Just So Stories

Random Reviews and Ramblings from Redcliffe

  • Frankie the Blankie – Jennifer Sattler

    Bloomsbury ISBN: 9781619636750 Imprint: Bloomsbury USA Childrens RRP $16.99 This is a sweet little board book for those little ones who may be having trouble parting with a beloved snuggle. Doris is a very cute gorilla who is totally and permanently attached to her blankie, Frankie. They do everything together but when a jungle buddy…

  • On the River – Roland Harvey

    Allen & Unwin ISBN: 9781760112455 Imprint: A & U Children  July 2016 RRP $24.99   “The book is about the Murray River, from top to bottom. The system is vitally important to graziers, food growers, communities for drinking and domestic use, for irrigation, for hydro power, for recreation and for the health of the environment…

  • Eve and Elly – Mike Dumbleton/Laura Wood

    Penguin Random House ISBN 9780857988515 May 2016 Random House Australia Children’s $16.99 I have always admired Mike Dumbleton’s ability to take a simple story line or idea and turn it into a gorgeous and relevant picture book for little ones.  This one is no exception. If, as a parent, you have ever been in a…

  • Archie Green and the Alchemist’s Curse – D. D. Everest

    Allen & Unwin Australia ISBN: 9780571307418 Publisher: Faber Imprint: Faber Children Pb Pub Date: August 2016 $14.99   Move over Harry, you have a rival for my affections! Somehow or other I missed the first book in this fabulous series (that will need to be redressed ASAP) but no matter, I was able to pick…

  • Precious and Grace (The No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency) – Alexander McCall-Smith

    Hachette Imprint: Little Brown Group ISBN13 9781408708118 RRP $32.99 From one of my favourite authors comes a new instalment in the quirky and endearing lives of the characters that revolve around The No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency.  Last Saturday night I took myself to bed early and read this in one sitting and what a joy…

  • Q & A with Dianne Wolfer

    You might recall I published my review of The Shark Caller a few weeks ago.  Today I welcome author Dianne Wolfer to Just So Stories! Dianne, first of all, can you just give the readers a little insight into your passion for writing? When did you first think you could write for an ‘audience’? I have always…

  • Mr Chicken Arriva a Roma – Leigh Hobbs

    ISBN: 9781925266771 Publisher: Allen & Unwin Imprint: A & U Children  September 2016 $24.99   Ben venuto caro Signore Pollo! Mi sei mancato! Everyone’s favourite fowl, renowned for his international travel, is back to give us true insight into another marvellous metropolis. Mr Chicken has graced both Paris and London and shown us all their…

  • Friday Barnes #5 The Plot Thickens – R. A. Spratt

    9780857989932 August 1, 2016 Random House Australia Children’s   RRP $15.99 I have some readers who have been driving us mad in the library waiting and waiting on a new Friday Barnes fix – and here it is! Friday’s at her best solving mysteries, uncovering truth, being a complete dork and antagonising people in this…

  • The Hero Maker: A Biography of Paul Brickhill

    The Hero Maker: A Biography of Paul Brickhill The Australian behind the legendary stories The Dam Busters, The Great Escape and Reach for the Sky By Stephen Dando-Collins Penguin Random House ISBN 9780857988126 August 29, 2016 Imprint : Vintage Australia RRP: $34.99   As the daughter of a Lancaster wireless operator/air gunner growing up in the…

  • Mulga’s Magical Musical Creatures – Mulga

    Hachette Australia ISBN: 9780734416711 Publication date: 27 Sep 2016 Imprint: Lothian Children’s Books RRP $19.99   What a joyous riotous romp through the creative process of a musician! A dream of all kinds of animals playing every type of instruments inspires a musician to write a new performance piece.   There is so much to genuinely like about…