Just So Stories

Random Reviews and Ramblings from Redcliffe

  • Khawaja – Words by Paul Kelly. Illustrations by Avinash Weerasekera

    Penguin Australia July 2023 I’d be pretty certain that when Uzzy was growing up and dreaming of being a Test cricketer, he didn’t ever imagine he’d be the subject of either a song or a children’s book, but here he is – one of our most inspirational players in a long time, and a role Read more

  • Hedgehog the Wonder Dog – Dannika Patterson/Ross Morgan

    Ford St Publishing February 2023 ISBN : 9781922696212 RRP: $17.95 It took some time for this one to arrive into my eagerly waiting hands, but it was definitely worth the wait. It was an absolute delight to share this one with some bouncy Year 2s this week, all of whom (even the neuro-diverse child who had been Read more

  • Anchored – Debra Tidball & Arielle Li

    EK Books April 2023 9781922539496  RRP: $24.99 Just in the past week I’ve had two children in my relief class who really could have connected with this charming book about feeling disconnected with a loved one. Many children have a separation anxiety, and while there have always been children whose parent has had to work Read more

  • Inside the Dyslexic Mind – Laughton King

    Exisle Publishing May 2023 9781922539427  RRP: $34.99 …:A resource for parents, teachers and dyslexics themselves After majoring in language and literacy, and teaching for 30 years I could say I know a little about dyslexia. And certainly, I have gained insight after hearing luminaries such as Jackie French speak of their own struggle with this Read more

  • Greetings….. from Redcliffe

    I’ve recently paired two lovely and complementary picture books with some classes of little people, particularly Preppies, and both were a huge hit. It seemed fitting then that I should review them at the same time. Emma Memma: How Are You? – Emma Memma Penguin Australia The first Emma Memma book was a real winner Read more

  • The One and Only Ruby – Katherine Applegate

    Harper Collins Australia June 2023 We first fell in love with Ivan and his friends over ten years ago (yes! I know!!), and I still defy anyone to read the gentle gorilla’s story with dry eyes. Then, the amazing Katherine Applegate followed up with The One and Only Bob, and again we were both amused Read more

Archived Reviews