Just So Stories

Random Reviews and Ramblings from Redcliffe

  • Bitsa – Andrew Daddo

    Penguin Australia February 2026 Who doesn’t love a heart-warming dog story? And this start of a new series from Andrew Daddo ticks a lot of boxes with both content and accessibility for your newly independent readers. When Jas finds Bitsa, alone and in need of a home, they form an immediate bond. Jasper knows she…

  • Kid – Peter Carnavas

    UQP June 2026 – Pre-order now 9780702269257 RRP: $22.99 Peter Carnavas the Master [and yes, I did promise him I would use that epithet but I would in any case] of the gentle narrative that is packed with winsome subtleties. This one is just a delight from the first page to the last and your…

  • Valerie: Australia’s Bravest Sausage Dog – Lucinda Gifford

    Allen & Unwin Imprint: Albert St Books February 2026 ISBN:9781761182594 RRP: $19.99 Valerie the dachshund reunited with owners after Kangaroo Island rescue There can’t be many people who didn’t hear Valerie’s story – not just in Australia … this little weiner became world-famous. Not many pampered pooches could survive in the wild for almost two…

  • Green Cities: How Green Infrastructure Helps Heal the Planet – Sheila Boudreau. Katy Dockrill.

    UQP March 2026 ISBN: 9780702271175 RRP: A$32.99 A fortnight ago I wrote a detailed review of this gorgeous book which the blog promptly ‘lost’ and even after contacting support, couldn’t be retrieved. So let’s just start all over again. I loved this book at first sight. The whole mid-century vibe of the artwork just sang…

  • The Girl and the Ghost #3 Grand Opening – Jacqueline Harvey

    Penguin Australia May 2026 ISBN: 9781761349430 RRP: $16.99 There will be plenty of delighted fans when this one hits the shelves [my advice is to buy multiple copies] as this fabulous series continues. Josephine, often known as Jet, and her family are gearing up for the grand opening of their restored chateau hotel but there is…

  • The Night Tiger – Sherryl Clark & Hannah Summerville

    Allen & Unwin March 2026 ISBN:9781760113421 Publisher:A&U Children’s Imprint:A & U Children When I was a kid I was one who was afraid of dark so I think a book that empowers Smalls to feel more comfortable with the nightime and embrace the magic of moonlight, stars and night creatures is a welcome addition to…

  • A short blog break…

    All in all, it’s been a busier first term than if I had been working full-time still. The Kid’s 21st of course. Around a dozen sets of teaching notes, plus two editing jobs. My first Books in Homes gig. Upping my involvement with Kids Book Review. And there was that other highlight with my first…

  • Gross Things Animals Eat – Dr Claire Stevens. Adele K. Thomas

    Yucky, icky and utterly hilarious, take a deep dive into the bizarre and disgusting world of animal facts with vet Dr Claire and her cute dog Frankie! Harper Collins Australia March 2026 Although I didn’t know her name, I’m sure many others will know of or have seen Dr Claire Stevens, vet/presenter/author who has turned…

  • Raised by Wolves – Tristan Bancks

    Penguin Australia May 2026 It’s been a time of real anticipation waiting for this one to arrive. When Tristan first started to consider this and asking for input, it was a given for me that this sequel to Two Wolves should come from Olive’s PoV, given she was such a striking character, despite her tender…

  • Hunt for the Nighthawks – Felice Arena

    Penguin Australia July 2026 Knowing there was a brand new Felice Arena mystery/adventure on the way has been a very exciting prospect and thus, when the ARC arrived two days ago, I pounced on it immediately and I have loved every word of it! For one thing, I have always had a great interest in…