Just So Stories

Random Reviews and Ramblings from Redcliffe

  • Guardians: Wylah the Koorie Warrior 1- Jordan Gould/Richard Pritchard

    Allen & Unwin May 2022 ISBN:9781761180033 Imprint: Albert Street Books RRP: $15.99 This is definitely something different and a series to be watched. These two creators have drawn their narrative from all quarters: speculative fiction in its broadest sense – fantasy, sci fi, larger than life events, incorporating adventure, humour, and drawing on First Australians…

  • Astonishingly Good Stories – R. A. Spratt

    Penguin Australia August 2022 Now with a day off at my disposal, due to having no voice left with which to teach, I am trying to catch up with reviews, and really it is dead lucky I had already read this latest volume, because there is no doubt that strenuous laughing of the Spratt-induced kind…

  • Enola Holmes and the Elegant Escapade: Enola Holmes #8 – Nancy Springer

    Allen & Unwin August 2022 ISBN: 9781761066245 Publisher: A&U Children’s Imprint: A & U Children RRP: $16.99 As we all eagerly anticipate the new forthcoming Netflix adaptation, what better way to feed our love of Enola and her adventures than by reading this newest in the series? (In this house we are both fans of…

  • The Golden Swift – Lev Grossman

    Bloomsbury July 2022 ISBN 9781526647634 Imprint Bloomsbury Children’s Books RRP: $14.99 A couple of years back I enthusiastically endorsed The Silver Arrow and I am very pleased to say that this second instalment is equally as enchanting for your middle school readers. A year after they first encounter The Silver Arrow and begin their mission…

  • Spark – M.G. Leonard

    Walker Books September 2022 Imprint:Walker Books ISBN13:9781406389388 Australia RRP:$18.99 New Zealand RRP:$21.99 There is something quintessentially English about a group of children who are into bird-watching I think, especially when combined with all the other great things going on in this series. A diverse cast of characters, an appealing setting where the kids can roam…

  • Guest Blogger: Welcome Laura @ The Mad Hatters Bookshop!

    It gives me such pleasure to introduce Laura from the cutest ever bookshop, The Mad Hatters at Manly. I take any opportunity I can to browse this glorious feast of literary delights and never, ever come away empty-handed! Laura and her team are so knowledgeable about children’s lit and even with my long history of…

  • Dreaming by Starlight – Siobhan Curham

    Walker Books August 2022 ISBN13:9781529504019 Australia RRP:$16.99 New Zealand RRP:$18.99

  • A Little Spark – Barry Jonsberg

    Allen & Unwin August 2022 Imprint:A & U Children ISBN:9781760526924 RRP: $16.99 But, as can happen, life throws a curveball. Sam is offered a tantalising and life-changing work opportunity in the UK and Cate’s mum is determined they will all go. Cate is resistant to the whole idea, not least because she knows she will…

  • Ash Barty presents Little Ash…:Ash Barty with Jasmin McGaughey/Jade Goodwin

    Harper Collins July 2022 Little Ash Perfect Match! #1 ISBN : 9781460762769 ISBN 10: 1460762762 Imprint: HarperCollins AU List Price: 9.99 AUD Little Ash Friendship Fix-it! #2 ISBN: 9781460762776 ISBN 10: 1460762770 Imprint: HarperCollins AU List Price: 9.99 AUD Little Ash Tennis Rush! #3 ISBN: 9781460762783 ISBN 10: 1460762789 Imprint: HarperCollins AU List Price: 9.99 AUD Little Ash Goal Getter #4 ISBN: 9781460762790 ISBN 10: 1460762797 Imprint: HarperCollins AU List…

  • Congratulations CBCA winners 2022!

    Meanwhile, due to the fact that I’ve pulled the pin on the job I started this year (for many unhappy reasons – got any work for an unemployed t-l who needs to feed The Kid?) for the first time in 25 years, I am neither celebrating Book Week nor dressing up but here’s a favourite…