Just So Stories

Random Reviews and Ramblings from Redcliffe

  • Cricket by Bluey

    Penguin Australia December 2023 ISBN: 9781761049415 Imprint: Puffin RRP: $16.99 We know when the season changes in Brisbane. The jacarandas are blooming and the local cricketers are back in the parks and ovals. Of course, there’s a few other matches on TV as well *wink* and, altogether, we know that spring is here, summer is on its way,… Read more

  • An A to Z of Dreaming Differently – Tracey Dembo. Illustrated by Lucia Masciullo

    Penguin Books Australia ISBN: 9780143778905 Imprint: Puffin RRP: $24.99 This is an alphabet book with a difference. It is actually an extended affirmation for your kiddos, and will give them much to think about, as well as opening up lots of conversations. Just flick through the slideshow to see some of the positive text and Lucia’s (as… Read more

  • Not-So-Little Red Riding Hood – Michael Rosen. Illustrated by David Melling.

    Harper Collins Australia October 2023 ISBN: 9780008509934 ISBN 10: 000850993X Imprint: HarperCollins GB RRP:$19.99 Honestly, when have you ever read anything less than wonderful by Michael Rosen? Exactly! This is a really fun update on the traditional fairy tale, that will sit beautifully with a unit of work on fractured fairytales or innovations on traditional stories, as well… Read more

  • Wombats are Pretty Weird: a [not so] serious guide – Abi Cushman

    Harper Collins Australia October 2023 ISBN: 9780063234437 ISBN 10: 0063234432 Imprint: HarperCollins US RRP: $24.99 Here in the land of Down Under, we are pretty relaxed about wombats. They are, for many of us, the most loveable buffoons of the marsupial clan. They have been immortalised in literally dozens of picture books, including, so notably, Jackie French’s wombat… Read more

  • Picture Book Month Bonus #4: A Kind of Spark – Elle McNicoll

    Walker Books Australia October 2023 ISBN13:9781913311056 Imprint: Knights Of Australia RRP:$18.99 New Zealand RRP:$21.99 Today I had a train trip to the city which I knew would be tiresome as it was not from my usual station, and therefore longer. As I always do, I took a book with me and I can tell you, I… Read more

  • Ancestory: [the mystery and majesty of ancient cave art] – Hannah Salyer

    Harper Collins Australia October 2023 ISBN: 9780358469841 ISBN 10: 0358469848 Imprint: HarperCollins US RRP: $29.99 The publisher describes this as a ‘winning combo of art and science’ and really, I can’t say better myself. To be honest, though of course I’m well aware that many other countries have examples of fine prehistoric cave art, I had always been… Read more

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