Just So Stories

Random Reviews and Ramblings from Redcliffe

  • Rapperbee: poems to give you a buzz – Harry Laing. Illustrations by Anne Ryan.

    Ford St Publishing ISBN: 9781925804775 RRP: $14.99 Harry’s poems are a delight for both young and old. If you and your kiddos enjoyed his previous books, including MoonFish, this one will equally entertain you. Particularly for rollicking read-alouds or, for performances, (think 2022 assembly pieces!) this collection of funny and quirky verses will become part Read more

  • The Beatryce Prophecy – Kate DiCamillo. Illustrated by Sophie Blackall.

    Walker Books Australia October 2021 ISBN: 9781529500899Imprint: WalkerAustralian RRP: $24.99New Zealand RRP: $27.99 It goes without saying that anything Kate writes is superlative, but what I love especially is her ability to create narratives that are so completely different to those by anyone else, as well as her own creative diversity. From the chivalrous Desperaux to the amazing Ulysses, Read more

  • My Skin, Your Skin – Laura Henry-Allain MBE. Illustrated by Onyinye Iwe.

    Penguin Australia A ongoing discussion amongst my circle of family and friends is how the pandemic has brought out both the best and the worst in people. Of course, racism has been a worrying problem for many years but in some sectors it appears to be a growing hate factor, and one which we, as Read more

  • Take Me With You When You Go – David Levithan/Jennifer Niven

    My review of this terrific YA novel is now live on Kids Book Review. I highly recommend this to you – it’s fabulous read! Read more

  • Our Country: Ancient Wonders – Mark Greenwood/Frané Lessac

    Walker Books February 2022 ISBN: 9781760652241Imprint: Walker Books AustraliaAustralian RRP: $26.99New Zealand RRP: $28.99 What a talented partnership this couple is and how grateful am I that I’ve had the opportunity to meet and talk with them both, as well as see them present. Now this first in a new series from the always remarkable Walker house will be Read more

  • Born to Run (picture book edition) – Cathy Freeman. Illustrated by Charmaine Ledden-Lewis.

    Penguin Australia November 2021 ISBN: 9781761043802 Imprint: Puffin RRP: $24.99 There are some moments in Australia’s sporting history that are just complete standouts: Bradman’s first international century or, indeed, his final ‘duck’, Australia II crossing the finish line in the America’s Cup, Adam Scott’s US Masters playoff win or Cadel Evans’ triumph in the Tour de France, and Read more

Archived Reviews