Just So Stories

Random Reviews and Ramblings from Redcliffe

  • Peculiar Parents- Stephanie Owen Reeder. Illustrated by Ingrid Bartkowiak.

    National Library of Australia 9781922507822 / 1 July 2025 / AUD$29.99, NZD$34.99 One thing is a given. A book from Stephanie Owen Reeder will always be exceptional and I, for one, have been very much looking forward to this one. And just wait till you see it! On a gloomy weekend such as this one (as I write this) Read more

  • 2025 June Wrap-up

    Yep, there are still a couple of days left but I’m mid-way through one and that will on the July list so calling it now. Read more

  • A Different Kind of Power: a memoir – Jacinda Ardern

    Penguin Australia First up, I’m going to say a big thank you to Penguin, especially the indefatigable Dot Tonkin, for giving me the opportunity to read and review this. As someone who admired this young woman as a trailblazer, it has been interesting to see her in close-up, so to speak. I think for many Read more

  • Detective Galileo- Peter Helliar. Illustrated by Andrew Joyner.

    Harper Collins Australia June 2025 While I’m not a big fan of ‘celebrity’ authored books in general, and always ready to be unimpressed, I have to say that this isn’t dreadful at all. And, in particular, if you have some kiddos who are reluctant or struggling readers who should be moving upwards in their reading Read more

  • Eleanor Jones is Playing with Fire – Amy Doak

    Penguin Australia July 2025 Anyone who has read the first two Eleanor Jones books will know exactly how pleased I was when this one arrived. You would also know exactly why the first two titles have been so highly acclaimed. Amy Doak has a great grip on the whole YA crime/mystery genre with characters which Read more

  • Roobee Roo x Two

    Hachette Australia Imprint; Lothian Children’s Books Roobee Roo: My Big Bedtime Book Jul 1, 2025 | 9780734422354 | RRP $14.99 Roobee Roo: My Magic ABC Pouch Jul 1, 2025 | 9780734422323 | RRP $14.99 It’s two more cuties in this adorable series from Nico and Candy Robertson [aren’t we lucky they decided to come live in the best country in the world?]. With Read more

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