Just So Stories

Random Reviews and Ramblings from Redcliffe

  • Dogs With Jobs – Max Hamilton

    Allen & Unwin ISBN:9781761181016 Publisher:A&U Children’s Imprint:Albert Street Books RRP: $19.99 There have been a few books for younger readers which feature assistance dogs of various types, but this one is quite a comprehensive overview. And I certainly learned about a couple of examples, of which I was previously unaware. I haven’t been to the…

  • Mooshy Crackerjack’s Big Day – Suzanne Patterson. Maia Batumashvill

    New South Books Publisher: Starfish Bay Children’s Books September 2025 9781760362690 AUD$26.99 This is a load of fun that kids will thoroughly enjoy and cackle over, as they recognise what it’s like to be super-excited about their birthday but not quite sure everyone else is! Mooshy bounces up on the morning of his birthday just…

  • Miss Understood- Kathryn Apel & Beau Wylie

    Scholastic Australia May 2025 Publisher ‏ : ‎ Scholastic Press ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1760978310 ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1760978310 Yes, it has taken far too long to get to this one but it’s worth it – and if you haven’t grabbed it, you should! It’s been way too long since I had a fractured fairytale to share…

  • O.M.G. Oh My G.O.A.T! (G.O.A.T. #3) Kate & Jol Temple

    Scholastic Australia November 2025 ISBN: 9781761642357 ISBN-10: 1761642359 RRP: $19.99 The G.O.A.T. series has had me cackling since the first because a) it really is absurdly funny and b) Mr Surfer is known colloquially as the G.O.A.T. surf coach – I could add, that’s in his own lunchbox, but no, it’s true as far as I can…

  • One Keen Koala ABC – Margaret Wild. Bruce Whatley.

    Scholastic Australia December 2025 ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1761642391 ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1761642395 RRP: $19.99 Any book with this pairing of creators is so unlikely to need my recommendation because, let’s face it their names alone will guarantee it flying off shelves across the country. But, regardless, let me go on with this feeble attempt to…

  • Australian Lullaby Treasury – Sally Odgers. Lisa Stewart

    Scholastic Australia December 2025 ISBN 9781761643088 RRP: $29.99 [Pre-order from your usual suppliers] Combining all four of the Lullaby stories into one exquisite hardcover this would make a truly beautiful gift for a Small in your circle or, of course, to share with your class of little humans. The gentle verses could easily be used…

  • Koala Fairies – Anna Pignataro

    Scholastic Australia September 2025 ISBN:9781761123849 RRP: $19.99 It really could be set right here at the end of our street – where bush meets the sea and there are native animals sheltering in quiet spots. Cute little friends, Cookie and Clover, are a pair of helpful koalas who do their best to care for their…

  • The Drought Kangaroo – Jackie French

    Harper Collins Australia October 2025 ISBN: 9781460765197 ISBN 10: 1460765192 Imprint: HarperCollins AU List Price: 24.99 AUD A new Jackie French is always a moment for celebration. When I’m invited to write supporting notes for one, I’m even more excited. This new one follows on from The Fire Wombat and The Turtle and the Flood in the sense that…

  • Aussie Native Plants A-Z – Joey Farrell. Jocelyn Gibson

    ISBN: 9781922643551 ISBN-10: 1922643556 Published: 23rd October 2023 Publisher: Boolarong Press This gorgeous book was sent to me kindly from Boolarong Press some time ago – though not as long ago as its publishing date! It has been waiting patiently for Picture Book Month though and it’s timely to sit with some of these others on our rich nature…

  • Neighbourhood Nest – Sarah Jane Lightfoot

    Publisher: Affirm Kids (September 30, 2025) Simon & Schuster Australia ISBN13: 9781923046818 RRP:  AU$ 24.99 / NZ$ 29.99 It’s pretty apt I think that on the first day of this year’s Aussie Bird Count (time of writing 20/10) I should pick up this one to review. Mind you, I am a daily bird watcher. My…