Just So Stories

Random Reviews and Ramblings from Redcliffe

  • The Fall – Tristan Bancks

    9780143783053 May 29, 2017 Random House Australia Children’s RRP $16.99   Well, after much impatient anticipation I could just say ‘WOW’! But that’s hardly the review this new action-packed novel deserves so I shall continue. Tristan has a superlative ability to write everyday all-too-human imperfect characters and transform them into inspirational heroes. Sam has never…

  • Letters to the Lost – Brigid Kemmerer

    Allen & Unwin ISBN:9781408883525 Publisher: Bloomsbury UK Imprint :Bloomsbury Child March 2017 RRP $16.99 Juliet’s mother died in a terrible hit-and-run accident. On her way home from yet another international photography mission documenting the heartbreak of war zones and disasters, she returned early at Juliet’s request and on her way from the airport was suddenly…

  • What is Poetry? – Michael Rosen

    Walker Books ISBN: 9781844287635 Imprint: Walker February 1, 2017 Australian RRP: $14.99 New Zealand RRP: $16.99   Many years of working as a successfully and highly regarded poet has given Michael Rosen some great insights into the ins and outs of poetry in its many forms. This is basically a handbook for either teachers or students who are keen…

  • ANZAC Day 2017

    Two books which it seemed appropriate to save for this year’s commemoration – both of them not to be missed.   Kokoda: Younger Readers edition – Peter FitzSimons OCT 25, 2016 | 9780734417435 | RRP $14.99 Hachette Australia Imprint: Lothian Children’s Books Journalist Peter FitzSimons has proven himself as Australia’s top non-fiction writer, consistently leading bestseller lists. The original…

  • A Bunch of Books for Babies

      I seem to have acquired quite a few titles in the last few months which would all be very suitable for stocking up a baby’s bookshelf. Perhaps you have a new bub in your circle to whom to gift a personal library. If so any or all of these would be very appropriate and,…

  • Owl Bat Bat Owl By Marie-Louise Fitzpatrick 

      Walker Books ISBN: 9781406364392 October 2016 Australian RRP: $24.99 New Zealand RRP: $27.99 This is another deceptively simple picture book but has a great message. With no words Fitzpatrick still clearly tells the story of what happens when two different families share the same living space. Mother Owl and her babies live on top of a branch…

  • Triangle – Mac Barnett & Jon Klassen

    Walker Australia ISBN: 9781406376678 Imprint: Walker March 14, 2017 Australian RRP: $24.99 New Zealand RRP: $27.99 You know when you see these two names that you are going to laugh a lot over what appears a deceptively simple picture book. Meet Triangle who lives in a triangular house with a triangular door amongst lots of other triangle shapes.  One…

  • Nanette’s Baguette – Mo Willems

    Walker Australia ISBN: 9781406376210 Imprint: Walker March 1, 2017 Australian RRP: $16.99 New Zealand RRP: $18.99 Anyone who has been in a primary school library will have noticed just how often Mo Willem’s books are borrowed. Always a delight in both text and illustrations, this is no exception. And if you are looking for a kickstart for a rhyming…

  • Not all Superheroes wear Capes – Quentin Kenihan

    SEP 27, 2016 | 9780733635359 | RRP $32.99 Hachette Australia Those of us of a certain age will vividly remember when a tiny boy with a huge personality was first interviewed by Mike Willesee on television. The whole nation was immediately in love with a little boy facing enormous health issues. When Quentin was born his parents were told…

  • The ABC Book of Food –  Helen Martin/Judith Simpson. Illustrated by Cheryl Orsini

    Harper-Collins ISBN:9780733334269 ISBN 10: 0733334261 Imprint: ABC Books – AU On Sale: 01/03/2016 List Price: 99 AUD Yes this was published last year and no, I hadn’t lost it! But for some reason it only came to me recently. Since today I’ve already looked at butterflies and seeds I thought it might just complete the day’s reviewing. An informative…