Just So Stories

Random Reviews and Ramblings from Redcliffe

  • 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

  • The Secret History of the Rainbow Trout Hotel – David Metzenthen

    Ford St Publishing June 2023 ISBN: 9781922696274 RRP: $19.99 Andy Lightfoot’s gap year takes him deep into the past – at the oldand weirdly wonderful Rainbow Trout Private Hotel. Here, high in themountains, Andy discovers working for nothing gives him everything. . . and that the middle of nowhere is the centre of an amazinguniverse, Read more

  • Pippa and the Troublesome Twins – Dimity Powell/Andrew Plant

    Ford St Publishing June 2023 ISBN: 9781922696298 RRP: $17.95 Pippa is back in a new story and it is one with which many young readers will make connections. Being a big sister or brother is a very exciting time but it can also be very frustrating and leave an older sibling feeling quite resentful, no Read more

  • Pugnacious & Scuttlebutt #2: S.M.Ellybutt Strikes Back – Adam Wallace/Wayne Bryant

    Larrikin House May 2023 ISBN: 9781922804495 RRP: $14.99 This is definitely not your feel-good, cute and fluffy dog story, not that you would imagine it to be, knowing Adam’s rather – let’s say – quirky brand of creativity. Following on from the heroic pound rescue (#1 book), these two dysfunctional doggos are cruising the streets, Read more

  • Ming & Hilde Lead a Revolution (The Girls Who Changed the World #3) – Jackie French

    Harper Collins Australia June 2023 Yesterday, I did a relief day with Preppies. I hadn’t intended to work as I was a bit ache-y, combination of arthritis with the colder weather and possibly, the covid booster but after knocking back four offers, I took the fifth because a) private school I’d never visited b) the Read more

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