Just So Stories

Random Reviews and Ramblings from Redcliffe

  • The Puffin Book of Bedtime Stories

      Penguin 9780143796732 July 2, 2019 Puffin RRP $29.99 If you are looking for a special gift for a little reader – and it’s never too early to think about Christmas, let’s face it! – this would be the perfect fit. Eight of Australia’s best- loved picture books from some of our best and brightest…

  • Malory Towers: New Class at Malory Towers: Four brand-new Malory Towers 

      Enid Blyton, Narinder Dhami, Patrice Lawrence, Lucy Mangan, Rebecca Westcott Smith Hachette JUN 25, 2019 | 9781444951004 | RRP $14.99 If there’s anything Enid Blyton readers love more than EB stories – it’s more of them! The prolific writer who created so many memorable characters and series has left a legacy that continues to resonate with new generations of young readers. Now…

  • Malamander – Thomas Taylor

    Walker Books Australia   ISBN: 9781406386288 May 2019 Australian RRP: $17.99 New Zealand RRP: $19.99 Ok, so I’m a bit slow getting to this one (cue: moving house etc) but it is one not to be missed. Two orphans are brought together in the Grand Nautilus Hotel in a slightly odd town known as Eerie-on-Sea. Herbert Lemon is…

  • Pirate Boy of Sydney Town – Jackie French

    Harper Collins ISBN: 9781460754795 ISBN 10: 1460754794 Imprint: HarperCollins – AU May 2019 RRP: 16.99 AUD Just a few weeks ago I reviewed the third in Jackie’s Miss Lily series and now it’s another superb historical fiction, plus I have two others on my review shelf. I begin to wonder when the woman sleeps! Her prodigious output, the diversity…

  • Alice-Miranda Keeps the Beat (#18) – Jacqueline Harvey

    Penguin Random House 9780143786030 June 4, 2019 Puffin   RRP $16.99 Jacqueline Harvey knows exactly how to reach those high notes with her readers and the overwhelming popularity of her series, and certainly Alice-Miranda, is proof of that. The tiny girl with the big heart always plays her part in helping others, redressing injustices and…

  • The Lily in the Snow: Book #3 Miss Lily – Jackie French

    Harper Collins March 2019 ISBN: 9781460753842 ISBN 10: 1460753844 RRP 29.99 AUD We devotees of Miss Lily have been waiting fairly impatiently for her return and I was thrilled when my copy arrived and immediately started immersing myself once more into the world of Sophie, Nigel and Miss Lily. However packing and moving house followed up by three…

  • Detention – Tristan Bancks

        Penguin Random House Imprint: Puffin July 2019 ISBN: 9780143799 RRP: $16.99   Just wow! Once again Tristan has crafted a sensational narrative with high-impact tension and thought-provoking themes which will keep readers eagerly turning pages. Two young people are both, each in their own way, prisoners of sad circumstances. Sima, with her family,…

  • Nullaboo Hullabaloo – Fleur Ferris

    Penguin 9780143787143 May 7, 2019 Puffin   RRP: $14.99   We could all use some more fairy dust in our lives. Whether it’s because of the gloom and doom of daily news reports or if (like me packing up house) because of some personal issues. I maintain that a liberal sprinkling of fairy sparkle would…

  • Alex Rider #12 : Secret Weapon – Anthony Horowitz

    Walker Books April 2019 ISBN: 9781406387476 Imprint: Walker Australian RRP: $16.99 New Zealand RRP: $18.99   I’m pretty certain that I’m not the only one who’s so excited that Anthony has his Alex mojo back J – and with the talk of the forthcoming movie there are bound to be many more readers added to the fold of fans.…

  • The ANZAC Billy – Claire Saxby/Mark Jackson & Heather Potter

      Walker Books ISBN: 9781925126815 Imprint: Black Dog Books Release Date: April 1, 2019 Australian RRP: $24.99 New Zealand RRP: $27.99 As thousands of Australians and New Zealanders pay homage to those who have given to our countries in service, often with the ultimate sacrifice, this is not only a timely release for this time of year but for all…