Just So Stories

Random Reviews and Ramblings from Redcliffe

  • Two Dogs – Ian Falconer

    Harper Collins Australia November 2022 ISBN: 9780008399863 ISBN 10: 0008399867 Imprint: HarperCollins GB RRP: $24.99 Vale Ian Falconer. 25/08/1959 8/03/2023 I think it’s actually quite ironic that I had put off reviewing this charmingly hilarious book. The news of Falconer’s death two weeks ago came as quite a shock to many and we are all the poorer for…

  • Pasta – Felice Arena. Illustrated by Beatrice Cerocchi.

    Affirm Press 28 March 2023RRP: $19.99ISBN: 9781922848604 I do wish you could see how tricky this lovely cover is, with its embossed shiny strands of spaghetti twirling with temptation. There would be very few kiddos who don’t both know and enjoy eating pasta and many of them will already know a few of the different…

  • Mama’s Chickens – Michelle Worthington & Nicky Johnston

    EK Books March 2023 ISBN: 9781922539458 RRP: $24.99 When the news about Bruce Willis’ aphasia condition first came out, my family and friends will attest to the fact that I was devastated – given that I freely admit, and have done for years, that he is my ‘Oh yeahhhhhh’ guy and always has been. But…

  • Last Man Out – Louise Park

    Wild Dog Books April 2023 ISBN13: 9781742036427 RRP: $24.99 Sometimes a book comes along that just has the most profound impact on you, as a reader and, in this case, also as an avid history nerd. Louise Park’s new publication is just such a book. In the sort of way that makes one tingle –…

  • Happy IWD 2023!! and March give-away!

    To celebrate International Women’s Day my give-away this month is the fabulous Ash Barty memoir, which I happily read and reviewed a few weeks ago. If you would like to be the lucky recipient, add a comment on why you find Ash so special to us all.

  • Hello, Emma Memma – Emma Memma

    Penguin Australia February 2023 ISBN: 9781761341045 Imprint: Puffin RRP: $19.99 We no longer have anyone little enough to be a Wiggles fan in our family – in fact, just recently I was recalling taking my oldest grandson to see the colorful four at the Kingaroy Town Hall (cost $5, and we all sat on the floor – circa…

  • February Give-away!

    Honestly folk, can you believe we’re already two months into the year? Astonishing! Anyway the lovely Marie Miegel is getting the copy of The Silence That Binds Us…..I know you will find it compelling Marie! I’m on a teaching contract until the end of this week guys, so nothing till the weekend but have a…

  • The Isabelle Stories Volume 1: Izzy & Belle – Jane Godwin. Illustrated by Robin Cowcher.

    Hachette March 2023 Imprint: Lothian Children’s Books ISBN 9780734421593  RRP: $14.99 Whil Jane Godwin’s delightful new series for your younger readers, venturing on their independent reading journeys will, I predict, be a huge hit. These kiddos are always enthralled with stories which mirror their own doings, likes and dislikes, worries and joys, and, of course,…

  • January Prize – Heartstopper

    My give-away for January – the Heartstopper Yearbook – arrived at its destination on Friday and the tussle was on between Sally’s two daughters, who are both big fans! Congratulations and may it give everyone much pleasure!!

  • Strong and Tough – Rico Hinson-King/Nick Sharratt

    Bloomsbury November 2022 ISBN 9781526648624 Imprint Bloomsbury Children’s Books RRP: $24.99 This is a super story which I’ve now shared with several classes between Year 1 and 3, and all the kiddos have really enjoyed it, even though it deals with some tough issues. What is even more amazing is that it is written by…