Just So Stories

Random Reviews and Ramblings from Redcliffe

  • The Grown-up’s Guide to Picture Books – Lara Cain Gray. Illustrated by Timothy Ide & Lorena Carrington

    Midnight Sun Publishing July 2024 ISBN: 9781922858504 | $34.99 When I was a kid I didn’t really know picture books, in the way we see them today. I did have a few illustrated books – my two favourites, well-worn and much-loved, are still with me today and pictured below. I’m guessing that because I read Read more

  • Zoom – Dannika Patterson/Ross Morgan

    Ford St Publishing September 2024 ISBN 9781922696427 RRP: $17.99 Some days are just too much… for any of us, let alone Smalls. And it’s not always big stuff that makes them so. Often, it’s more like one not-so-big thing after another until they all roll into one huge dump of misery. As adults most of Read more

  • Father’s Day 2024

    Happy Father’s day to all the dads, grandpas, uncles, significant/lighthouse males as well as the mums pulling double-duty as both parents. What Do You Call Your Dad? – Ashleigh Barton/Martina Heiduczek Harper Collins Australia July 2024 I’ve now reviewed several of Ashleigh’s books and also had, quite recently, the pleasure of meeting her at the Read more

  • Forevability Awards 2025

    It gives me pleasure to announce that this coming year I will not only be a judge again in the awards but also a sponsor. What a privilege it is! Highlighting Sue Warren as a valued sponsor for the 2025 Forevability Book Awards.Sue Warren has had a long and varied career as a teacher-librarian for Read more

  • Real Stories with Random Writers

    A few weeks ago I had the absolute pleasure of being invited to be the first librarian on this hugely popular and terrific podcast with friends, Jacqueline Harvey, R. A. Spratt and Tim Harris. It was loads of fun and I’m very lucky. Check it out here and have a laugh with us. Read more

  • A little break in transmission…

    Just need a little reset time this week. I have paid work to do and I need to get some reviews scheduled, as well as help The Kid with her first assessments, being her critique/proofreader chum. I’ve read some great books recently – and even weeks ago – that I need to write up, so Read more

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