Just So Stories

Random Reviews and Ramblings from Redcliffe

  • Lexi & Lottie #1: Trusty Twin Detectives – Melanie Alexander

    Penguin Random House 9780143784135 May 29, 2017 Random House Australia Children’s RRP $12.99   If you’re looking for something new for your early independent readers this might be just the thing. Ignorant as I am of TV shows in the main, apparently this is based on a kids’ show of the same name.  The author…

  • The Traitor and the Thief – Gareth Ward

    Walker Books Australia July 2017 ISBN 9781925381504 RRP $17.99 I will confess I’m not a real steampunk aficionado (His Dark Materials excepted!) but this is a complex and interesting narrative. It’s difficult to determine an actual setting either time or place except that it is in England, opening in London, and post ‘Tedwardian’ apparently.  Proper…

  • Vet Cadets : Bks 3 & 4 – Rebecca Johnson

    Penguin Random House 31 July 2017 Imprint : Puffin (AU YR) RRP $14.99 This new series from Rebecca Johnson is perfect for those who have graduated from Juliet Nearly a Vet with girls who are just a little older and perhaps with a slightly more exciting setting. The three main characters – Abbey, Talika and…

  • Collins Modern Classics: The Bagthorpe Saga – Ordinary Jack – Helen Cresswell

    Harper Collins Australia             ISBN: 9780008211677            ISBN 10: 0008211671            Imprint: HarperCollins – GB            On Sale: 01/05/2017            List Price: 14.99 AUD First published in 1977 this is the introductory volume in a new modern classics series from Harper Collins. The Bagthorpes are, to say the least, one of the most eccentric families you will encounter in a…

  • The Fighting Stingrays – Simon Mitchell

    Penguin Random House 9780143784104 July 31, 2017 Puffin (AU YR) RRP $17.99 This is, in old parlance, a ripping yarn – a real Boys’ Own adventure. Charlie, Alf and Masa are the best of mates who go to school together, fish, swim and most of all are ‘The Fighting Stingrays’ determined to beat all imaginary…

  • NAIDOC Week 2017

    “I would like to respectfully acknowledge the Traditional Owners of the land surrounding Redcliffe and Elders both past and present. I also recognise those whose ongoing effort to protect and promote Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures will leave a lasting legacy for future Elders and leaders.” I also acknowledge the Elders past and present of…

  • Tell it to the Moon- Siobhan Curham

    Walker Books ISBN: 9781406366150 1 Aug 2017 RRP $16.99   Readers of The Moonlight Dreamers will be delighted to receive this second book in the series – I know I was!   The four girls who formed the Moonlight Dreamers club because none of them felt like they fitted in anywhere else are back and…

  • The Diamond Horse – Stacey Gregg

    Harper Collins           ISBN: 9780008124403          ISBN 10: 000812440X          Imprint: HarperCollins – GB 01/05/2017          List Price: 14.99 AUD I’ve bought two of the previous books in this series for my library but not had the chance to read either so I was very glad to receive this one for review. Of course the horsey girls will love…

  • Friday Barnes 7: Bitter Enemies – Rachel Spratt

    Penguin Random House 9780143784197 July 31, 2017 Random House Australia Children’s RRP $15.99   Beginning of term at Highcrest Academy has never been so dreary and desolate. Melanie and Ian are both depressed and missing their quirky best friend Friday, who has been whisked off to Switzerland to be with her family and attend Europe’s…

  • The Shop at Hoopers Bend – Emily Rodda

    Harper Collins       ISBN: 9781460753668       ISBN 10: 1460753666       Imprint: HarperCollins – AU      On Sale: 24/07/201      List Price: 16.99 AUD When you go to bed feeling a little tired and start reading a new book and then just keep reading it until you’re finished, you know it’s a terrific piece of writing. It’s been a while since…