Just So Stories

Random Reviews and Ramblings from Redcliffe

  • The Cats of Australia – Jodie Stewart

    Harper Collins Australia May 2026 This is one I’ve dipped in and out of, which was easy to do with distinctly different chapters like a mini-essay, and I have to say it’s been just a delight over the past few weeks to do so. Although I’ve happily owned both dogs and cats (not to mention…

  • A little excitement……

    Seeing my new books up and flying on the publisher’s website for their autumn release….along with last year’s release of The Roulettes

  • You, Me, Community – Zanni Louise. Tony Flowers.

    Walker Books Australia August 2026 ISBN13:9781760658076 Australia RRP:$25.99 New Zealand RRP:$27.99 Isn’t it a joy when you pick up a picture book in which the text and illustrations are exactly right? From the adorable endpapers and right throughout, this gentle and very pertinent rhyming text, both Smalls and Not-So-Smalls will love both the book and…

  • Emma Memma: Hide-and-Seek lift-the-flap

    Penguin Australia I make no secret of how much I🧡 Emma Memma’s work – she was a fabulous Wiggle, even though we were long past Wiggle stage – but has continued to go from strength to strength with her outstanding contribution to both kids lit, children’s imaginations and, of course, her long-standing support, academic qualifications…

  • Football: Horrible Histories – Terry Deary. Illustrated by Martin Brown.

    All about the gruesome game – this book is a real keeper! Scholastic Australia ISBN: 9780702344800 ISBN-10: 070234480X Series: Horrible Histories May 2026 RRP: $21.99 It’s not called the World Game for nothing and while I’m not a fan myself, I not only have friends who are but have seen the enthusiasm of the kiddos I’ve taught, particularly…

  • Gold Standard? Remembering the Hawke Government – Edited by Frank Biongiorno, Carolyn Holbrook & Joshua Black

    NewSouth Books 9781761170522 / April 2026 / RRP $39.99 For a considerable chunk of my adult life I was completely apolitical and then along came Gough Whitlam and after the disgraceful dismissal, some 8 years later Robert James Lee Hawke, brash and breezy, blew into the top slot and completely changed the landscape of our country with economic…

  • Find Me in the Forest – Jess McGeachin

    Hachette Australia July 2026 Imprint: Lothian Children’s Books ISBN: 9780734423849 RRP $29.99 If you thought Jess’ Find Me on the Coast was beautiful, just wait till you see this one! Of course, The Kid and I love both the coast and the forests – we live beside the sea but spend time bushwalking through forest…

  • Who knew where it would lead?

    A completely off-the-cuff comment to Pat while we were both at a conference (me in my corporate role at that time) and now, here we are…….reviewing has brought such a richness to my life, not just in a professional sense as I was already a voracious reader but adding depth to my knowledge, widening my…

  • Fake News and How to Spot It – Holly Bathie & Alex Firth

    Harper Collins Australia June 2026 ISBN: 9781836040606 ISBN-10: 1836040601 Series: Usborne Life Skills Publisher: Usborne This is a terrific adjunct to any digital literacy program or unit as well as being both interesting and informative for digi-curious kiddos. Of course, I also think that there is a plethora of adults who could well benefit from reading it: from the…

  • The Library That Made Me: 200 Years of The State Library of NSW: edited by Richard Neville and Phillipa McGuiness

    New South Publishing New South Books 9781761170713 / March 2026 / RRP $49.99 This magnificent volume has been on my shelf for a couple of months now and I have been glorying in dipping in and out of it. I’ve still not quite finished exploring every single page and detail but the time is right for the review to…