Just So Stories

Random Reviews and Ramblings from Redcliffe

  • A Friend for George – Gabriel Evans

    Penguin Australia May 2023 ISBN: 9781761046506 Imprint: Puffin RRP: $24.99 Anyone who has taught or worked with children will probably agree that we can never have enough books about friendship, and in particular, how to be a good friend. Once I probably would have said this is most true of the younger grades but realistically, more and… Read more

  • Hope is the Thing – Johanna Bell & Erica Wagner

    Allen & Unwin January 2023 ISBN:9781761180026 Publisher:A&U Children’s Imprint:A & U Children RRP: $24.99 This is another visually stunning picture book which has a deeply meaningful text but also truly superb artwork, which would be so perfect to utilise as inspiration in a learning environment. Taking its cue from one of Emily Dickinson’s most well-known… Read more

  • The Midnight Panther – Poonam Mistry

    Allen & Unwin January 2023 ISBN:9781787418929 Publisher:Bonnier Imprint:Templar RRP: $24.99 I think this is the most visually stunning book I’ve seen in a long time. In fact, it is breathtakingly beautiful, and demands close scrutiny of the intricate and rich illustrations. A beautiful fable of identity and self-belief, the little panther is insecure in a… Read more

  • A Joyful Life – Rosemary Karinki, with Summer Land

    Hardie Grant March 2023 ISBN:9781741177886 Publisher:Hardie Grant Explore RRP: $34.99 I’ve been reading a lot of kids’ books the past few weeks so to have a couple of bios/memoirs has been good. I’ve had this one sitting to one side (i.e. moving box!) for a few months, it was wonderful to finally get to it… Read more

  • Meet the Author: Q&A with Wendy Orr

    If you were paying attention a week or so ago, you will have read my review of Wendy’s fabulous new MG novel, Honey and the Valley of the Horses. Now I have the great pleasure of introducing Wendy to you in this Q&A. Welcome to Just So Stories, Wendy, and what a privilege it is… Read more

  • Book Week’s a’coming

    It will soon be my 2nd Book Week not in a library, whether primary, secondary or public, and as I don’t have to be turning myself inside out, thought I might share a few thoughts/reflections as some parents go into a tailspin, some kids go into meltdown or hyper-excitement, many t-l’s are 50/50 on whether… Read more

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