Just So Stories

Random Reviews and Ramblings from Redcliffe

  • The Frog Squad #2: Bungle in the Jungle – Kate and Jol Temple. Illustrated by Shiloh Gordon.

    Harper Collins Australia December 2024 The Temple two have such a fabulous skill in creating hugely humorous reads for kids, without degenerating into crassness. It is one of the reasons I love reviewing their books. And the Frog Squad is certainly proving to be a hilarious delight with this second instalment. The punster in me Read more

  • I Am Rebel – Ross Montgomery

    Walker Books Australia June 2024 ISBN13:9781529502909 Australia RRP:$17.99 New Zealand RRP:$19.99 Dog stories are ever popular. We have seen this time and again over the years and this newest one from Ross Montgomery will both move and inspire readers as it narrates the unbreakable bond between young master and loyal doggo. In an imagined dystopian Read more

  • Maisy Big, Maisy Small: a book of rhyming opposites – Lucy Cousins

    Walker Books Australia January 2025 ISBN: 9781529514209 ISBN-10: 1529514207 RRP: $24.99 Of one thing we can be certain, and that is, Maisy never loses her appeal for little (and even bigger) Smalls! This is an updated version of one of Lucy Cousins’ most popular concept books featuring one of our favourite mouse characters. With big, bold colours Read more

  • We Do Not Welcome Our Ten-year-old Overlord – Garth Nix

    Allen & Unwin October 2024 ISBN:9781761180491 Publisher:A&U Children’s Imprint:A & U Children You know as soon as you hold a new Garth Nix book that you are in for a treat. Usually a creepy, oft-bizarre and freakish treat, but a treat none-the-less. Your readers who are into such vibes as Stranger Things, The X-Files, Wednesday, Read more

  • French Windows – Antoine Laurain

    New South Books Gallic Books 9781913547752 /  September 2024 / AUD$34.99, NZD$39.99 I’m a big fan of cosy murder mysteries. This is not one of those, though it is definitely a murder mystery. I wasn’t familiar with this acclaimed French author’s work but would certainly seek some more of it out. This is a slick and witty Read more

  • Superstar: Ash Barty Tennis Camp Diaries #2 – Ash Barty/ Jasmin McGaughey and Jade Goodwin.

    Harper Collins Australia December 2024 Your newly independent readers, so proudly on their journey to extended narratives, will have, I hope, already discovered the fun of this series with #1 Doubles Disaster. Now the happy and positive vibe continues with Ash and her friends back at tennis camp and once again learning new skills, navigating Read more

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