Just So Stories

Random Reviews and Ramblings from Redcliffe



  • The Legend of Jessie Hickman – Mark Greenwood/Frané Lessac

    NLA 9781922507853/1 October 2025/AUD$24.99, NZD$29.99 If you believe in legends … I would venture to say that not many people know about Jessie Hickman. In fact, despite my long interest in Australian bushrangers, I probably wouldn’t either except for the fact of having spent a reasonable amount of time in the proximity of Jessie’s one-time Read more

  • Curious Kai Asks Why? – Sarah Pye. Sandra Severgnini.

    September 2025ISBN: 978-1-7640657-0-2 (paperback)ISBN: 978-1-7640657-1-9 (ebook) Last year I had the great pleasure of meeting and making friends with both these Sunshine Coast based creators. A more dynamic and engaging pair of personalities you would find hard to meet. Since then I’ve reviewed books from them, followed their adventures (most recently, Sarah’s trip to Galapagos Read more

  • You Choose… MEGA: Prehistoric Peril – George Ivanoff.

    Penguin Australia Last year was the 10th anniversary of the You Choose series and this year, the legion of fans has been treated to this MEGA new title [which was on that same slow camel train recently] and naturally, it was immediately top of the pile for me. And this time, my first attempt at Read more

  • A Little Bit of Positivity: Potatoes, Peppers an Pineapples to Make Your Day – Jason Cox

    Scholastic UK September 2025 ISBN 9781761725036 RRP: $19.99 What a dear little book this is! If you are looking for a cute little gift book for almost any age really, you won’t go wrong with this one. And it’s the perfect size to pop into a Xmas stocking or for a Secret Santa gift. It’s Read more

  • Just a quickie – so to speak

    Last Saturday I had the pleasure of presenting at the ALIA New Librarians Symposium and am grateful to say that it went well and was well received. I can’t share the recording with you but a print out of my slideshow and notes will be up on the Just So substack within the next few Read more

  • Woof woof! Double the Dog Delight

    Today (as I write this) is International Dog Day and many of my friends with doggos are sharing their pals. I thought it would be a good opportunity to write these two reviews to go up after the last of the Birdie Num Num titles this week. So here we go! My Name is Jemima Read more