Just So Stories

Random Reviews and Ramblings from Redcliffe

  • Leeva at Last – Sara Pennypacker. Illustrated by Matthew Cordell

    Harper Collins Australia RRP: $16.99 This is another fabulous Sara Pennypacker MG novel, but straight up I’m going to say it’s nothing like Pax nor Here in the Real World, which thus far have been my favourites. It is however, a wonderfully absurdist look at values, relationships/friendships, risk, trust, responsibility, but above – and how…

  • The Hats of Marvello – Amanda Graham. Illustrated by Lavanya Naidu.

    Harper Collins Australia March 2023 If I could only use one word for this book, it would be delightful! From start to finish (and I binge read it one sitting) it is charming, sweet and fun. Amanda Graham’s knack for creating endearing characters and plots remains true (who can ever forget Arthur?). In dusty, ravaged…

  • Custodians: Wylah the Koorie Warrior 2 -Jordan Gould and Richard Pritchard

    Allen & Unwin May 2023 ISBN: 9781761180040 Publisher: A&U Children’s RRP: $15.99 Wylah proved herself in her first adventure, and achieved the near-impossible in uniting the five Guardians, now firmly at her side but her mission continues. She must press on through the Valley of the Spirits, with all its risks and dangers in order…

  • My Little Barlaagany (Sunshine) – Melissa Greenwood

    Harper Collins Australia May 2023 Gumbaynggirr artist Melissa Greenwood has created another beautiful and stylish picture book to add to your collection of First Nations titles. This is a dreamy and gentle bedtime love story between mother and child, country and culture. With a text that is interspersed with words from her own traditional language,…

  • Backyard Footy – Carl Merrison. Illustrated by Samantha Campbell

    Hachette Hardback MAY 31, 2023 | 9780734421517 | RRP $19.99 This is another fabulous footy book from Carl Merrison and the exuberance of the narrative leaps off the page like a specky. In his own backyard, in the Kimberley, Jy is playing footy, because kicking the ball is fun! When he accidentally kicks the ball over the fence, his…

  • The Monkey Who Fell from the Future – Ross Welford

    Harper Collins March 2023 A new Ross Welford novel is always a treat, and this is no exception. His time-travelling escapades are always full of adventure, tension and humour, and at the same time, they are thought-provoking. This one ticks all those boxes again. In 2425 the Earth is barely recognisable. It has, for the…

  • Our Mob – Jacinta Daniher & Taylor Hampton/Seantelle Walsh

    Ford St Publishing May 2023 ISBN: 9781922696236 RRP: $17.99 This is a stunning new picture book for your younger readers that will take them around Australia to visit various mobs on Country and find out a little more about each. Authors, Jacinta and Taylor, are the co-founders of Birrang Cultural Connections, based in Victoria [check…

  • Sorry Day & Reconciliation Week 2023

    Here’s some resources for both Sorry Day and Reconciliation Week – or for any time you plan to teach cross-culturally. Stay posted for some review of new First Nations related titles over the next week. Watch artist Bobbi Lockyer talk about her art here and visit her webpage to find out more about her fashion…

  • The Sideways Orbit of Evie Hart – Samera Kamaleddine

    Harper Collins Australia May 2023 For many tweens the transition from child to teen is a tumultuous time, and Evie Hart is one such who is struggling to feel secure and grounded as so much impacts on her life. Her much-loved stepfather, Lee, is moving out and it’s not just the awful jolt of her…

  • Rida and Madiya: a Bloomsbury Reader – Niyla Farook and Umair Najeeb Khan

    Bloomsbury Australia May 2023 RRP: $14.99 ISBN 9781801991933 Imprint Bloomsbury Education Series Bloomsbury Readers Yes, this is a sample of Bloomsbury readers and these have been written and aimed directly at the UK curriculum market, but don’t let that put you off. This series has been crafted by some top authors and the books written…