Just So Stories

Random Reviews and Ramblings from Redcliffe

  • Who’s the Gang on Our Street? – Susanne Gervay. Illustrated by Nancy Bevington.

    Big Sky Publishing September 2023 ISBN: 9781922896803 RRP: $19.99 When the always gracious and warm Susanne emailed me some months ago, and asked me to write teaching notes for a new picture book she was writing, I was – quite naturally – absolutely thrilled and flattered,that she should consider me to do so. When she subsequently…

  • Josh Langley – Inspiring Kids

    Have you checked out Josh Langley’s great programs and books yet? They are making such a difference to so many kids, that I wanted to share is new Inspiring Kids @ Home program. Josh is such an inspiration himself, and his passion for empowering kiddos is just wonderful to behold, and I’m proud to support…

  • Country Town – Isolde Martyn and Robyn Ridgeway. Illustrated by Louise Hogan.

    Ford St Publishing September 2023 ISBN: 9781922696359 RRP: $19.99 I have always loved those English books that explored ‘Through Time’ e.g. A Street Through Time – the history nerd in me just revels in the minutiae from days gone by to the present. While this book doesn’t cover 12, 000 years as such, it does…

  • It’s Q&A Time with Tania Ingram

    Welcome Tania to Just So Stories – so excited to have you drop in! I’m as excited as a guinea pig with a corncob! Thanks for taking the time to chat. Let’s get into it! I think we should start at the start really ;-). Tell us about little Tania: growing up, family, pets, hobbies,…

  • Bookish Fun!

    What a lovely way to finish our day! Visiting Quick Brown Fox bookshop for the first time (Grange for those nearby) and hanging out with a few other t-l’s plus the always exuberant Deborah Abela Author Zewlan Moor Zanni Louise and Sophie Beer – with wine!! and snacky-snacks! and the award-winning Jenny Stubbs too!!! super…

  • Mr Chicken Goes to Mars – Leigh Hobbs

    Allen & Unwin October 2023 ISBN: 9781760878276 Publisher: A&U Children’s Imprint: A & U Children RRP: $24.99 Mr Chicken never gets tired. That is to say, the kiddos never get tired of Mr Chicken. I have been waiting for this one quite eagerly and only just yesterday, had read Mr Chicken All Over Australia on…

  • Follow the Rainbow – Juliet M. Sampson. Illustrated by Anne Ryan.

    Ford St Publishing August 2023 ISBN: 9781922696335 RRP: $17.99 This new picture book from Juliet and Ford St is a fun and colourful excursion in curiosity for your young readers. It has been inspired by both The Wizard of Oz and Juliet’s own adorable Westie, Bryce. Little Ruby is idly making shapes from the clouds…

  • Ancient Wonders – Mark Greenwood/Frané Lessac

    Walker Books August 2023 ISBN13:9781760658083 Australia RRP:$16.99 New Zealand RRP:$18.99 Now in paperback, this is the first in the Our Country Series by this very talented couple (both of whom I’ve had the pleasure of meeting). I have no doubt you would be well acquainted by the many outstanding collaborations Mark and Frané have produced, and…

  • Eleanor Jones is NOT a Murderer – Amy Doak

    Penguin Australia September 2023 This is a fantastic new voice in Oz YA, and one that will have your fans of Fleur Ferris, Karen McManus and Holly Jackson very excited. I was feeling a little poorly yesterday, which made for a very good reason to spend a lot of time snoozing and reading – peaky…

  • Happy Father’s Day

    I’ve been saving a few especially for today, so this is our nod to dads – those no longer with us, those who are great male models for our kiddos, and those who are doing double duty of both parents. What My Daddy Loves – Raissa Figueroa Harper Collins Australia August 2023 Dads, like everybody…