Just So Stories

Random Reviews and Ramblings from Redcliffe

  • The Postman’s My Mate – Kelly Louise Jarris. Illustrated by Natalie Herington

    Books on Tour PR & Marketing: Blog Tour  KLJ Books June 2024 ISBN: 9760645535181 RRP: $24.95 There are two things I want to say straight up. I love the stories that are set in outback or remote areas, and while there are a few, possibly not enough. I think the kiddos in those locations love…

  • A Good Heart – Lucy Melo & Sandra Severgnini

    Red Back Publishing April 2024 ISBN: 9781761400247 RRP: $26.99 Just a few weeks ago, I had the absolute pleasure of a lunch with some amazing people including award-winning illustrator Sandra Severgnini, who graciously gifted each of us a copy of this adorable and very special book, which was inspired by the real-life bond between elephant siblings,…

  • The Riding Gallery – Sally Murphy. Illustrated by Martina Heiduczek

    Walker Books Australia July 2024 ISBN13:9781760657345 Australia RRP:$16.99 New Zealand RRP:$18.99 Yes, I said not so long ago that I’m not a huge fan of verse novels, and there are only a few exceptions. Sally Murphy’s are one of those rare anomalies. Each one is so utterly absorbing, with such beautiful narrative flow that I…

  • Sarah Speedie – double the fun!

    Boss Cat Harper Collins Australia June 2024 With Sarah’s bouncy text and Tom Jellet’s always humorous and distinctive illustrations, this is just pure fun – how very refreshing!! All of our circle knows well enough that our last remaining animal of The Kid’s former zoo, is Whiskers – the kitten her mother gave K in…

  • The Daredevil Princess and the Grumpy Giant – Belinda Murrell. Illustrated by Rebecca Crane

    Penguin Australia July 2024 There’s absolutely no doubt about it – Belinda Murrell has certainly hit the sweet spot s with this new series. Unicorns, goblins, and dragons have all delighted her fans so far, and now a seriously annoyed sleep-deprived giant will once again engage Smalls in the adventures of Princess Tillie and Honey…

  • ABC Disability – Sarah Rose and Alley Pascoe. Illustrated by Beck Feiner.

    Hachette JUN 26, 2024 | 9780734423023 | RRP $24.99 Obviously having the care of a child with a disability for years has made me even more aware of promoting both knowledge and understanding around this topic. With the Paralympics looming, there will be plenty of opportunities for discussions with your kiddos around various disabilities, how they are acquired, what…

  • Clarice Bean Smile – Lauren Child

    Harper Collins Australia April 2024 Yesterday was a very grumpy day. Although there was lots of good stuff in it, I was extremely annoyed to find out that someone has literally passed my own words off as their own, and, not for the first time, used my work to put focus on their own, without…

  • The House at the End of the World – Victoria M. Adams

    Walkers Books Australia July 2024 Imprint: Andersen Press ISBN13:9781839134234 Australia RRP:$17.99 New Zealand RRP:$19.99 Isn’t it exciting when you read an author’s debut novel and are just blown away? You know you can look forward to more and that’s always a thrill. Victoria M. Adams has woven a story of Fey and family, grief and…

  • Pirates of Darksea – Catherine Doyle

    Bloomsbury Australia June 2024 ISBN 9781526655103 Imprint Bloomsbury Children’s Books RRP: $16.99 I fell in love with Catherine Doyle’s writing with The Stormkeeper trilogy and when the ARC arrived for this – many months ago- I devoured it with just as much enthusiasm – and this review has been scheduled since then!! This is an…

  • Pox Romana: the Plague that Shook the Roman World – Colin Elliott

    New South Publishing Princeton University Press 9780691219158 / 1 May 2024  AUD$59.99, NZD$69.99 I have long had a fascination with Ancient Rome and the Romans (completely aside from any Monty Python references!) and this has been an ongoing read for the past month, as I dip in and out of what may very well be not only the…