Just So Stories

Random Reviews and Ramblings from Redcliffe

  • Follow the Dream: the Polly Farmer Story – Steve Hawke with Kim Farmer

    Magabala Books 9781922864642|Sept 8, 2026|RRP $17.99 We have already established that I am not an AFL aficionado and it has been a very slow (and relatively minimal) learning curve. That being said, it’s hard to believe that I don’t recollect that I have ever heard this name before and that sort of surprises me but…

  • City of Clouds – Kiah Thomas

    Harper Collins Australia September 2026 ISBN: 9781460769645 RRP: $16.99 This new stand-alone fantasy from Kiah Thomas will have middle-grade readers completely absorbed. With a truly evil villain, a mysterious and seemingly contradictory imp, a long-standing curse and two young people from very different social stations, there is plenty with which to engage. With a lust…

  • Kids Book Review problem

    As many of you know I am also Senior Editor for Kids Book Review – please note a slight hiccup with our platform currently being sorted – one way or another. It would be so helpful if you could share this information with relevant people. I’m crushed to report that our Kids’ Book Review website…

  • The Hidden War – Belinda Murrell

    Jeparit Press, an imprint of Connor Court Publishing and The Robert Menzies Institute. August 2026 RRP: $24.95 ISBN: 9781923568457 I really want to thank Belinda for asking me to review this terrific slice of history because, though I am that nerd who enjoys all things historical, I really had no idea about any of this.…

  • On a Bushwalk – Andrea Rowe. Hannah Sommerville.

    Hardie Grant Publishing September 2026 ISBN:9781761216473 Price:AU$19.99, NZ$23.99 Series:Little Worlds Publisher:Hardie Grant Children’s Publishing Imprint: Little Hare Another cute addition to the Little World series with its emphasis on basic concepts for Smalls. This one, aside from being a beautifully illustrated jaunt in the bush, focuses on colour. With fonts coloured to match each spotlighted…

  • Meb Ata: Grandfather Moon – Merwez Whaleboat. Illustrated by Sharon Phineasa

    Aboriginal Studies Press New South Books Merwez Whaleboat, illustrated by Sharon Phineasa 9781922752239 October 2026 AUD$27.95, NZD$32.99 Just absolutely wow! I knew this looked like it would be beautiful and it’s another Torres Strait book so was always going to be on my request list but truly, seeing it for real, is just the most…

  • Forbidden Pages: The 113th Assistant Librarian #3 – Stuart Wilson.

    Penguin Australia October 2026 ISBN: 9781761356612 Imprint: Penguin RRP: $19.99 Oh, how I love this series – because, you know, libraries! On that note I’m going to digress a bit before I get to review of this terrific new instalment. But you’ll need to go my substack to read it because this wasn’t the place…

  • Happy 70th in Vanuatu

    If you’re interested to read about our trip last week, you can check out a summary on my substack.

  • More Claris …ᘛ⁐̤ᕐᐷ!! – Megan Hess

    Hachette Australia I’ve often commented on my love of a great ‘mouse’ book and they don’t get much better or prettier than Claris. These books are such a reflection of Megan Hess’ exquisite sense of fashion and her excellent eye for elegant aesthetics and the stories so enjoyable for your Smalls. What a gorgeous gift…

  • The Mystery of Colour: and how we solved it – David Coles. Illustrator – Margaux Samson-Abadie

    Thames & Hudson Publisher: Thames and Hudson (Australia) Pty Ltd August 2026 ISBN13: 9781760765422 RRP: $34.99 When you have a young adult who is keenly interested in colour theory living in your house, your world really is full of colour. And this exciting book from David Coles brought great joy and interest to us both.…