Just So Stories

Random Reviews and Ramblings from Redcliffe

  • The Key to Rome – Sophie Masson

    Cover and internal illustrations by Lorena Carrington Published by Eagle Books, an imprint of Christmas Press, May 2023 ISBN 9780645378856 RRP: $19.99 There’s nothing quite like a good ancient Roman historical fiction, and this one full of drama,, deceit and death will appeal to many middle grade readers who relish an exciting and suspense-filled adventure. Read more

  • Katrina Nannestad: new dresses for old favourites

    Harper Collins Australia July 2023 Olive of Groves (Olive of Groves #1) Olive of Groves and the Great Slurp of Time(Olive of Groves #2) Olive of Groves and the Right Royal Romp (Olive of Groves #3) Here comes one of the most popular series I’ve had in my primary libraries, all dressed up in delectable Read more

  • I am Lupe – Sela Ahosivi-Atiola/Yani Agustina

    Hachette JUL 26, 2023 | 9780734422538 | RRP $24.99 Imprint: Lothian Children’s Books Perhaps because I have almost always been in schools with kiddos of diverse cultural backgrounds, where that has simply been a matter of course, I cannot recall a single instance of children asking questions of others with different skin tones or hair etc. That does not Read more

  • Picasso and the Greatest Show on Earth – Anna Feinberg

    Allen & Unwin July 2023 ISBN:9781760296988 Publisher:A&U Children’s Imprint:A & U Children RRP: $17.99 It’s been quite some time since I’ve read a book from Anna, so I was well pleased to receive this one to review (thank you lovely A&U peeps!) and it is absolutely beautiful. There is a lot going on in this Read more

  • The Black Cockatoo with One Feather Blue – Jodie McLeod/Eloise Short

    On KBR today Confidence can be a frail commodity for many of us, but, perhaps, particularly for little people. And, as a result, it is easy to imbue a particular object with special qualities that make us feel braver, stronger and smarter – whether professional golfer with a lucky tee or a toddler with a Read more

  • 100 Australian Butterflies, Bees, Beetles & Bugs – Georgia Angus

    Hardie Grant February 2023 ISBN: 9781741177978 Imprint: Hardie Grant Explore RR_: $32.99 Oh, how I wish I’d had this when The Kid was younger and fully into her mini-beasts phase ! (I do miss those days of escaped stick insects and other interesting creatures roaming the house). It is certainly chunky but it is the Read more

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