Just So Stories

Random Reviews and Ramblings from Redcliffe

  • Being Jimmy Baxter – Fiona Lloyd

    Penguin Australia This is often a very funny book. This is often a very moving book. I ate it up in one sitting because Jimmy’s story is one that demands to be read. Jimmy is not so good with school stuff, and he has a kind of innocence in his thinking that completely reminds me…

  • Nanette’s Baguette – Mo Willems

    Walker Books Australia March 2017 ISBN13:9781406376210 Australia RRP:$16.99 New Zealand RRP:$18.99 Honestly, the kiddos go nuts for Mo’s books – which you probably already know. This one is my absolute favourite of all and I have used it several times. This past week I’ve been back in my happy place being teacher-librarian for a one…

  • This Spells Trouble – Paul Collins/Sean McMullen

    Ford St Publishing July 2023 ISBN:9781922696311 RRP: $17.95 This is just a riotous, joyful comic adventure from the very first page, and, I tell you now, your kids from middle school to upper will eat it up with relish! 14 year old Winton is apprenticed to a very dodgy wizard named Faramond – a lazy,…

  • One Little Duck – Katrina Germein/Danny Snell

    Harper Collins Australia July 2023 This is a sweet picture book with a fun twist on an old rhyme and illustrated delectably, which will be an engaging read for your teenies and easily segue into some useful learning activities. Mother Duck is, as you would expect, a nurturer and is quite equable about every animal…

  • The Bravest Word – Kate Foster

    Walker Books Australia May 2022 ISBN13:9781760654719 Australia RRP:$18.99 New Zealand RRP:$20.99 Thankfully, there is an ever-growing awareness around mental health, and a wider knowledge of help sources available. We have media focus both in information sharing, and valuable help agencies that did not exist years ago. The stats above provide some insight into the extent…

  • Dogs: understanding your very best friend – Dr John Bradshaw. Illustrated by Clare Elsom

    Walker Books November 2021 ISBN13:9781839130878 Imprint; Andersen Press Australia RRP:$14.99 New Zealand RRP:$16.99 In every school library you will have those kids who will borrow every dog book you have – often, many times over. This is one that will be a great little resource for those who are getting their first doggo, who want…

  • Because of Winn-Dixie – Kate diCamillo

    Walker Books Australia February 2022 ISBN13:9781536214352 Imprint: Candlewick Press Australia RRP:$14.99 New Zealand RRP:$17.99 Awards Alabama Camellia Children’s Choice Book Award Arkansas Charlie May Simon Award Bank Street College Josette Frank Award for Fiction California Young Reader Medal Children’s Librarians of Dover, NH Cochecho Readers’ Award Delaware Library Association Blue Hen Award Florida Sunshine State…

  • Woof for Walker Books!

    When the lovely folks at Walker sent me Scout and the Rescue Dogs we had a little confab about dog books, and they very kindly sent me a parcel of these to share with you all. We all know how much kiddos love a good dog book! So stay posted over the next few days…

  • For the Tiny Humans

    Find Spot: an Australian Adventure Penguin Australia July 2023 Your littlest people will love this colourful new board book with a fresh Spot adventure, especially as it’s set in Australia. Mum, Dad and Spot are camping and as they explore billabong and surrounds, they encounter some lovely Australian wildlife like an echidna, thorny devil, bats…

  • Our Best 2023 NAIDOC viewing