time and circumstances, and through Read more

  • Don’t Dream It’s Over: the remarkable life of Neil Finn – Jeff Apter

    Allen & Unwin August 2023 ISBN:9781761068089 Publisher:Allen & Unwin Imprint:Allen & Unwin RRP: $34.99 First order of business is to thank A&U so much for giving me the opportunity to review this one. I’ve been a very long time devotee of Crowded House (world’s greatest band ever IMO), and Neil’s work as a gifted songwriter, Read more

  • Phonobet – Kathy Weeden & Kim Drane

    NLA June 2023 Publisher:   National Library of AustraliaISBN: 9781922507471 RRP: $24.99 If you’re looking for a book to aid in teaching phonics in a primary/early years setting, whether school-based or home-learning, this could be a useful resource for you. Created by Canberra educator, Kathy Weeden, as an adjunct to learning the alphabet by exploring the Read more

  • The Skull: a Tyrolean folktale – Jon Klassen

    Walker Books Australia July 2023 Imprint: Walker Books ISBN13:9781529509571 Australia RRP:$32.99 New Zealand RRP:$35.99 I’ve been in love with Jon Klassen’s work since I Want my Hat Back (2011!! can you believe that??), and have read it aloud too many times to count, each time to the accompaniment of howls of shock and laughter at Read more