Just So Stories

Random Reviews and Ramblings from Redcliffe

  • Goodnight Glow Worms – Aura Parker

    Penguin Australia May 2025 The adorable glow worms, such a huge hit on their first appearance (2020), are now in a sweet board book format for your Smallest bugs in rugs. Goodnight, Glow Worms shining bright,Time to dim your Glow Worm light.Glow Worms gleaming, beaming round,Can’t switch off and can’t wind down. The delightful rhyming…

  • Fly, Mama! Fly! – Anna McGregor

    Scribe Publications | Scribble March 2025 ISBN 9781761381539 AU$19.99 This is just the sweetest little board book for the Smallest of Smalls, just in time for Mother’s Day. But, it’s not just about the cute narrative and adorable illustrations from this talented author/illustrator (and the fun sideways orientation!). It’s also turning on a spotlight on…

  • Teeth: You Only Get Two Sets – Magda Gargulakova. Illustrated by Marie Urbankova.

    New South Books Albatros Media April 2025 9788000072470/ AUD$26.99, NZD$32.99 All of us who have taught Smalls know the whole gap-toothed, lisping stages very well indeed. I foresee this book is going to be a big hit in both classrooms and libraries for those Preps-3s especially. Certainly I’d be taking full advantage of it and still…

  • Boodja Barna – Land Creatures: Noongar First Words – Jayden Boundry. Tyrown Waigana.

    Fremantle Press June 2024 ISBN: 9781760995317 RRP: $16.99 This is the first of a new series and it is absolutely adorable 💗. Whether this is the language of the traditional owners in your part of the country or not, this makes for a really sweet read for tiny Smalls. To my mind, it’s no matter if…

  • Emma Memma: Twirly Tuesday

    Penguin Australia February 2025 Honestly, every Emma Memma book is just pure joyfulness! I defy anyone, no matter how staid and grumpy, to ignore Emma’s natural exuberance and zest. You only had to see her in her former role as Yellow Wiggle pouring sunshine and happiness over Grey Wiggle, Simon Cowell, to raise a smile.…

  • Black + White for Babies – at Christmas – Jess Black and Julia Murray

    Harper Collins Australia September 2024 RRP: $10.99New bubs see the world differently, and [these are] perfect for engaging their developing eyesight, strengthening their cognitive abilities and encouraging their gross motor skills. #7 Classic Aussie Christmas #8 Aussie Christmas Surprise I hadn’t seen this series (I don’t often get board books) but I was so happy…

  • Baby’s First Christmas – Cheryl Orsini

    Little Hare/Hardie Grant Children’s Publishing October 2024 ISBN 9781761213335 RRP: $19.99 It’s the perfect gift for any new Small human in your circle. And it’s certainly going to be perfect for Little Miss M Daisy, who gave me the sweetest smiles when I saw her last week – showing off her four tiny teeth ❤️.…

  • Goodnight, Joeys- Renée Treml

    Penguin Australia December 2024 All infant marsupials are called joeys and this sweet little board book takes your own little joey on a soothing bedtime visit to a whole range of different little Aussie bubs. From koalas to numbats, and from tree kangaroos to wombats – each little group has its own double spread, with…

  • Party Rhyme – Antonia Pesenti

    I had not seen the first two rhyme books from this talented creator, and now I’m sorry to have missed them because this is just fantastic. As a punster from way back I believe kiddos, even Smalls, are never too young for some word play and when it’s as tricky and absurd as this, all…

  • Days of Warmth – Gregg Dreise

    Penguin Australia August 2024 Anything from Gregg is always a guaranteed delight and this new board book is just the sweetest thing, full of warmth and comfort. It is both a tender story of family love and security, and an introduction to learning the days of the week, names for family members and various emotions.…