Just So Stories

Random Reviews and Ramblings from Redcliffe



  • Picture Book Month extra: The Death of Dora Black: a Petticoat Police Mystery – Lainie Anderson

    Hachette Australia Aug 28, 2024 | 9780733652066 | RRP $32.99 What a thoroughly enjoyable read this has been over the past few nights! I’m a tragic when it comes to cosy crime and murder mystery books and over the past couple of years I’ve had quite a number of YA titles to review, and also listened to a few Read more

  • Like a Gannet – Kirsten Ealand. Illustrated by Deb Hudson.

    Windy Hollow Books 9781922081094 / October 2024 /AUD$29.95, NZD$34.99 Are you looking for a cute-as-pie book that will also help you encourage your Smalls – or singular Small – to overcome their fear so that they can try something new and achieve a goal they hold dear. Just like Francie who can swim like a little fish. In Read more

  • Picture Book Month Extra: The Librarians of Rue de Picardie – Janet Skeslien Charles.

    Hachette Apr 30, 2024 | 9781035417896 | RRP $32.99 I actually read this months ago not long after I got it – and I loved it – but somehow it got buried under a pile (of other books languishing waiting for their reviews). But just let me tell you, this is most certainly worth the read. I was a Read more

  • Bugs in the Spotlight

    Given the recent bug books I thought perhaps you might like to know about Minibeast Wildlife. This is where we used to buy The Kid’s mini-zoo creatures. We first discovered them not long after K came to live with me and I took her to Cairns for a few days, about a month after her Read more

  • The Bug Book – Tania Ingram. Illustrated by Lucinda Gifford.

    Affirm Press Imprint: Little Book Press October 2024 ISBN 9781923141155 RRP: $24.99 If this isn’t the cutest introduction to the world of mini-beasts!!! When Tania had talked about this one during its inception, I knew it was going to be fun but I had no clue that it was going to be as adorable as Read more

  • Slug Life- Moesha Kellaway

    Harper Collins Australia ‘Bug’ books, that is books about mini-beasts seem to be very on trend this year and I, for one, am greatly enjoying that. Having had The Kid raising tiny critters such as stick insects in her zoo days, we are pretty chill about our small wildlife. In fact, we both get very Read more