Just So Stories

Random Reviews and Ramblings from Redcliffe

  • 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

  • Ruby Red Shoes Goes to London – Kate Knapp

    Harper-Collins Angus & Robertson November 2016 ISBN 9780732297626 RRP $19.99   Ruby Red Shoes is a great favourite with my junior girls so they are all going to mighty impressed when this goes onto our New Books stand. There is something completely charming about RRS, both the writing and the illustrations.  These are just totally Read more

  • Caleb’s Cab – Sally & Sylvain Chomet

    Walker Books November 2016 ISBN: 9781406342277 RRP $24.99 I actually read in the Christmas holidays but really I just wasn’t sure what I thought about it. Having investigated a little, I see that the author/illustrator pair are well regarded and award-nominated creators of animated shorts. This would explain the (to me) highly unusual illustrative style. I Read more

  • Smart about Sharks – Owen Davey

    Walker Books October 2016 ISBN:  9781909263918 Imprint:  NB – Flying Eye RRP $27.99 I’ve mentioned previously my childhood geeky obsession with factual books so when glorious new ones arrive in packages I’m always thrilled. This is the first of a few over which I shall rave. It’s unfortunate that the image doesn’t reveal the wonderful Read more

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