Just So Stories

Random Reviews and Ramblings from Redcliffe


  • The Getaway : Diary of a Wimpy Kid #12 – Jeff Kinney

    Penguin Australia 9780143782797 November 7, 2017 Puffin 224 pages RRP $14.99   Well as if there isn’t always enough going on for the Heffleys on a regular day-to-day basis their holiday plans go completely awry and full on pandemonium ensues!   The Heffley parentals have decided that they are going to completely avoid the stress…

  • La Belle Sauvage : The Book of Dust #1 – Phillip Pullman

    Penguin Random House 9780857561084 October 19, 2017 David Fickling Books   RRP $32.99   Dear Philip Pullman It is magnificent! How long must I wait for volume 2? Yours Sincerely Me   I don’t think I would have been alone when, upon finding out earlier this year that Philip Pullman was publishing a new ‘prequel’…

  • The Explorer – Katherine Rundell

    Bloomsbury September 2017 ISBN 9781408885284 RRP $16.99 We all know some young explorers; the ones who love adventure, the ones who watch Bear Grylls for the survival tips, the ones who pore over atlases and illustrated books of exotic places.  These are the ones who will adore this new book from Katherine Rundell with its…

  • To Siri, with Love – Judith Newman

    Hachette AUG 29, 2017 | 9781784298319 | RRP $32.99 Subtitled: A mother, her autistic son and the kindness of machines, when I first looked at this I felt confronted because of the subject matter. For those who know, my Small has various issues some of which closely align to children on the spectrum. This was hilarious and poignant, lively…

  • The City of Secret Rivers – Jacob Sager Weinstein

    Walker Books Australia August 2017 ISBN: 9781406368857 RRP $19.99 For children who are keen on fantastical adventures this first volume in a new trilogy will provide a thrilling subterranean ride through the underbelly of London. Hyacinth Hayward and her mother have just arrived to live in the country of their forebears and Hyacinth hates it already.…

  • he – John Connolly

    Hachette AUG 29, 2017 | 9781473663633 | RRP $29.99 Growing up the brilliant comic pairing of Laurel and Hardy were among my very favourites for viewing. Their completely in-sync timing was impeccable always and it was apparent that they shared a genuine bond. I find it strange that I don’t recall hearing about Stan Laurel’s death. Although I was…

  • The House of Unexpected Sisters – The No 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency series – Alexander McCall-Smith

    Hachette Imprint: littlebrown.co.uk September 2017 ISBN 9781408708156 RRP: $29.99 When you’ve spent the first week of your holidays sick, trying to do much-needed spring-cleaning in short bursts between resting you tend to feel pretty dreary. So to sit in my comfy  bed with fresh clean sheets, a lovely new doona cover in soothing colours, and…

  • The Girl, the Dog and the Writer in Rome – Katrina Nannestad

    Harper Collins Imprint: ABC Books October 2017 ISBN: 9780733338175 RRP: $16.99 Maybe it’s because spring is here (my favourite season) or maybe it is just the stars aligning but I have been so blessed to be sent so many absolutely delightful books to review lately. This is just gorgeous and I love it. Young Freja is…

  • Piglettes – Clementine Beauvais

    Penguin Random House Imprint: Pushkin Press ISBN 9781782691204 August 2017 RRP $16.99 This superb YA novel deals with some pretty gritty issues like bullying (cyber and real life), self image, identity and family relationships and is one of the most wickedly funny books you’ll read all year. Mireille, Astrid and Hakima are three girls at…

  • The Book of Secrets: The Ateban Cipher #1– A. L. Tait

    Hachette September 2017 9780734417671 | RRP $14.99 So imagine if you will Robin Hood and his band of Merry Men hiding out in Sherwood Forest. Now replace that image with a feisty band of young girls adept in woodcraft, hunting, disguise and escape. This is the group that young Gabriel a naïve and inexperienced novice monk encounters…