Just So Stories

Random Reviews and Ramblings from Redcliffe

  • Racing in the Rain – Garth Stein [Young Readers Adaptation]

    Harper Collins Australia August 2019 ISBN: 9780062935076 ISBN 10: 0062935070 Imprint: HarperCollins – US List Price: 14.99 AUD For everyone who has loved the series of A Dog’s Purpose (which definitely includes me and K) this book will bring much joy though at times it is both poignant and tense. It is the story of a family in essence.…

  • Pages & Co [Book 2]: Tilly and the Lost Fairy Tales – Anna James

    Harper Collins September 2019 ISBN: 9780008229900 ISBN 10: 0008229902 Imprint: HarperCollins – GB List Price: 19.99 AUD Once more Tilly and Oskar are plunged into a whirl of adventure and mystery as their book-wandering travels continue. Their world and their families are in a state of flux as the British Underlibrary becomes embroiled in turmoil. The new Librarian Melville…

  • Beverly, Right Here – Kate diCamillo

    Walker Books ISBN: 9781406391633 Imprint: Walker September 2019 Australian RRP: $19.99 New Zealand RRP: $22.99 Without a doubt this is the happiest review I’ve ever written. Not just because it’s another fabulous book from this much-loved author, nor just that it continues the story of Raymie, Louisiana and Beverly but for a far more personal reason. My review copy…

  • MoonFish  [Poems to make you & Think] – Harry Laing. Various Illustrators

    Ford St Publishing May 2019 9781925804256 RRP: $16.95 Sharing poetry with kiddos is one of my favourite things to do – and even the ones who kind of screw their noses up at first really get into it with the right selection. This will definitely be one of those and I know that many teachers…

  • I am So Clever – Mario Ramos

      Walker Books August 2019 ISBN:  9781776572496 Imprint: Gecko Press Australian RRP: $16.99 New Zealand RRP: $19.99 In my experience kids just love send ups of the Big Bad Wolf and this book will delight those from 4 years upwards with its humorous text and illustrations, along with the references to other fairy tales. Little Red Riding Hood…

  • Ravi’s Roar

    Bloomsbury September 2019 ISBN 9781408892183 Imprint: Bloomsbury Children’s Books RRP: $14.99 This is another of Tom Percival’s splendid picture books which help children to understand and self-regulate their emotions. Many of us (educators) are finding it increasingly challenging to help children to identify and manage their own emotional issues (which also seem to be increasing…

  • Maple the Brave – Chloe Jasmine Harris

      Walker Books May 2019 ISBN: 9781925381924 Imprint: Walker Books Australia Australian RRP: $24.99 I feel terrible for taking so long to get to this beautiful book on my vast review pile because it really is a joy (what can I say, it was the term from hell!) Chloe’s debut picture book as both author and illustrator clearly…

  • The Bookworm – Debi Gliori

    Bloomsbury   ISBN: 9781408893036 Imprint: Bloomsbury Children’s Books       What could delight a teacher-librarian’s heart more than a book about a bookworm? Little Max really really wants a pet of his own but his parents are not very keen. They reject his suggestion of a puppy or a kitten because they chew things…

  • Think Big! – Kes Gray/Nathan Reed

      JUN 25, 2019 | 9781444942132 | RRP $15.99 Hachette If you are looking to inspire your little readers to reach for the stars this will be a fun yet still thought-provoking read. Taking a new twist on the old nursery rhyme Humpty Dumpty and his nursery rhyme friends are discussing what they might like to be when they…

  • How to Save the Whole Stinkin’ Planet – Lee Constable

    Penguin June 2019 ISBN: 9781760890261 Imprint: Puffin RRP: $19.99 With the world’s attention on Mighty Girl Greta Thunberg and her activism for drawing attention to the critical state of the globe this book will be a timely addition to your collection whether for general borrowing or for your own environmental group (we have Champions for Change at our…