Just So Stories

Random Reviews and Ramblings from Redcliffe

  • Aussie Kids

      Introducing an absolutely fabulous new series for your newly independent/emerging readers that will take them all over Australia to meet a diverse array of characters and visit iconic destinations. Not only will this be the perfect share for those units on Australia for Junior school kiddos but is a superb introduction to diversity, inclusion…

  • All of Us [a history of SouthEast Asia] – Jackie French and Virginia Hooker. Illustrated by Mark Wilson

    Harper Collins October 2019 ISBN: 9781460750025 ISBN 10: 1460750020 Imprint: HarperCollins – AU List Price: 29.99 AU Is it a history book? Poetry? A work of art? Geographical work? Actually it’s pretty much all of these wrapped up in one stunning picture book. The incomparable Jackie French teams up with Emeritus Professor Virginia Hooker, social historian, to take readers…

  • Wibble Wobble – Jen Storer/Lisa Stewart

    Harper Collins July 2019 ISBN: 9780733339196 ISBN 10: 0733339190 Imprint: ABC Books – AU RRP:  24.99 AUD Whether you have a little person in your circle or perhaps are in an early childhood centre this delightful book is perfect for those toddlers who are taking their first steps, literally, in the wider world. Wibble wobble, walking tall. Wibble…

  • Dr Karl’s Random Road Trip Through Science – Dr Karl Kruszelnicki

    Harper Collins October 2019 ISBN: 9780733340321 ISBN 10: 0733340326 Imprint: ABC Books – AU RRP:  35.00 AUD There can be no denying Dr Karl’s contribution to making science hip and fun for all ages. In this, his 45th book (!!!), he takes readers on an amazing and colourful journey through many different aspects of science particularly topics that…

  • Tulip and Brutus – Liz Ledden/Andrew Plant

    Ford St Publishing October 2019 9781925804348 $14.99 This is such a perfect book for going back to school time as small children find themselves in a classroom full of disparate personalities and temperaments – many of them for the first time. Tulip and her ladybird friends live in the flowers and play in the sunshine…

  • White Bird: a Wonder Story – R. J. Palacio

      Penguin Australia October 2019 ISBN: 9780241397244 Imprint: Puffin RRP: $39.99 Millions of readers have fallen in love with Wonder and its subsequent books and will most likely think of Julian as Auggie’s tormentor but in this first foray into graphic novels Palacio presents a completely different side to the erstwhile bully. Those who have also read Auggie…

  • Orphan Warriors: Children of the Otori #1 – Lian Hearn

    JAN 28, 2020 | 9780733641213 | RRP $32.99 Hachette It’s been quite some time since I first read the Tales of the Otori series  but Hearn’s skill as a storyteller has certainly not diminished – witness the fact that I read this over four nights because it is so utterly compelling, just as the original saga was. The long…

  • Total Quack Up Again! – Edited by Sally Rippin and Adrian Beck. Illustrated by Jules Faber.

    Penguin Australia October 2019 ISBN: 9781760893583 Imprint: Puffin RRP: $14.99 Get quacking if you haven’t already and grab this second edition of hilarious stories from some of our most celebrated authors as well as one young newcomer! The first TQU was a great success not only providing children with some super funny stories but raising funds for Dymocks…

  • The Secrets of Magnolia Moon – Edwina Wyatt. Illustrated by Katherine Quinn

      Walker Books November 1, 2019 ISBN: 9781760651541 Imprint: Walker Books Australia Australian RRP: $19.99 New Zealand RRP: $21.99 The first word that popped into my head whilst reading this was ‘whimsical’ so it was no surprise to read the publisher’s blurb to find that was their choice of descriptor as well. I found myself thinking I could sense…

  • The Peski Kids: Near Extinction #4 – R. A. Spratt

    Penguin Australia January 2020 ISBN: 9780143796367 Imprint: Puffin Format: Paperback RRP: $16.99 Readers may rest assured that this latest episode in The Peski Kids once again passes the snort-laugh test with flying colours. There is something truly inspired about these completely kooky characters. This new instalment opens with the reluctant wedding of Dad and the intimidating Ingrid but is…