Just So Stories

Random Reviews and Ramblings from Redcliffe

  • Silverborn arrives!

    Ok, so that whole global gasp when the latest in the Empyrean series arrived a while back has got nothing on the collective excitement of both young ‘uns and adults as this long-awaited #4 in the Nevermoor series makes its grand entrance. And last night I was lucky enough to meet and chat with Jessica…

  • Escape from Marigold Manor – Rachel Jackson

    For someone with a mild [understatement] addiction to cozy murder mysteries, this new Rachel Jackson Solve it Your Way was right up my alley. Not that I didn’t also enjoy the first in the series Escape from Cuttlefish Cove, but this one had the perfect setting and characters for my taste. In this new one,…

  • The Night Librarian – Christopher Lincoln

    Scholastic Australia Scholastic Australia January 2025 ISBN: 9781761643507 RRPP: $19.99 There was a lot to like about this one but as usual the graphic format, didn’t quite do it for me, which I freely admit is just a personal thing. There were definitely moments when I felt confused about sequences or even conversations but I…

  • April Wrap-up

    And given I will finish Gregor the Overlander [the new Suzanne Collins title for MG ] tomorrow I thought I might as well do my wrap-up today. Another busy month, despite the break.

  • Goodnight Glow Worms – Aura Parker

    Penguin Australia May 2025 The adorable glow worms, such a huge hit on their first appearance (2020), are now in a sweet board book format for your Smallest bugs in rugs. Goodnight, Glow Worms shining bright,Time to dim your Glow Worm light.Glow Worms gleaming, beaming round,Can’t switch off and can’t wind down. The delightful rhyming…

  • Sink or Swim: Frog Squad #3 – Kate and Jol Temple. Shiloh Gordon.

    Harper Collins April 2025 Everybody’s favourite famous frogs are back – leaping into action with all the finesse of the fit and feisty ‘phibians that they are. This small, but dedicated, army of frogs – drawn from all over the world [and by Shiloh Gordon] are hopping with excitement to not only meet the famous…

  • On Gallant Wings – Helen Edwards

    Riveted Press April 2025 Distributed by Simon & Schuster ISBN13: 9781763526051 LIST PRICE: AU$ 17.99 / NZ$ 19.99 I can completely relate to author Helen Edward’s comment in her notes that she knew little about the Japanese attack on Darwin. I was certainly the same. Growing up in the late 50s/60s, I knew more about…

  • We interrupt this programme…

    Time for a little break… Over Easter and ANZAC we will be cavorting and having a little time away. Reviews will be back on Monday 28th April. I have loads of super picture books ready to go – including a lovely batch of CSIRO titles, some fun with Kate & Jol Temple, some murder and…

  • Blak ANZAC Day

    You are correct. I did say the blog was having a break until after ANZAC Day but when Big Sky Publishing sent me these which arrived today (16th) how could I not read and review them to mark ANZAC 2025. You might already have them or not but be well advised to do so, if…

  • Grandmas in Grand Cars – Mick Elliott

    Walker Books Australia April 2025 ISBN13:9781760655068 Australia RRP:$24.99 New Zealand RRP:$27.99 This one is just pure good fun, as one always expects from Mick Elliott, and your Smallsl will love all the different cars these groovy grannies are driving. Happily, the very first one is a Beetle – and having owned four of these beauties…