Just So Stories

Random Reviews and Ramblings from Redcliffe



  • Encyclopedia of…. :for Young Readers x3 : Birds, Animals and Plants, Fungi and Lichen

    New South Books Publisher: Albatros Media Encyclopedia of Birds – Tomáš Tůma 9788000063508/ December 2022/AUD$29.99, NZD$34.99 Encyclopedia of Animals: Tomáš Tůma 9788000063522/1 November 2022/AUD$29.99, NZD$34.99 Encyclopedia of Plants, Fungi and Lichens – ​Tereza Němcová/Tomáš Pernický 9788000063515/1 December 2022/AUD$29.99, NZD$34.99 This delightful series (there are more it seems) appeals hugely to my inner nerdy child and, Read more

  • The Colour of Revenge – Cornelia Funke

    October 2024 ISBN: 9781915947611 Scholastic Australia Publisher:THE CHICKEN HOUSE RRP: $20.00 For the past four nights I’ve been happily immersed once again in the world of Inkheart. I really find it hard to believe it’s been 20 years since the publication of Inkheart, and our introduction to Mo, Meggie, Dustfinger and all the glittering and Read more

  • Lexie Moon & the Word Burgling Bungle – Melissa Garside and Lauren Mullinder

    Riveted Press January 2025 ISBN 9781763526037RRP $12.99 This is not just a fun read, especially for readers growing in their confidence to tackle chapter books, but has so much to offer with regard to topics such as AI, robotics, STEM and Mighty Girls not to mention ethics and intellectual property. Lexie Moon is a dedicated Read more

  • Dylan Alcott: Game On! – Dylan Alcott/Fiona Regan. Illustrated by Nahum Ziersch.

    Harper Collins November 2024 What an absolute honour it was for me to be asked to write the teaching notes for this book – the first in a series – from sporting legend, disability advocate, radio host, actor, founder of his self-named foundation, film-maker, motivational speaker, Australian of the Year and, dead-set larrikin, Dylan Alcott. Read more

  • Dragonkeeper – Carole Wilkinson

    Walker Books December 2024 ISBN13:9781761601446 Australia RRP:$17.99 New Zealand RRP:$19.99 What a series this is and how loved it has been by so many over the years! I loved Dragonkeeper the first time I read it over 20 years ago and have re-read it more than once. When I read and reviewed Bronze Bird Tower Read more

  • Marramarra: Indigenous Artists Making History Visible – a collaboration by Brook Garru Andrew and Jessica Neath.

    UNSW 9781742237039 / November 2024/ $49.99 marramarra (a Wiradjuri word meaning to create, make or do) explores how contemporary Indigenous artists and their communities are revealing hidden histories and finding pathways to healing. I don’t even pretend to be an artist though I do like ‘messing’ around with creative bits and pieces, so not only did this book Read more