Just So Stories

Random Reviews and Ramblings from Redcliffe

  • No More Room in the Bed! – Deborah Abela. Illustrated by Marina Verola.

    Simon & Schuster Publisher: Larrikin House (June 18, 2025) ISBN13: 9781922804808 RRP: AU$ 24.99 / NZ$ 27.99 Here’s a fresh new title to add to your store of those well-loved cumulative narratives that Smalls always enjoy – not to mention, they are SO useful for us when teaching our younger students about expressive language. It… Read more

  • Peculiar Parents- Stephanie Owen Reeder. Illustrated by Ingrid Bartkowiak.

    National Library of Australia 9781922507822 / 1 July 2025 / AUD$29.99, NZD$34.99 One thing is a given. A book from Stephanie Owen Reeder will always be exceptional and I, for one, have been very much looking forward to this one. And just wait till you see it! On a gloomy weekend such as this one (as I write this)… Read more

  • 2025 June Wrap-up

    Yep, there are still a couple of days left but I’m mid-way through one and that will on the July list so calling it now. Read more

  • A Different Kind of Power: a memoir – Jacinda Ardern

    Penguin Australia June 2025 ISBN: 9781776951277 Imprint: Penguin RRP: $55.00 First up, I’m going to say a big thank you to Penguin, especially the indefatigable Dot Tonkin, for giving me the opportunity to read and review this. As someone who admired this young woman as a trailblazer, it has been interesting to see her in close-up, so to… Read more

  • Detective Galileo- Peter Helliar. Illustrated by Andrew Joyner.

    Harper Collins Australia June 2025 ISBN: 9781460766217 ISBN 10: 1460766210 Imprint: HarperCollins AU List Price: 15.99 AUD While I’m not a big fan of ‘celebrity’ authored books in general, and always ready to be unimpressed, I have to say that this isn’t dreadful at all. And, in particular, if you have some kiddos who are reluctant or struggling readers… Read more

  • Eleanor Jones is Playing with Fire – Amy Doak

    Penguin Australia July 2025 ISBN: 9781761350634 Imprint: Penguin RRP: $19.99 Anyone who has read the first two Eleanor Jones books will know exactly how pleased I was when this one arrived. You would also know exactly why the first two titles have been so highly acclaimed. Amy Doak has a great grip on the whole YA crime/mystery genre… Read more

Archived Reviews