Just So Stories

Random Reviews and Ramblings from Redcliffe

  • KBR: Little Gem – Anna Zobel

    You can read my review of this first in an adorable new series on Kids Book Review now

  • The Tram to Bondi Beach [40th anniversary edition] – Libby Hathorn. Illustrated by Julie Vivas.

    Harper Collins Australia January 2021 ISBN: 9781460759660 ISBN 10: 1460759664 Imprint: HarperCollins – AU List Price: 24.99 AUD The one problem with book anniversaries is just how old it makes one feel! The amazing creative partnership of these two literary talents resulted in the CBCA Highly Commended Picture Book award for 1982 and forty years after publication it is…

  • Poo! and other words that make me laugh – Felice Arena/Tom Jellett

    Harper Collins Australia January 2020 ISBN: 9780733341427 ISBN 10: 073334142X Imprint: ABC Books – AU List Price: 19.99 AUD Kids love words – there’s no doubt about that all – and they particularly love rambunctious words I have found. One time, when I taught my darling Year 1/2 class about onomatopoeia in our little school (just 100 kids), they…

  • The Fire Wombat – Jackie French. Illustrated by Danny Snell.

    Harper Collins Australia October 2020 ISBN: 9781460759332 ISBN 10: 1460759338 Imprint: HarperCollins – AU List Price: 19.99 AUD A year ago Australia was gripped by the raging fires that were sweeping through so many areas with ferocity causing so much devastation in their wake that the whole world was gasping as the scenes were broadcast. According to sources the…

  • KBR review: Be More Vegan – Niki Webster

    Read my review of Be More Vegan: The Young Person’s Guide to A Plant-based Lifestyle now live on Kids Book Review – especially if you have a growing number of students or family interested in adopting a more vegan approach to life.

  • Friday Barnes #9: No Escape – R. A. Spratt

    Penguin Australia February 2021 ISBN: 9781760895761 Imprint: Puffin RRP: $15.99 R. A. Spratt (aka Rachel) said to me ‘NO spoilers’ when I mentioned I was about to review this new Friday Barnes instalment and given she is both fit and feisty albeit small, I am not about to quibble! So here’s my rather ‘different’ review ;-). A) Friday…

  • Timeline: Science and Technology – Peter Goes

    Gecko Press Country of Origin Belgium Reader Age 11-14 year, 6-8 year, 8-12 year Published October 2020 ISBN 9781776573004 This is exactly the type of information book that appealed to me, the nerd-child, and still does. Big, bold and beautiful, Peter Goes’ distinctive illustrative style takes the reader through the development of technology and science…

  • Peppa Pig is back !

    Penguin Australia Peppa Pig: Peppa’s Night Before Christmas ISBN: 9780241448625 October 2020 Imprint: Ladybird RRP: $14.99 Unfortunately this one didn’t arrive in time for Christmas but that’s no reason to hesitate in getting a copy ready for later in the year. This is a really cute rhyming story taking its cue from Clement Moore’s famous poem. Peppa and…

  • People of Abandoned Character – Clare Whitfield

    Harper Collins Australia December 2020 ISBN: 9781838932749 ISBN 10: 1838932747 Imprint: Head of Zeus – GB List Price: 32.99 AUD Imagine the man you married was a murderer, in fact, one of the most infamous murderers in history. Susannah Chapman fears she is married to the monster who came to be known as Jack the Ripper. Step into Victorian…

  • KBR Review: October, October – Katya Balen

    You can read my review of this wonderful new book at Kids’ Book Review now! I love Katya’s writing so much!