Just So Stories

Random Reviews and Ramblings from Redcliffe

  • Fly, Mama! Fly! – Anna McGregor

    Scribe Publications | Scribble March 2025 ISBN 9781761381539 AU$19.99 This is just the sweetest little board book for the Smallest of Smalls, just in time for Mother’s Day. But, it’s not just about the cute narrative and adorable illustrations from this talented author/illustrator (and the fun sideways orientation!). It’s also turning on a spotlight on…

  • Mother’s Day is on the way…

    And here come some new titles to add to your collection or to gift to someone special. Over the next 5 days – enjoy the reviews! and your special day if you celebrate it. 💐

  • Q&A with Ashleigh Barton

    Hello Ashleigh! So good of you to visit Just So Stories! It was such a pleasure to meet you last year and enjoy a little chat. But it’s really good to have you pop in and share a little more about yourself. Especially after the release of your sensational new book, How to Sail to…

  • What is a Dot? -Johanna Bell. Illustrated by Amelia Luscombe.

    Thames & Hudson April 2025 ISBN: 9781760764814 RRP: $26.99 What is a dot when a dot is not? Is it a swish? A sweep? Or a swirl? Is it a scurry? A wave? Or a pearl? I was SO keen to see this because I’m such a huge fan of Hervé Tullet and his always imaginative,…

  • Are you ready for Silverborn?

    Just a few weeks ago, I re-read all the books, in preparation for #4’s release- at last!! and today this sumptous box arrived. Like a Xmas present only betterer. So I’m re-posting my original reviews for your delectation. Nevermoor: The Trials of Morrigan Crow Jessica Townsend Hachette October 2017 When you receive a proof copy…

  • Nim’s Island – holiday fun on the Sunshine Coast

    From Wendy Orr: ​Nim’s Island showing on the Sunshine Coast on the school holidays. Always nice to see it still bringing fun for kids. I wonder if they know it’s an Australian book and was filmed not far from them? [Hinchinbrook!] Thrilling activity guide for the holidays on the Sunshine Coast Maybe it’s time to…

  • Thanks !

    If you followed along for the past week’s new First Nations titles, I hope you enjoyed them. Meanwhile, for the next few days it will be a couple of holiday-interest posts plus Mother’s Day titles before I take a little break – The Kid and I are going away for Easter/ANZAC and I need some…

  • Vale Kerry Greenwood

    Like many others, I am devastated to learn of Kerry Greenwood’s death. What a tremendous loss to the Australian literary landscape and how we will all miss the continuing hijinks of Phryne and Corinne. RIP Kerry, thank you for all your wit, intelligence, creativity, body of work and always good humour.

  • Brightest Wild – Tania Crampton-Larking

    Hachette Australia January 2025 9780734420657 | RRP $16.99 Imprint: Lothian Children’s Books This is a ‘bright’ start to a writing career for Tania Crampton-Larking, with a whole lot going on in this novel: loss/grief, moving/changes, mixed heritage families, family/changes to family, bullying, climate change, First Nations culture to mention a few. Alex and her mum move from…

  • Getting Dusty: Uncle Xbox #2- Jared Thomas

    Magabala Books February 2025 Hachette Australia 9781922777546 | RRP $17.99 Just over a decade ago I reviewed Dr Jared Thomas’ YA novel Calypso Summer, which was quite the wild ride showing two sides of young urban Indigenous culture, particularly young men. Over the intervening years Jared has continued to go from strength to strength, award to award…