Just So Stories

Random Reviews and Ramblings from Redcliffe

  • We Are Wolves – Katrina Nannestad

    Harper Collins Australia October 2020 ISBN: 9780733340888 ISBN 10: 0733340881 Imprint: ABC Books – AU List Price: 19.99 AUD One book about children surviving in the conflict of war that has always remained with me was Journey into War by Margaret Donaldson. It was one I used often with upper primary children and it offered so much scope for…

  • Before the Beginning – Anna Morgan

    Hachette SEP 29, 2020 | 9780734419651 | RRP $19.99 In a tweet when I mentioned I was reading this – and reading WAY past my bedtime because I was so engrossed – Anna Morgan replied “This book will disturb your sleep schedule” is an excellent review! Well all I can say is that it definitely will!!! Right from the…

  • The Eyre Affair – Jasper Fforde

    Hachette Australia AUG 9, 2001 | 9780340733561 | RRP $19.99 Earlier in the year I reviewed what I have said was my read of the year – The Constant Rabbit – and while I knew of Jasper Fforde and the huge impact he’s made along with the rave reviews particularly from my Welsh friend, that book was my introduction…

  • The Forever Horse – Stacy Gregg

    Harper Collins Australia October 2020 ISBN: 9780008332358 ISBN 10: 0008332355 Imprint: HarperCollins – GB List Price: 24.99 AUD Stacy Gregg’s horse stories have constantly been some of the most popular loans in my libraries, mostly primary but I also have several lower secondary girls who just love these books. This new stand-alone novel introduces readers to talented young artist…

  • When This Bell Rings – Allison Rushby

    Walker Books Australia ISBN: 9781760651947Imprint: Walker Books AustraliaRelease Date: September 2, 2020Australian RRP: $17.99New Zealand RRP: $19.99 I have many fans of Allison’s books – The Mulberry Tree, The Turnkey and The Seven Keys – who have already been pouncing on this latest of the author’s mysteries. Once again the narrative takes the reader into an almost recognisable parallel world…

  • Turtle Boy on KBR

    You can read my second review for KBR now…….. Turtle Boy – M Evan Wolkenstein – don’t miss it because this is a truly wonderful book for middle schoolers!

  • Big Announcement!!!

    So excited to announce that I have joined the fabulous team at Kids Book Review and my first review for them has just gone live on their site!!! Of course I will still be posting many reviews here but you might also like to check out KBR to get even more lowdown on terrific children’s…

  • The Reckless Afterlife of Harriet Stoker – Lauren James

    Walker Books September 2020 ISBN: 9781406391121 RRP: $14.99 Whatever it is you might expect to happen after your death it is not likely to match Lauren James’ latest supernatural thriller. Harriet Stoker has been raised strictly, protected and, truth be told, controlled by her grandmother since both her parents died of an unexplained food poisoning…

  • Pages & Co #3: Tilly and the Map of Stories – Anna James

    Harper Collins Australia October 2020 ISBN: 9780008229948 ISBN 10: 0008229945 Imprint: HarperCollins – GB List Price: 19.99 AUD This series is so utterly charming and original that it has been such pleasure to read and review each of them. Tilly and Oskar continue their adventures with the ongoing quest to thwart the horrible Underwoods who have usurped the British…

  • The Time-travelling Caveman – Terry Pratchett

    Penguin Australia September 2020 ISBN: 9780857536020 Imprint: Doubleday Childrens Format: Hardback Pages: 336 RRP: $32.99 Oh Sir Terry how much poorer are we for your departure! This is our final offering from the master and one which will set many young readers on a journey of discovery for more of his completely anarchic and often absurd writing. Previously unpublished this…