Just So Stories

Random Reviews and Ramblings from Redcliffe



  • Rose Ravensthorpe Investigates: Black Cats and Butlers – Janine Beacham

    Rose Ravensthorpe Investigates: Black Cats and Butlers – Janine Beacham MAR 28, 2017 | 9781510201286 | RRP $14.99 Hachette Au. Imprint: Little Brown Books for Children This has been one of my favourite reads of the past few weeks. Described as “The Clockwork Sparrow meets Downton Abbey”  it is really energetic and engaging novel. Rose is meant to be a properly Read more

  • Running From the Tiger – Aleesah Darlison

    Empowering Resources September 2016 ISBN 9780994501066 RRP $15.00 Empowering Resources is an independent publishing company dedicated to informing, discussing and enabling both children and adults to engage in ‘meaningful dialogue’ about important social issues. Aleesah Darlison is an award-winning author (and resident of the beautiful Sunshine Coast!) who is unafraid to tackle topics which will Read more

  • Princess Cora and the Crocodile – Laura Amy Schlitz & Brian Floca

    ISBN: 9780763648220 Imprint: Candlewick Distributor: Walker Australia-HEDS April 1, 2017 Australian RRP: $19.99 New Zealand RRP: $22.99 Newbery medallist Laura Amy Schlitz and Caldecott Medalist Brian Floca have teamed up to produce this absolutely delightful easy chapter book about a sweet little princess and a rather roguish crocodile. Most little girls would love to be a princess but they would Read more

  • Bronze Bird Tower: Dragonkeeper #6 – Carole Wilkinson

    Walker Books ISBN: 9781925381412 Imprint: Black Dog Books March 2017 Australian RRP: $24.99 In 2002 Carole Wilkinson introduced us to a small downtrodden Chinese girl with no name and a marvellous world of beautiful, mysterious and terrible dragons. Set in ancient China where dragon hunters and warring feudal lords, oppression of the miserable poor and contemptuous dismissal of Read more

  • Rock Pool Secrets – Narelle Oliver

    Walker Books Australia April 1, 2017 ISBN: 9781922179357 RRP: $24.99 What a huge loss to our Australian children’s literature community Narelle Oliver is and how privileged am I to be able to review and promote her last book which, again, is a testament to her immeasurable talent. Rock Pool Secrets takes young readers into the nooks and Read more

  • Harry Kruize, Born to Lose – Paul Collins

        Ford St Publishing March 2017 ISBN 9781925272628 RRP $17.95 No doubt about it, Paul’s on a winner with this one! Harry Kruize is an average sort of boy but has an over-abundance of woes and worries. In fact, his self-esteem could hardly be any lower nor his anxiety any less. It’s not that Read more