Just So Stories

Random Reviews and Ramblings from Redcliffe



  • The Pinballs – Betsy Byars

    Harper Collins ISBN: 9780062881786 ISBN 10: 0062881787 Imprint: HarperCollins – US July 2019 List Price: 16.99 AUD   Now in her 90s award-winning American author Betsy Byars first published The Pinballs in 1977. As I re-read this new edition I wondered if she thought that perhaps the fate of some children might improve over time. It seems that the Read more

  • Diary of an Awesome Friendly Kid – Jeff Kinney

    Penguin Random House 9781760892517 April  2019 Puffin RRP: $14.99   After 13 Wimpy Kid books the series shows no signs of losing any popularity – kids from 8 to 15 are still lapping them up voraciously.  However, if such an unlikely event were to occur, Jeff Kinney has come up with a superb new twist Read more

  • Startalk with Neil deGrasse Tyson: Young Readers Edition

    Penguin Random House Paperback | $17.99 Published by National Geographic Children’s Books Mar 20, 2018 Middle Grade (10 and up)| ISBN 9781426330872 Neil deGrasse Tyson, astrophysicist/author/TV and radio personality, has been a popular identity for decades and many young readers will know his special blend of pop culture, science and comedy particularly from the National Geographic. Read more

  • My Name is Not Peaseblossom – Jackie French

    Harper Collins June 2019 ISBN: 9781460754788 ISBN 10: 1460754786 List Price: 16.99 AUD     So as I chuckled my way through this (and truthfully at times snort-laughed) I thought to myself ‘I reckon Shakespeare would entirely approve of this retell’. After all, he did write to entertain or move people but he also wrote to subtly convey Read more

  • The Puffin Book of Bedtime Stories

      Penguin 9780143796732 July 2, 2019 Puffin RRP $29.99 If you are looking for a special gift for a little reader – and it’s never too early to think about Christmas, let’s face it! – this would be the perfect fit. Eight of Australia’s best- loved picture books from some of our best and brightest Read more

  • Malory Towers: New Class at Malory Towers: Four brand-new Malory Towers 

      Enid Blyton, Narinder Dhami, Patrice Lawrence, Lucy Mangan, Rebecca Westcott Smith Hachette JUN 25, 2019 | 9781444951004 | RRP $14.99 If there’s anything Enid Blyton readers love more than EB stories – it’s more of them! The prolific writer who created so many memorable characters and series has left a legacy that continues to resonate with new generations of young readers. Now Read more