Just So Stories

Random Reviews and Ramblings from Redcliffe

  • Happy 2025!

    This might amuse you all: New Year, new you, new books too! We can all pretend that we will go to the gym more, do our laundry before the basket is overflowing, learn French, find a job that involves napping, or pilot a helicopter. But at some point, reality will set in and those resolutions…

  • And that’s a wrap 2024!

    First of all, I want to thank everyone who’s paid a visit to Just So Stories in 2024, which has had the most gangbuster result in all its eleven years! Quite an increase in several areas and for a blog that has grown organically, with very little ‘promotion’ other than my own SM, but basically…

  • It’s Christmas Time in Brisbane – Wendy Kelly. Illustrated by Magdalena Almevo Nocea.

    Boolarong Press 2017 ISBN 9781925236590 RRP: $19.99 Yes, I thought I had finished! But this is a late arrival. It’s not a newly published title, but I only just discovered its existence recently (thanks to Quick Brown Fox! for the heads up and Boolarong Press for the speedy sending!) and with perfect timing it was…

  • Wishing everyone a safe and happy festive season…

    It’s been a big busy year. I’ve posted almost every day and now it’s time for another short break. I have a NY post scheduled with a round-up of the 2024 blog year, but aside from that, normal transmission will resume towards the end of January. I already have some reviews to write up, some…

  • Black + White for Babies – at Christmas – Jess Black and Julia Murray

    Harper Collins Australia September 2024 RRP: $10.99New bubs see the world differently, and [these are] perfect for engaging their developing eyesight, strengthening their cognitive abilities and encouraging their gross motor skills. #7 Classic Aussie Christmas #8 Aussie Christmas Surprise I hadn’t seen this series (I don’t often get board books) but I was so happy…

  • Creators’ Christmas Crackers – and one Publicist’s Pick!

    From Cate Whittle: If you want to go as far back as 1986, The Nativity, illustrated by Julie Vivas remains one of my faves, so full of joy and life and movement. Another favourite is A Christmas Story by Brian Wildsmith (1989), also beautifully brought to life by his gorgeous artwork. From Cassy Polimeni: Fave…

  • The Festival of Lights: 21 Mighty Girl Hanukkah Books

    Hanukkah, the Jewish Festival of Lights, which begins this year on December 25, is fast approaching! If your family will be joining in the eight day celebration, you can learn about our favorite Mighty Girl Hanukkah books in our blog post, “The Festival of Lights: 21 Favorite Mighty Girl Hanukkah Stories.” These empowering stories, full…

  • 60 Mighty Girl Christmas Books

    With Christmas season here, what better way to get in the holiday spirit than curling up and reading a beloved Christmas story together with your children? To help you discover new Christmas stories to add to your family’s library, we’ve featured our favorite Mighty Girl books celebrating this special holiday, including several new releases, in…

  • Clementine’s Christmas- Annie White

    New South Books New Frontier October 2024 9781923145061 / AUD$26.99, NZD$32.99 Not so long ago I had the pleasure of seeing Annie’s skill with dogs in Julie Murphy’s Dog Beach and now she brings her popular canine character, Clementine, back for a humorous Christmas romp that your Smalls will enjoy greatly. The narrative is an easy and…

  • The Christmas Garden – Caroline Tuohey. Illustrated by Sandra Severgnini

    A Little Pink Dog Books Publication Exisle Publishing ISBN 9780648256342 2019 RRP; $24.99 For whatever reason, I had never seen this charmer until Sandra Severgnini brought it to my attention a week or so ago (so thank you Little Pink Dog for sending it to me). With echoes of the magic imbued in Samuel Clement…