Just So Stories

Random Reviews and Ramblings from Redcliffe

  • There’s a Chicken in the House – Sonya Hartnett. Lucia Masciullo.

    Penguin Australia August 2026 ISBN: 9781761344497 Imprint: Puffin RRP: $24.99 For those of us with fluffbutts – and I am currently in my 4th round of keeping the beaky little beggars [Henny & Penny, d’uccle Belgian bantams – reputedly docile breed – hah!] this sweet and gentle book has special resonance. But even kiddos who…

  • 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…

  • 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,…

  • 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…

  • 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…

  • 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…

  • 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…

  • I See Red – Maggie Hutchings & Sarah Zweck

    Thames & Hudson September 2026ISBN: 9781760764890 RRP: $26.99 Anyone with more than one child has been there. When a sibling squabble escalates into the 100 Days War within a matter of minutes. Tempers flare faster than a bushfire in January and it seems that no matter of peace talks are helping. But just sometimes, the…

  • Mr Badger and the Boubles Grand Hotel – Leigh Hobbs

    Allen & Unwin November 2026 ISBN:9781761182228 Publisher:A&U Children’s Imprint:A & U Children RRP: $26.99 Leigh Hobbs with the process on Vimeo ‘Thrilling and disturbing, a stay at the Boubles Grand Hotel is never boring.’ – Sir Windy and Lady Wanda Whoppa It’s been a while since we’ve had a new encounter with the unflappable and…

  • October Wrap-Up!