Just So Stories

Random Reviews and Ramblings from Redcliffe



  • Tangki Tjuta Donkeys – Story and sculptures by Tjanpi Desert Weavers

    Allen & Unwin July 2022 Publisher/Imprint: A&U Children’s ISBN: 9781761180149 RRP: $24.99 I’ve been saving this one up for a while but I’ve already used it with several classes and, let me tell you, the kids have just loved it so much – both for the fun in the story and the fascination with the Read more

  • How We Came to Be: Surprising Sea Creatures – Sami Bayly

    Hachette September 2022 Imprint: Lothian Children’s Books ISBN 9780734421364  RRP $19.99 A delightful 1/2 class, at a local school which has a special focus on all things ‘ocean’, as it is located right on the very seafront, and I thoroughly enjoyed exploring the depths of the brine with Sami. Dive on in and find out Read more

  • Attack of the Giant Baby – David Lucas. Illustrated by Bruce Ingman

    Bloomsbury Australia August 2022 ISBN 9781408899878 Imprint Bloomsbury Children’s Books RRP: $14.99 This was absolutely great fun to share with a lovely little class of Preppies who sat completely engrossed until about 2/3 of the way when the penny started to drop. The look of delight on their little faces as they realised what was Read more

  • Be Careful, Xiao Xin! – Alice Pung/Sher Rill Ng

    Harper Collins September 2022 There will be many who will welcome this beautiful book as a fitting addition to their multi-lingual collection, and, in particular, if Mandarin is a taught language in the school. However, it will be equally well-received by those who are looking to empower their youngsters with self-confidence and resolve. It is Read more

  • Rodney Forgets It – Michael Gerard Bauer

    Scholastic Australia July 2022 ISBN : 9781761121388 RRP: $19.99 In 2018 my kiddos, in our usual countdown to Book Week reading all the short-listed PBs, voted Rodney Loses It our winner – oddly enough, the judges agreed with us (rarely happens, in my experience!). Now Rodney is back in another hilarious but heart-warming tail – Read more

  • Battle Mum – Zoë Foster Blake. Illustrated by Adele K. Thomas

    Penguin Australia 1 November 2022 Look, I’ve gotta be honest – anything with Karate Kid moves or ninja references and I’m in! In my experience, the same applies for kids. Ok, so maybe not all of them are actually across the Karate Kid (clearly because their education has been neglected) but definitely ninjas! For anyone Read more