Just So Stories

Random Reviews and Ramblings from Redcliffe

  • Ava Spark: Hello, I’m here! – Alex Field. Illustrated by Joanna Bartel.

    New Frontier Publishing May 2025 ISBN : 978-1-923145-92-4 PRICE : $16.99 Meeting Ava Spark will be something quite different for most of your readers, I think. While they may already be aware or even familiar with some methods of communication, especially AUSLAN/sign language, which many schools are incorporating into their programs, not so many will be aware Read more

  • Short Stories -Silvia Borando

    Scribble April 2025 9781761381560 Author/Illustrator: Silvia BorandoTranslator: Felicita SalaAUD$27.99 | £12.99 | US$18.95 A favourite literacy activity with older kiddos for some years now, has been six-word stories. Know them? If not, do some sleuthing. This book takes that premise and turns it into another fun read, plus a delightful springboard for some quick creative Read more

  • No More Room in the Bed! – Deborah Abela. Illustrated by Marina Verola.

    Simon & Schuster Here’s a fresh new title to add to your store of those well-loved cumulative narratives that Smalls always enjoy – not to mention, they are SO useful for us when teaching our younger students about expressive language. It was a dark and stormy night [yes! that was intentional] when the boy asked Read more

  • 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

Archived Reviews