Just So Stories

Random Reviews and Ramblings from Redcliffe


  • The Night Librarian – Christopher Lincoln

    Scholastic Australia Scholastic Australia January 2025 ISBN: 9781761643507 RRPP: $19.99 There was a lot to like about this one but as usual the graphic format, didn’t quite do it for me, which I freely admit is just a personal thing. There were definitely moments when I felt confused about sequences or even conversations but I…

  • On Gallant Wings – Helen Edwards

    Riveted Press April 2025 Distributed by Simon & Schuster ISBN13: 9781763526051 LIST PRICE: AU$ 17.99 / NZ$ 19.99 I can completely relate to author Helen Edward’s comment in her notes that she knew little about the Japanese attack on Darwin. I was certainly the same. Growing up in the late 50s/60s, I knew more about…

  • Are you ready for Silverborn?

    Just a few weeks ago, I re-read all the books, in preparation for #4’s release- at last!! and today this sumptous box arrived. Like a Xmas present only betterer. So I’m re-posting my original reviews for your delectation. Nevermoor: The Trials of Morrigan Crow Jessica Townsend Hachette October 2017 When you receive a proof copy…

  • Nim’s Island – holiday fun on the Sunshine Coast

    From Wendy Orr: ​Nim’s Island showing on the Sunshine Coast on the school holidays. Always nice to see it still bringing fun for kids. I wonder if they know it’s an Australian book and was filmed not far from them? [Hinchinbrook!] Thrilling activity guide for the holidays on the Sunshine Coast Maybe it’s time to…

  • Ella and the Sleepover Safari – Cassy Polimeni. Hykie Breeze.

    UWAP March 2025 ISBN: 9781760803018 RRP: $15.99 How utterly apt that it happens I can be writing this review today on World Frog Day! Lucky it hopped into my mail just in time. So many of you will know the sensational series start of the first Ella book, when we met her family, friends and…

  • Neeka and the Missing Key: Wilder Zoo #1 – Tina Strachan

    Harper Collins Last night (13/03) I had another wonderful evening at Quick Brown Fox bookshop for a Reading Between the Wines event. Tina Strachan was one of the authors, and it was fortuitous that I had just read this first in her series. We all know that so many kiddos are mad for animal stories,…

  • How to Sail to Somewhere – Ashleigh Barton

    Hachette Australia Imprint: Lothian Books March 2025 9780734423627 | RRP $16.99 My recent enjoyment of the newest Katya Balen book has been serendipitously echoed in Ashleigh Barton’s gorgeous new MG novel which has similar themes but definitely more mystery. The two books written half a world apart (weirdly) have striking likenesses, though with a different take on…

  • Bold Ben Hall – Sophie Masson

    Walker Books March 2025 ISBN13:9781760658403 Australia RRP:$17.99 New Zealand RRP:$19.99 From the time I was a kid, I was fascinated with many of the stories of our bushrangers – lots of them recounted to me by my Father Bear. I think from memory it was in my tweens or maybe very early teens, when he…

  • Moonboy – Anna Ciddor

    Allen & Unwin March 2025 ISBN:9781761180743 Imprint:A & U Children RRP: $17.99 I love Anna Ciddor‘s historical time-slip adventures, and this newest one speaks to me even more because of personal connections. I was instantly transported back to First Form at St George Girls High School, and sitting with the rest of my cohort, squashed…

  • The Girl and the Ghost – Jacqueline Harvey

    Penguin Australia April 2025 OMG!!! JH fans, both young and old, are about to lose their minds!!! This fabulous new book, which I gobbled up in two sittings, heralds the start of another new series from the best-selling author, who really knows how to reach her audience. In this instance, the audience has just expanded…