Just So Stories

Random Reviews and Ramblings from Redcliffe

  • The Epically Awesome Odyssey, as told by Nanny Piggins – R. A. Spratt

    Penguin Australia June 2026 ISBN: 9781761622472 Imprint: Penguin RRP: $16.99 If there is one sure thing to brighten up a bleak, chilly winter’s night (or day) it is the one, the only Nanny Piggins along with her family: Boris, her bear brother, and the children for whom she slaves day and night to feed, clothe, keep clean,…

  • The Not So Quiet Life of Marcel Marceau – Jenn Bailey & Sherry Bushue. Illustrated by Pamela Zagarenski.

    Allen & Unwin June 2026 ISBN:9781761182945 Imprint:A & U Children RRP: $22.99 Mime is an art beyond words. It is the art of the essential. And you cannot lie. You have to show the truth. Marcel Marceau As a kid, aeons ago, I was completely entranced by Marcel Marceau whenever I saw him perform on…

  • Eighty-Nine Questions for After – Ashleigh Barton

    Hachette Australia July 2026 ISBN: 9780733654596 RRP: $16.99 I first knew Ashleigh’s work as a picture book creator, one who could create wonderful texts that not only engaged young readers but gave them portals into the larger world. Then along came her middle-grade novel How to Sail to Somewhere which so skilfully demonstrated that her…

  • Leaf Litter 20th Anniversary Edition- Rachel Tonkin

    An extraordinary examination of the natural cycles of life and death in microcosm, as well as a fascinating introduction to environmental science for kids Harper Collins Australia May 2026 ISBN: 9781460768976 RRP: $34.99 Resources: River Connect NCACL Quite simply, it is every bit as mesmerising and stunning now as it was when we first saw it…

  • The Stolen Bairn – Katrina Macdonald Roe

    Riveted Press Distributed by Simon & Schuster May 2026 ISBN13: 9781764256773 LIST PRICE: AU$ 17.99 / NZ$ 19.99 The gorgeous cover and enticing title bespeak the thoroughly engaging nature of this fantasy faerie tale from newcomer Katrina Macdonald Roe [Fun Fact: while the Macdonald clans, in their variations, are now scattered all over the world,…

  • Your Feelings Matter – Jess Sanders. Illustrated by Alice Buckingham.

    Affirm Press Distributed by Simon & Schuster May 2026 ISBN13: 9781923419391 LIST PRICE: AU$ 24.99 / NZ$ 27.99 I’ve only reviewed a couple of Jess Sanders‘ books but do know more because they have proved so valuable in the Personal and Social capability strand and for moments like circle time that they are on many…

  • The Boy and the Shark – Cate James

    Affirm Kids Apri 2026 Distributed by Simon & Schuster ISBN13: 9781923419162 LIST PRICE: AU$ 24.99 / NZ$ 26.99 Cate James makes the leap from talented illustrator to doubly talented author/illustrator with this absolutely adorable book. Let’s be honest here, you can utilise any book for teaching purposes if you are a capable and creative educator,…

  • Spare Kisses – Pip Harry. Illustrated by Yiscah Marcatili.

    Hachette Australia Imprint: Lothian Children’s Books 9780734423511|Mar 31, 2026|RRP $24.99 I know there are grandparents in the unfortunate position of not seeing their grandies often, or indeed at all. And admittedly, now half of mine are adult and live at a distance that’s the case for me as well most of the time. But I…

  • The Story House – Vikki Conley. Illustrated by Jennifer Falkner.

    New Frontier Publishing Distributed by New South Books May 2026 9781923145979/AUD$26.99, NZD$32.99 What an utterly beautiful and poignant book this is and what a book to share with all young readers! Coming hard on the heels of that odious red-head’s Press Club twaddle yesterday and the heinous implications of her deriding those of other cultures,…

  • Cleopatra: The Girl Who Would Be King (Heroes in the Ancient World, #1) – Jackie French

    Harper Collins AustraliaMay 2026 ISBN: 9781460766545 RRP: $16.99 A new book from Jackie French is always exciting. When it heralds a new series even more so. And to top it off, I was able to read it and write notes for it, which was so cool especially as, some months ago, Jackie and I had some…