Just So Stories

Random Reviews and Ramblings from Redcliffe



  • Aisle Nine – Ian X. Cho

    Harper Collins Australia September 2024 Your fans of Stranger Things, Good Omens and Wednesday, any horror x comedy x side-serve of romance, are absolutely going to love this one. When I was asked to write the teaching notes I was not quite sure after reading the summary but honestly, reading it was a whole lot Read more

  • L.O.L. Goat Laughs Out Loud: G.O.A.T. #2- Kate & Jol Temple. Illustrated by Rebel Challenger.

    Scholastic Australia May 2024 ISBN: 9781760261153 RRP: $18.99 Hooray for nonsense I say!! I know there’s a place for books with messages and deep themes but sometimes we all just need – as I used to tell the kiddos – a ‘lolly’ book. A book that is fun. A book that is light. A book Read more

  • Listen, Hippo! – Gabriel Evans

    Penguin Australia April 2024 This utterly delightful book completely reminded me of Forrest Gump: For Forrest, the only thing that was going to help was running. For Billy, he just wants Hippo to listen. Hippo is the most willing and helpul friend one could have. But sometimes we don’t want razzamatazz like dressing up, pirate Read more

  • Purinina – Christina Booth

    CSIRO Publishing  September 2024 | $ 24.99ISBN: 9781486317264  Taking its cue from the 2007 Notable picture book Purinina, a Devil’s Tale, this new devilish tale from Christina Booth follows Purinina’s life from her birth through the death of her mother to her producing her own offspring. It is written in simple yet very evocative terms Read more

  • Night Watch – Jodi Toering/Tannya Harricks

    Walker Books February 2024 ISBN13:9781760655310 Australia RRP:$26.99 New Zealand RRP:$28.99 With a task to completeand a journey ahead, Tawny Frogmouth calls a drumming call. Moon answers, rising gently over the stubble to meet her and light the way. What a beautiful lullaby of a book this is! as the reader glides across the night sky Read more

  • Happy Book Week 2024!

    Yesterday kids lit creators and purveyors around the country were either attending celebratory events, presenting at schools or waiting for the newsflash. At the time I was enjoying a massage after treating myself to a leisurely brunch. Am I missing the Book Week buzz? A little, but to be honest, I’m still so deeply entrenched Read more