Just So Stories

Random Reviews and Ramblings from Redcliffe



  • A Superb Surfeit of Dame Lynley Dodd

    Sometimes procrastination pays off. I have been putting off reviewing the scads of picture books I have piled up ready for the holidays. How pleased that Dame Lynley Dodd’s newest offering is one of these because this week I was thrilled to spend not one but two sessions in the presence of this living treasure Read more

  • Wonder – the movie

    Like many others I’m so keen to see the movie based on R. J. Palacio’s stellar book which I reviewed some time ago. I’m hearing amazing responses from friends who have already seen it but you may perhaps like to watch this as well.  I say again, tiramisu. Read more

  • Binge Reading Jackie French

    The upside of injuring both your legs badly at the same time is that you have a very legitimate excuse to stay in bed reading a lot. And fortunately my lovely friends at Harper Collins must have had some kind of premonition because the day before my accident I had received a plethora amazing books Read more

  • Mr Bambuckle’s Remarkables – Tim Harris….and Mr Bambuckle himself!!!

    Tim Harris, illus by James Hart Random House Released September 2017 Paperback ISBN 9780143785859 RRP $14.99 Tim Harris exploded onto the children’s literature scene quite literally with his Exploding Endings books. Now he brings us a true hero of the classroom, Mr Bambuckle. The children of Room 12 B are wary of their expected new Read more

  • The Getaway : Diary of a Wimpy Kid #12 – Jeff Kinney

    Penguin Australia 9780143782797 November 7, 2017 Puffin 224 pages RRP $14.99   Well as if there isn’t always enough going on for the Heffleys on a regular day-to-day basis their holiday plans go completely awry and full on pandemonium ensues!   The Heffley parentals have decided that they are going to completely avoid the stress Read more

  • La Belle Sauvage : The Book of Dust #1 – Phillip Pullman

    Penguin Random House 9780857561084 October 19, 2017 David Fickling Books   RRP $32.99   Dear Philip Pullman It is magnificent! How long must I wait for volume 2? Yours Sincerely Me   I don’t think I would have been alone when, upon finding out earlier this year that Philip Pullman was publishing a new ‘prequel’ Read more