Just So Stories

Random Reviews and Ramblings from Redcliffe

  • Counting to Calm: my first self-regulation book – Pasha Sooful. Art by Betania Zacarias

    Soaring Kite Books Books on Tour PR & Marketing: Book Tour March 2024 ISBN: 9781958372319 RRP: $30.00 Self-regulation, and the development of it, are big in the schools I go to. I have no doubt it would be the same in yours. So how much better is it to start development and acquisition of this at…

  • Imagine a Time -Penny Harrison. Jennifer Goldsmith

    New Frontier June 2024 ISBN: 9781922326966 RRP: AU $26.99/ NZD$32.99 New South Books Imagine a time when all the world stops, when all of the clocks no longer tick-tock. and all of the maps are starting to fade, as the need to be somewhere drifts far away. What an absolutely beautiful book this is! The lyrical…

  • Borderlands: Riding the Slipstream – the preemptive post. Not-Yet-The-Review

    Yes, I know that’s probably the strangest header I’ve ever put up but I’ve been mentally writing this post for a week and here goes. I’m really excited about reviewing the new anthology from Ford St Publishing. It’s been sitting patiently on my shelf waiting till I get NAIDOC reviews done. I think I’m right…

  • Tornado – Jackie French/Bruce Whatley

    Scholastic Australia April 2024 ISBN: 9781760264895 ISBN-10: 176026489X RRP: $26.99 This series collaboration between these two gifted creators has undoubtedly been one of the most successful (and extensively used in classrooms around the country), over recent years. I’m pretty sure a lot of us have been there for the ubiquitous ‘natural disasters’ unit of inquiry. Thank goodness,…

  • Mr McGee and his Hat – Pamela Allen

    Pamela Allen on Mr McGee and turning 90: ‘I’ve always known what I’m doing is good’ Penguin Australia RRP: $24.99 In just the last week I was remembering the furore over Mr McGee’s little penis that was barely visible in Mr McGee and the Biting Flea, and chatting about it to someone. The book was…

  • 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…