Just So Stories

Random Reviews and Ramblings from Redcliffe

  • Neighbourhood Nest – Sarah Jane Lightfoot

    Publisher: Affirm Kids (September 30, 2025) Simon & Schuster Australia ISBN13: 9781923046818 RRP:  AU$ 24.99 / NZ$ 29.99 It’s pretty apt I think that on the first day of this year’s Aussie Bird Count (time of writing 20/10) I should pick up this one to review. Mind you, I am a daily bird watcher. My… Read more

  • Save the Gum Trees, Bees and Big Blue Seas – Luke John Matthew Arnold.

    Scholastic Australia ISBN: 9781760264970 ISBN-10: 1760264970 June 2025 RRP: $26.99 It’s big and bold and beautiful and essentially, it’s a call to arms for even the Smalls to step up and be protective of our precious environment. I love that the artwork – and I’m not familiar with this visual artist’s work – is so striking and… Read more

  • How Big is Love? – Carl Merrison and Hakea Hustler. Illustrated by Jade Goodwin.

    Hachette Australia Imprint: Lothian Children’s Books Aug 26, 2025 | 9780734420176 | RRP $24.99 Three of my favourite First Nations creators have produced this gorgeous picture book which would make a beautiful gift for a small person in your family or friendship circle especially. Of course, it would also be eminently suited to an EC setting or home. Small… Read more

  • Another Year Around the Sun – Katrina Germein. Alice Lindstrom

    Affirm Kids (September 30, 2025) Simon & Schuster Australia Length: 24 pages ISBN13: 9781923022911 RRP:  AU$ 22.99 / NZ$ 27.99 Meeting Katrina in person on our trip to Adelaide was such a delight for me, especially as I had reviewed some of her books, known more and written resources for One Little Duck. Now it’s… Read more

  • When the Mountain Wakes – Matt Shanks

    Affirm Press Simon & Schuster August 2025 ISBN13: 9781923419056 RRP: $AU$ 29.99 / NZ$ 36.99 Somewhere, towards the beginning of time, a mountain rose from the ocean and came to rest above the clouds.Life sang a lullaby, and the mountain slept for many millions of years.Until one day, when the world became too silent for… Read more

  • Animals on Country: Let’s look after the animals with Uncle Kuu – Victor Steffensen. Illustrated by Sandra Steffensen.

    Allen & Unwin September 2025 ISBN:9781761181566 Publisher:A&U Children’s Imprint:A & U Children RRP: $24.99 Teaching notes available The continuing upswell in First Nations titles is so pleasing and, let’s face it, not before time. As a minority fringe continues to attempt to cause as much division as it can, and certainly global ugliness is on… Read more

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