Just So Stories

Random Reviews and Ramblings from Redcliffe

  • Camp Chaos: Willa and Woof # 7 – Jacqueline Harvey. Illustrations by A. Yi

    Penguin Australia June 2024 ISBN: 9781761343568 Imprint: Puffin $12.99 Each new Willa and Woof adventure makes me think “Oh this is the best yet!” but, somehow, they just keep coming – and getting better! I really LOVE this one. It makes me, as an adult, think of all the camps I’ve taken kiddos on, both school and…

  • Tracks in the Mist: #4 The Adamson Adventures – Sandra Bennett

    Rosella Ridge Books June 2024 ISBN: 9780648938240 RRP: $18.00 Sandra Bennett This is the first of this series I’ve read but I definitely enjoyed it, and think your readers would as well, especially those who like a combination of adventure, mystery and family. Although I hadn’t read any of the previous episodes, it wasn’t too…

  • Her Majesty’s League of Remarkable Young Ladies – Alison D. Stegert

    Chicken House May 2024 ISBN: 9781915026095 ISBN-10: 1915026091 Published: 1st May 2024 RRP: $19.99 It’s always such a pleasure to review a friend’s book. It is even more so when that friend is a near-neighbour, Sunshine Coast writer Alison D. Stegert. I have been waiting for quite a long time to get my hands on this one, especially…

  • The Land Recalls You -Kirli Saunders/David Cragg and Noni Cragg

    Scholastic Australia May 2024 ISBN 9781760975159RRP $26.99  ‘Do not cry for earth who birthed you, for river as she calls your name… Do not weep for songs of land, for your old people and sacred stories’. So begins this beautiful, powerful and poignant new book from award-winning author and OAM, Kirli Saunders. This is a…

  • Protectors – Wylah the Koorie Warrior #3 – Jordan Gould/Richard Pritchard

    Allen & Unwin June 2024 ISBN:9781761180798 Publisher:A&U Children’s Imprint:Albert Street Books RRP: $16.99 I know there will be many excited readers to see that Wylah is back in her third adventure. This series has taken off and it is really pleasing to see. I recall 25 years ago in my first library having an audit…

  • Welcome back Little Ash!

    Two new titles in the delightful Ash Barty presents… Little Ash series – perfect timing for this week. These gorgeous little books for newly independent readers have been such a big hit! Harper Collins Australia by Ash Barty with Jasmin McGaughey, illustrated by Jade Goodwin ISBN: 9781460716533ISBN 10: 1460716531Imprint: HarperCollins RRP: $5.99 Little Ash is…

  • Walking the Rock Country in Kakadu – Karrire kundenge karribolknan kunwarddehwardde – Diane Lucas and Ben Tyler, illustrated by Emma Long

    Allen & Unwin June 2024 ISBN:9781761067860 Publisher:A&U Children’s Imprint:A & U Children RRP: $29.99 Many will already know the magnificent book Walking in Gagudju Country: Exploring the Monsoon Forest, and now there is an equally stunning companion book, coming from the same multiple award-nominated creative team. Look into these lush green bushes.We might find something…

  • An Amazing Camping Trip – Jackie Hosking/Lesley Vamos

    Walker Books Australia ISBN13: 9781760654948 Australia RRP: $24.99 New Zealand RRP: $27.99 Jackie Hosking’s excellent rhyming is a byword in the kids lit community and this is another great example. While neither she, nor illustrator Lesley Vamos, are First Nations creators (in fact, Jackie is ‘Nigerian-born Cornish Australian’), I think this is a terrific book…

  • Wurrtoo: the wombat who fell in love with the sky – Tylissa Elisara. Illustrated by Dylan Finney

    Hachette Imprint: Lothian Children’s Books MAR 27, 2024 | 9780734421982 | RRP $19.99 I read this charming little book quite a few weeks ago but wanted to save it for this week. The publishers describe it as a cross between Winnie-the-Pooh and Blinky Bill. For me, yes, a little Blinky Bill for sure, but I mostly felt a vibe…

  • Now More Than Ever

    Gaywambana! And thank you to Kim, my Wiradjuri daughter, for teaching me the word for welcome. If you wander over to my other page, you’ll see my beautiful girls and grandchildren. I’ve saved some lovely new books for this year’s Sorry Day/Reconciliation Week event, and I hope you will enjoy seeing them and getting my…