Just So Stories

Random Reviews and Ramblings from Redcliffe



  • 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

  • The Bee Squad

    Boosting biodiversity in your neighbourhood – Judy Friedlander New South Books Ferbruary 2025 ISBN: 9781742238227  RRP: $27.99 Last year there were quite a few books come my way with bugs and biodiversity featured. This one is almost a complete wrap-up of them all in a non-fiction package. We know kiddos are enthusiastic about environmental activities. Read more

  • Caution! This Book Contains Deadly Reptiles – Corey Tutt. Art by Ben Williams.

    Anyone familiar with Corey Tutt’s work, both with the Deadly Science program and his previous books [and if you’re not – why not??? Inconceivable!] will not be one bit surprised to learn that this book is every bit as deadly as its title. I am only sorry that The Kid is now the too-cool-for-school-adult, and Read more