Just So Stories

Random Reviews and Ramblings from Redcliffe

  • 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

  • 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

Archived Reviews