Just So Stories

Random Reviews and Ramblings from Redcliffe

  • Embrace Your Body – Taryn Brumfitt. Illustrated by Sinead Hanley.

    Penguin Random House Australia Published: 2 June 2020 ISBN: 9781760895983 Imprint: Puffin RRP: $19.99 In another break-through move in her mission to change the global body-hating plague that is such a curse of modern life, Taryn Brumfitt has turned her sights to empowering children to be happy and confident in themselves – inside and out. The Embrace Kids documentary,…

  • The Proudest Blue – Ibtihaj Muhammad, with S. K. Ali. Art by Hatem Aly

    Walker Books Australia February 2020 ISBN: 9781783449712Imprint: Andersen PressAustralian RRP: $24.99New Zealand RRP: $26.99 This is a beautiful expression of a strong bond between sisters as well as an empowering story to encourage children to be proud of their culture and to better understand the cultural differences of their classmates. The strong anti-bullying message is one that is of…

  • Peanut Goes for Gold – Jonathan Van Ness. Pictures by Gillian Reid

    Harper Collins Australia May 2020 ISBN: 9780062941008 ISBN 10: 0062941003 Imprint: HarperCollins – US List Price: 24.99 AUD It has been very reassuring in recent years to be able to review a number of picture books which embrace diversity in children but particularly those who may be struggling or feeling isolated due to their gender/sexual self-identity. There would be…

  • Let’s Go Under the Sea – Petr Horacek

    Walker Books Australia April 2020 ISBN: 9781406388800Imprint: WalkerAustralian RRP: $12.99New Zealand RRP: $14.99 I’ve had the joy of some truly lovely board books recently and this one is another that will prove a favourite with any tiny human with whom you share it. While very simple in its text the vibrant illustrations accompanied by the ‘peep through’ interaction will…

  • The One and Only Bob – Katherine Applegate

    Harper Collins Australia ISBN: 9780008390662 ISBN 10: 0008390665 Imprint: HarperCollins – GB List Price: 14.99 AUD For all of us who fell in love with the story of Ivan and his friends, this is such an exciting new release – and all I can say is if you haven’t read The One and Only Ivan – what are you…

  • Top End Girl – Miranda Tapsell

    Hachette Australia APR 28, 2020 | 9780733642432 | RRP $32.99 A deadly memoir about being bold, black and brave in work, life and love As Reconciliation Week closes for another year how timely is it that I can share this impressive and inspirational memoir from the pint-sized dynamo Miranda Tapsell. Many will know her from The Sapphires and more…

  • The Jane Austen Society – Natalie Jenner

    Hachette Australia MAY 26, 2020 | 9781409194118 | RRP $32.99 Wow! This is certainly one impressive debut novel and well worth putting on your TBR list, particularly if you love books like The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society and others of its ilk. Beautifully articulated characters who drive this narrative, which has some basis in historical fact…

  • What Zola did on Monday – Melina Marchetta. Illustrated by Deb Hudson

    Penguin Australia June 2020 ISBN: 9781760895150 Imprint: Puffin RRP: $12.99 This is certainly a departure from Looking for Alibrandi and Melina’s other novels for YA but what an absolute joy it is! From start to finish it ticks every box I love! Zola lives with her mum and Nonna Rosa in a little house in the suburbs, with…

  • #In This Together Reconciliation Week 2020 & Rocky and Louie

    Rocky & Louie – Phil Walleystack, Raewyn Caisley and Dub Leffler Penguin Australia Published: 28 April 2020 ISBN: 9780143786528 Imprint: Puffin RRP: $24.99 I’ve saved this one for this week to time with Reconciliation Week 2020 as we take up this year’s theme, which as it turns out has proven apt in even more ways than originally intended. Despite…

  • Rocking the 80s with Stranger Things

    Our other fun display this term is tied to Stranger Things – a good opportunity to explore stories of the weird and wonderful as well as some 80s fiction and movies. This has been a lot of fun and hopefully the students will think so as well!