Just So Stories

Random Reviews and Ramblings from Redcliffe

  • The Littlest Penguin – Jedda Robaard. The Penguin Foundation

    and the Phillip Island Penguin Parade Penguin Australia October 2023 Waddling along on a bit of a penguin theme, just look at this absolutely exquisite gem of a book! Follow Littlest Penguin as she is raised by her doting parents, leaves her burrow for the first time, makes friends, and embarks on her grown-up penguin…

  • Plume-lollapalooza!!

    The series teaching notes are now available!! Enjoy all things Plume and penguin with your Smalls.

  • Borderland – Graham Akhurst

    UWA Publishing October 2023 ISBN: 978760802646 RRP: $22.99 This is a really fresh perspective on First Nations YA, and was a hugely enjoyable and gripping read.  Jono and Jenny have known each other all their lives and have just graduated as the inaugural First Nations scholarship students from their private school. Both enrol at Brisbane’s…

  • Which Way Round the Galaxy – Cressida Cowell

    Hachette Australia SEP 26, 2023 | 9781444973501 | RRP $22.99 IMPRINT: Hodder Children’s Books I’ve absolutely adored Cressida Cowell’s previous series – along with millions of others – but this newest one is just so crackerjack that I really think it is my favourite so far. This is the second instalment in this firecracker fantasy/adventure which centres on the…

  • Love Emma Memma!

    While I really was only vaguely aware of Emma before her books came out (given we haven’t had any kiddos in the Wiggles zone for a decade), I am absolutely loving her books. These two new ones are very much squarely aimed at your younger audience, and so beautifully interactive that your Smalls will love…

  • Raise Your Wands – Vale Dumbledore :(

    I know all my fellow Potterheads will be incredibly sad to learn the news of the death of Sir Michael Gambon, who brought Dumbledore to life for us. Thank you Albus. Michael Gambon, star of Harry Potter and The Singing Detective, dies aged 82

  • Rabbit – a global superstar!

    Walker Books Australia Author/Illustrator: Jo Ham September 2023 Uh-oh! Rabbit ISBN13:9781529504439 Australia RRP:$19.99 New Zealand RRP:$22.99 Yippee! Rabbit! ISBN13:9781529509106 Australia RRP:$19.99 New Zealand RRP:$22.99 Have you met Rabbit yet? The brainchild of Joanna Ham, artist and illustrator, Rabbit has graced almost everything from Body Shop packaging to giant murals and art installations. Rabbit epitomises all…

  • Plume: Christmas Elf – Tania McCartney

    Hardie Grant Australia October 2023 ISBN: 9781741177923 RRP: $24.99 You would be hard-pressed to find a more sparkling author/illustrator than the ever-elegant, super-stylish, tremendously-talented Tania McCartney, and, therefore, how utterly appropriate that this beautiful new Plume story is just as sparkly as its creator. I have been in love with Plume since first meeting, having…

  • Our Country: Where History Happened – Mark Greenwood/Frane Lessac

    Walker Books Australia September 2023 ISBN13:9781760653576 Australia RRP:$26.99 New Zealand RRP:$28.99 This is the second in this stunning series from talented couple Mark Greenwood & Frane Lessac. I have previously reviewed the first (twice! hardback and paperback!) Ancient Wonders and I know that many people took that first title to their hearts. In this new…

  • Not Here to Make You Comfortable: 50 women who stand up, speak out, inspire change.

    Penguin Australia Septemer 2023 It’s time to stop saying yes all the time.It’s time to stop apologising all the time.It’s time to stop avoiding conflict all the time.It’s time to be true to our emotions, whatever they are. I’m starting this off with just this. Don’t delay. Order it now, put it on your list…