Just So Stories

Random Reviews and Ramblings from Redcliffe



  • The Thing About Christmas – Jo Dabrowski/Briony Stewart

    Little Book Press September 2025 Simon & Schuster ISBN13: 9781923141407 RRP: LIST PRICE: AU$ 24.99 / NZ$ 29.99 The thing about Christmas is that it is an intensely individual festival for each and every person and family. This book is a sublime insight into that concept. Once upon a time, in my family our Christmas Read more

  • Christmas Past: 1961 – Australian Women’s Weekly

    Some months ago I found, at our favourite op shop, a stash of vintage Women’s Weekly magazines [reminds me of Sister Poppy saying that LOL]and though they were not cheap, I bought this one so I could share it for this year’s countdown. What a revelation it has been to get a glimpse of the Read more

  • We Did Ok, Kid – Anthony Hopkins

    Still looking for ideas for gifts? Or, like me, and just keep seeing things I know somebody I know would love. If you have family or friend interested in memoirs and/or acting, this is a superb choice. I read it over 4 nights and while some of it was a bit close to home for Read more

  • Slight interruption to Xmas programming…

    Just a tad excited to get proof layouts yesterday of the next four reader-style books I’ve written for the American publishing company. I know so much more about jet fighters than I ever did before!!! But the design team have done a great job. Actually all I’ve seen of their books for kids are excellent Read more

  • Holiday Helper – Kristin Haynes. Art by Anna Thompson

    Published by Kristin Haynes December 2025 It’s never any fun feeling left out and just as kiddos very often want to be part of the action and ‘help’, so does Hendrix want to be involved in the family Xmas preparations. But, nobody seems to want or need him. Mum is busy with lists and lights, Read more

  • The Flight of the Drakkonbarq- Sarah Giddy

    Riveted Press October 2025 Simon & Schuster ISBN13: 9781764007146 LIST PRICE: AU$ 18.99 / NZ$ 19.99 Here’s another gift suggestion for an astute reader from about 10 years upwards. You could get a small sense of this book from the blurb, which has probably been rehashed by at least one reviewer, but it truly needs Read more