Just So Stories

Random Reviews and Ramblings from Redcliffe

  • The Hidden War – Belinda Murrell

    Jeparit Press, an imprint of Connor Court Publishing and The Robert Menzies Institute. August 2026 RRP: $24.95 ISBN: 9781923568457 I really want to thank Belinda for asking me to review this terrific slice of history because, though I am that nerd who enjoys all things historical, I really had no idea about any of this.…

  • Tiki and Jill and the Great Camel Race – Kate Simpson and Dr Jill Colwell. Illustrated by Craig Smith.

    ISBN:9781761182334 Publisher:A&U Children’s Imprint:A & U Children June 2026 RRP: $24.99 This one took a long time to get to me – even longer than an actual camel race across the wide open interior really – and then it’s had to sit waiting its turn patiently after it arrived but it’s such a great book.…

  • Happy Holidays! The Frock Shop – Sophie Green

    It’s time for a blog break after another full-on reviewing few months but here’s one to take to the beach with you. I’ll be back after a couple of weeks respite before The Kid and I take off to Vanuatu for a week in mid-October. I know many of you will have had the usual…

  • Before it was Called Science – Corey Tutt. Jaelyn Biumaiwai.

    ISBN:9781761181511 Publisher:A&U Children’s Imprint:A & U Children September 2026 RRP: $32.99 As soon as I knew this one was on its way, I asked for it because there is absolutely no doubt that Corey Tutt has proven himself to be such an excellent creator of engaging, interesting and meaningful information books – along with his…

  • Caring for Country First Knowledges for younger readers – Bruce Pascoe & Bill Gammage.

    Adapted by Jasmin McGaughy with illustrations by Savi Ross. 2026 CBCA NOTABLE BOOK FOR EVE POWNALL AWARD2026 NATIONAL TRUST HERITAGE AWARDS FINALIST Thames & Hudson September 2025 ISBN: 9781760763572 RRP: $26.99 I am quite sure you have already got this one in your collection, given its recent accolade in the annual CBCA awards, but it…

  • Belonging – Ambelin Kwaymullina

    Magabala Books July 2026 ISBN: 9781922864819 RRP: $27.99 This is absolutely stunning – there’s no other word for it. Both Ambelin’s striking contemporary Aboriginal artwork and her simple yet powerful text make this a must-have for any collection. I’m sure many of you will have already seen it but for those who haven’t, let me…

  • Milbi: Aboriginal Stories from Queensland’s Endeavour River – Told and Illustrated by Tulo Gordon.

    Translated, edited and additional material by John B. Haviland. Aboriginal Studies Press New South Books 9781922102904/ August 2021/AUD$24.95, NZD$29.99 Somehow or other this book had escaped my attention altogether, until I saw it in the Museum of Brisbane bookshop the day The Kid and I did our walking history tour. And now I’m only sorry…

  • Sleeping in the Land – Jasmine Seymour

    Wild Dog Books July 2026 ISBN13: 9781742037288 LIST PRICE: AU$ 26.99 / NZ$ 29.99 This stunning book was particularly synchronistic as I had not long ago been collating information about the resurgence of our First Nations languages for some resources I was writing, and indeed was doing so again last week [as of writing this…

  • The Cats of Australia – Jodie Stewart

    Harper Collins Australia May 2026 Imprint: ABC Books AU ISBN: 9780733343957 This is one I’ve dipped in and out of, which was easy to do with distinctly different chapters like a mini-essay, and I have to say it’s been just a delight over the past few weeks to do so. Although I’ve happily owned both dogs and…

  • Reckless: the Saga of Australian Crawl – Jeff Apter

    Allen & Unwin August 2026ISBN: 9781760879792 RRP: $34.99 I will openly admit I was not particularly a fan of Aussie Crawl back in the day. For one thing, I was more absorbed raising small children but my musical tastes, though eclectic as they still are, veered in other directions. But let’s face it, it’s basically…