Just So Stories

Random Reviews and Ramblings from Redcliffe

  • A Journey Under the Sea – Craig Foster & Ross Frylinck

    Harper Collins April 2023 Imprint: Clarion Press ISBN: 9780358677864 RRP: $34.99 This is visually one of the most fascinating books you will encounter this year, and even if you don’t have kiddos who live by the sea, as I do, your readers will be completely absorbed by these amazing photographs as well as the text…

  • Khawaja – Words by Paul Kelly. Illustrations by Avinash Weerasekera

    Penguin Australia July 2023 I’d be pretty certain that when Uzzy was growing up and dreaming of being a Test cricketer, he didn’t ever imagine he’d be the subject of either a song or a children’s book, but here he is – one of our most inspirational players in a long time, and a role…

  • Hedgehog the Wonder Dog – Dannika Patterson/Ross Morgan

    Ford St Publishing February 2023 ISBN : 9781922696212 RRP: $17.95 It took some time for this one to arrive into my eagerly waiting hands, but it was definitely worth the wait. It was an absolute delight to share this one with some bouncy Year 2s this week, all of whom (even the neuro-diverse child who had been…

  • Anchored – Debra Tidball & Arielle Li

    EK Books April 2023 9781922539496  RRP: $24.99 Just in the past week I’ve had two children in my relief class who really could have connected with this charming book about feeling disconnected with a loved one. Many children have a separation anxiety, and while there have always been children whose parent has had to work…

  • Inside the Dyslexic Mind – Laughton King

    Exisle Publishing May 2023 9781922539427  RRP: $34.99 …:A resource for parents, teachers and dyslexics themselves After majoring in language and literacy, and teaching for 30 years I could say I know a little about dyslexia. And certainly, I have gained insight after hearing luminaries such as Jackie French speak of their own struggle with this…

  • Greetings….. from Redcliffe

    I’ve recently paired two lovely and complementary picture books with some classes of little people, particularly Preppies, and both were a huge hit. It seemed fitting then that I should review them at the same time. Emma Memma: How Are You? – Emma Memma Penguin Australia The first Emma Memma book was a real winner…

  • The One and Only Ruby – Katherine Applegate

    Harper Collins Australia June 2023 We first fell in love with Ivan and his friends over ten years ago (yes! I know!!), and I still defy anyone to read the gentle gorilla’s story with dry eyes. Then, the amazing Katherine Applegate followed up with The One and Only Bob, and again we were both amused…

  • The Secret History of the Rainbow Trout Hotel – David Metzenthen

    Ford St Publishing June 2023 ISBN: 9781922696274 RRP: $19.99 Andy Lightfoot’s gap year takes him deep into the past – at the oldand weirdly wonderful Rainbow Trout Private Hotel. Here, high in themountains, Andy discovers working for nothing gives him everything. . . and that the middle of nowhere is the centre of an amazinguniverse,…

  • Pippa and the Troublesome Twins – Dimity Powell/Andrew Plant

    Ford St Publishing June 2023 ISBN: 9781922696298 RRP: $17.95 Pippa is back in a new story and it is one with which many young readers will make connections. Being a big sister or brother is a very exciting time but it can also be very frustrating and leave an older sibling feeling quite resentful, no…

  • Pugnacious & Scuttlebutt #2: S.M.Ellybutt Strikes Back – Adam Wallace/Wayne Bryant

    Larrikin House May 2023 ISBN: 9781922804495 RRP: $14.99 This is definitely not your feel-good, cute and fluffy dog story, not that you would imagine it to be, knowing Adam’s rather – let’s say – quirky brand of creativity. Following on from the heroic pound rescue (#1 book), these two dysfunctional doggos are cruising the streets,…