Just So Stories

Random Reviews and Ramblings from Redcliffe

  • Health and Help for tweens & teens

    There is certainly a boom in books targeting young people to empower them to be their best selves and take action for the greater good. As it happens I have quite a pile of them here so have decided to compile them into this one post. All are very worthy additions either to a personal…

  • Magabala Magic

    It’s always exciting to open a package from Magabala. I find such joy in the wonderful stories shared by our talented Indigenous creators. Two such stunning books are recent additions to the Magabala book list and both are set to become highly acclaimed in all quarters. My Story/Ngaginybe Jarragbe – Shirley Purdie October 2020ISBN 9781925936131…

  • Death sets Sail – Robin Stevens

    Penguin Australia September 2020 ISBN: 9780241419809 Imprint: Puffin RRP: $16.99 All good things must come to an end – even great things must – and I foresee there will be gnashing of teeth amongst my readers who are so dedicated to this series as they realise this is the final chapter. Robin Stevens has turned detective/murder mystery fiction…

  • Bear in Space – Deborah Abela. Illustrated by Marjorie Crosby-Fairall

    Walker Books Australia August 2020 ISBN: 9781760651510Imprint: Walker Books Australia Australian RRP: $25.99New Zealand RRP: $28.99 Encouraging our little readers to be not just accepting of differences but to embrace them is arguably one of the greatest gifts we can offer. And to be able to do this through the enjoyment of a wonderful and vibrant story is a…

  • Tree Beings – Raymond Huber and Sandra Severgnini [with a foreword by Jane Goodall]

    Exisle Publishing October 2020 ISBN 9781925820539 RRP $34.99 I think it fair to say that if Dr Jane Goodall is lending her endorsement to a book then you know it must be of the highest quality. This is a beautiful volume packed with information and richly illustrated which addresses the growing desire among children to…

  • Go for Gold! (Pea and Nut #2) – Matt Stanton

    Harper Collins Australia August 2020 ISBN: 9780733340680 ISBN 10: 0733340687 Imprint: ABC Books – AU List Price: 17.99 AUD The second in the Pea + Nut series is another rowdy rambunctious read that will have your kiddos in fits of laughter and with swimming season upon us there will no doubt be many connections made. Pea the panda really…

  • Nala’s World: One man, his rescue cat and a bike ride around the globe – Dean Nicholson

    Hachette Australia SEP 29, 2020 | 9781529327991 | RRP $32.99 When Dean Nicholson set off on his cycling journey around the world he had little idea that his epic trip and his life would become an Instagram sensation after he picked up a tiny stray kitten in a remote area of the mountains between Montenegro and Bosnia. Thirty-year-old Dean…

  • Graphically Shakespeare

    There is an increasing number of graphic versions of Shakespearean plays and they have been gaining quite a following. Recently our English department purchased ten copies of a graphic Merchant of Venice and had great success with these, engaging otherwise dis-enfranchised Year 10 readers. Here are two different takes in this vein – one more…

  • That’s Not My Wombat – Fiona Watt/Rachel Wells

    Harper Collins Australia September 2020 ISBN: 9781474980470 ISBN 10: 1474980473 Imprint: Usborne – GB List Price: 14.99 AUD I can tell you something about the Usborne Touchy-Feely books – it’s not just the little ones who love these! The Narwhal version I included in my recent Book Bonanza to celebrate Book Week was the most highly sought after ‘lucky…

  • Aussie Kids series # 7 & # 8

    Penguin Australia Continuing today’s theme of virtual travel around Australia, here are the next two instalments in one of my favourite series of the past year. These delightful little books have been a huge hit with our newly independent readers who not only enjoy the adventures of the featured kids but are able to learn…