Just So Stories

Random Reviews and Ramblings from Redcliffe

  • A short blog break…

    All in all, it’s been a busier first term than if I had been working full-time still. The Kid’s 21st of course. Around a dozen sets of teaching notes, plus two editing jobs. My first Books in Homes gig. Upping my involvement with Kids Book Review. And there was that other highlight with my first…

  • The Private Side of Friendship – Alexander McCall-Smith

    New South Books Publisher: Polygon 9781846977299 February 2026 AUD$39.99, NZD$44.99 This a stand-alone novel from A M-S that is utterly typical of his gentle story-telling with expert characterisations and with small details that bring his narratives to life. Travelling in time back to the 80s, 24-year-old Julie recalls the happy times spent in a shared…

  • Making Trouble (A Good Kind of Trouble #2) – Brooke Blurton. Melanie Saward.

    Harper Collins Australia March 2026 Following up last year’s A Good Kind of Trouble, Brooke Blurton continues the journey of the Noongar girls from the bush, this time with the focus on Stella as she and Jamie head to the big smoke to continue their education under the auspices of Melbourne Indigenous College. Jamie is…

  • Gross Things Animals Eat – Dr Claire Stevens. Adele K. Thomas

    Yucky, icky and utterly hilarious, take a deep dive into the bizarre and disgusting world of animal facts with vet Dr Claire and her cute dog Frankie! Harper Collins Australia March 2026 Although I didn’t know her name, I’m sure many others will know of or have seen Dr Claire Stevens, vet/presenter/author who has turned…

  • Raised by Wolves – Tristan Bancks

    Penguin Australia May 2026 It’s been a time of real anticipation waiting for this one to arrive. When Tristan first started to consider this and asking for input, it was a given for me that this sequel to Two Wolves should come from Olive’s PoV, given she was such a striking character, despite her tender…

  • Hunt for the Nighthawks – Felice Arena

    Penguin Australia July 2026 Knowing there was a brand new Felice Arena mystery/adventure on the way has been a very exciting prospect and thus, when the ARC arrived two days ago, I pounced on it immediately and I have loved every word of it! For one thing, I have always had a great interest in…

  • The Interactive Human Body:Explore the Human Body with Flaps, Wheels, Levers, Touch and Feel, and More! – – Ryan G. Van Cleave. Illustrated by Juliana Eigner.

    New South Books This is big, bold and absolutely guaranteed to keep young curious minds absorbed for hours. There is not only plenty to read in easy-to-digest chunks but also so much with which to interact. It’s going to require some careful handling and supervision if being offered up to many children e.g. as a…

  • Wanted: The Cutest Baby in the World – Davina Bell. Sarah Zweck.

    Thames & Hudson January 2026 ISBN: 9781760765323 RRP: $24.99 As adults I think there are many of us who can relate to this investigation into the arch-criminal and dastardly doer of deeds that is the World’s Cutest Baby. Whether it’s finding our walls liberally decorated with abstract art done in the crayon medium, or indeed…

  • My Nonna Loves- Adelle Frittitta. Claudia Frittitta.

    Hardie Grant Children’s Publishing Imprint: Little Hare February 2026 ISBN:9781761214486 Price:AU$24.99, NZ$27.99 Publisher:Hardie Grant Children’s Publishing Mother’s Day is a special time for all the grannies as well and in an Italian family, Nonna is a particularly important and much-loved figure. Any of us who have spent time with Italians know this. It’s a culture…

  • My Mum’s Amazing! Phil Cummings. Hannah Marks.

    Scholastic Australia March 2026 9781761297380 RRP: $19.99 This is just pure delight from start to finish! Phil Cummings has cracked it again with a lively text that is super engaging, fun to read and so descriptive while, at the same time, encapsulating all those great things we appreciate about our mothers, for Smalls to reflect…