Just So Stories

Random Reviews and Ramblings from Redcliffe

  • Little Love List – Bethany Clark. Illustrated by Summer Macon.

    Affirm Press January 2025 AUD RRP $22.99 ISBN 9781922806758 If you were to write a list of all the reasons you love someone – that is, someone you love deeply – how long would it be? Do you love them when they’re tired and grumpy? Do you love them when they make mistakes? Of course,…

  • Writing Classes for Kids

    If you are an educator – either in a school or at home – and have been looking for a quality creative writing program for your students, look no further. Award-winning author Dee White, with her co-creator (and son) Nick White have created a wonderful self-paced course for young writers which is richly engaging, encouraging…

  • Croc Candy – Claire Thompson. Illustrated by Deborah Brown.

    The True Story of a Rising Star, Angus Copelin-Walters Woodslane Press January 2025 9781922800817/$27.99 Claire Thompson and I connected when she asked if I could help her to develop some professional resources to partner both her forthcoming book and also a writing with kids gig she was undertaking. It has been an all-round pleasure I…

  • Let’s Talk January 26

    Please find some thoughts, resources and potential growth ideas sourced from some of my go-to First Nations educational providers. Firstly from Deb Hoger @Riley Callie Resources  Every year, we like to remind people what this date actually marks. Let’s get the facts: Learn more about January 26 and the history via Common Ground. Meanwhile check out…

  • 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…