Just So Stories

Random Reviews and Ramblings from Redcliffe

  • 2026 Fathers Day Special: Baby’s First Father’s Day – Cheryl Orsini

    Hardie Grant Australia June 2026 ISBN:9781761217876 Format:Board book Price:AU$19.99, NZ$22.99 Series:Baby’s First Imprint:Hardie Grant Children’s Publishing First pick for this year’s crop of Father’s Day books is another in Cheryl Orsini’s sublime ‘Baby’s First‘ series. Simple text, charming story line and those absolutely glorious illustrations. What’s not to love? It’s a Father’s Day special hike… Read more

  • And now for something completely different…

    Last weekend I decided I needed new swimwear for the trip to Vanuatu which The Kid are taking to celebrate my birthday in October. I found an amazing local Brisbane company OceanRoad Swimwear. I knew it was legit local because the first pic I saw was the aqua instructor at the local Redcliffe Memorial Pool.… Read more

  • Little Blue Where Are You? – Sally Morgan. Karen Blair.

    Fremantle Press September 2026 ISBN: 9781760997182 RRP: $27.99 Sally Morgan’s long career as both a children’s and adults’ writer covers such a range of genres that it is astonishing. From board books to non-fiction memoir and everything in between. There are surprisingly some folk who don’t realise quite the extent of her prolific work and, particularly,… Read more

  • Ash Flies High: Kimberley Kickers #3 – Carl Merrison & Hakea Hustler with Ash Johnson. Illustrated by Samantha Campbell.

    Harper Collins Australia I know many of you, along with kiddos, have enjoyed this series from Carl and Hakea, in conjunction with players from the ALF footy factory of the Kimberley, and I appreciate those of you who have commented on the reviews and the resources for the first one. It’s a great series on… Read more

  • A River I Must Be – Kate Foster

    Harper Collins Australia July 2026 We have come to expect absolute quality from Kate Foster and, along with that, narratives that are so inclusive and authentic, usually arising from Kate’s own life experience. To be asked to contribute to classroom resources for this one was such a privilege. Being a verse novel almost took me… Read more

  • Web of Spies: S.I.G.M.A. #1 – Tim Ayliffe

    Affirm Press September 2026 Distributed by Simon & Schuster ISBN13: 9781761636615 LIST PRICE: AU$ 16.99 / NZ$ 19.99 With a promo that offers the reader a ‘Australia’s answer to Alex Rider’ this will entice many thrillseekers. And, being a fan of Alex Rider myself, I was keen to read this ARC. Two swift sessions as… Read more

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