Just So Stories

Random Reviews and Ramblings from Redcliffe

  • Cockadoodle Moo?! – Tanya Hennessy. Illustrated by Shiloh Gordon.

    Allen & Unwin August 2026 RRP: $19.99 ISBN:9781761181603 Publisher:A&U Children’s Imprint:Albert Street Books This past week I’ve rewatched the Shrek movies and realised again just how fun they are with loads of intercontextuality for adults as well as the plentiful humour for kiddos. And this terrific book echoes that premise exactly. In fact, I’d liken… Read more

  • Tākapu the Lone Hunter – Ned Barraud

    Allen & Unwin August 2026 ISBN:9781991142511 Publisher:A&U Children’s NZ Imprint:A&U Children’s NZ RRP: $22.99 This is exactly the sort of narrative non-fiction that we as educators love and that readers love equally. Ned Barraud’s work is new to me but given this extraordinary example I would love to see more. Filled with action, high drama,… Read more

  • Wolf Baby – Aura Parker

    Scholastic Australia November 2026 ISBN: 9781761720925 ISBN-10: 1761720929 RRP: $26.99 As you would expect from Aura Parker, this is just beautiful. As you might not expect, it’s a complete departure from Bowerbird Blues. I am already seeing how many rich conversations and juicy questions will spring from sharing this with kiddos as it explores themes… Read more

  • Nest – Tanith King

    Scholastic Australia July 2026 ISBN: 9781761648489 RRP: $26.99 The illustrations are beautifully rendered and the minimal text is quite evocative. It’s a simple book about how love is expressed for small people. I just have one problem with it. It’s clearly Australian and we know that via the azure kingfisher and the frogmouth mentioned, also… Read more

  • What Jack Brought Back – Jonathan Bentley

    ISBN:9781760506957 Price:AU$22.99, NZ$27.99 Publisher:Hardie Grant Children’s Publishing Sep 29th, 2026 Oh LOOK!!! it’s a picture book that’s just pure fun!! I just love Jonathan’s work and he’s such a thoroughly nice guy as well. And this new one is absolutely a joyful romp that kiddos will love. Utter nonsense, lots of rhymes [can already see… Read more

  • Picture Book Month bonus: Hometown – Shaun Tan

    Allen & Unwin September 2026 ISBN:9781761180811 Publisher:A&U Children’s Imprint:A & U Children RRP: $35.00 Some reviews just demand to be written straight away and this is one. I read this glorious, sumptuous, provocative, thoughtful, philosophical book last night and absolutely revelled in its beauty and magicality. I am still miffed that I missed out on… Read more

Archived Reviews