Just So Stories

Random Reviews and Ramblings from Redcliffe

  • Shakespeare in the Orchard – Danielle Binks

    Hachette Australia Imprint: Lothian Children’s Books Jul 7, 2026 | 9780734421920 | RRP $17.99 It took me a while to get into this one as the first chapters seemed to move slowly but once it got going, I was thoroughly engaged with this fictionalised slice of history, hitherto unknown to me. That is to say, naturally I knew about…

  • Tiwi War Kwaympini -Mwarlapwara Kangi Tingati/Tiwi War Hero – Footprints in the Sand – Written, translated and illustrated by Mavis Kerinalua with support from Laura Radermaker

    Indigenous Literacy Foundation April 2026HardbackISBN 9781922592712RRP $29.99 Before the Japanese bombed Darwin in World War II, they attacked my grandfather’s Country. Not many people outside the Tiwi Islands know about my people’s role in the war. This is the story of one of our war heroes, my grandfather Louie Purraputimali Munkara Tiwi author brings untold…

  • Ayaiga: Neighbour and Hero – Thomas Higgs with Colin Hall. Illustrated by Wally Wilfred.

    New South Books Publisher: NLA 9781922507785 February 2026 AUD$24.99, NZD$29.99 What an amazing episode from history this is and certainly one I’ve not heard of previously. It makes me wonder how many other little-known Aboriginal heroes are in our history. And how wonderful it is that this book brings this particular story to the attention…

  • My Dreamtime Match – Jacinta Daniher/Taylor Hampton. Illustrated by Janelle Burger.

    Hachette Imprint: Lothian Children’s Books Apr 28, 2026 | 9780734423443 | RRP $24.99 So great to see another book from this talented pair of First Nations creators with more for your kiddos to learn and share about Indigenous culture. With the footy season well and truly underway, we know that many kids – mob or not – are keenly…

  • Milly Meelyu – Holly Bradley & Darryl Fogarty. Illustrated by Corinne Fogarty.

    Fremantle Press February 2026 ISBN: 9781760996314 RRP: $24.99 For years now we have seen children and schools becoming more actively interested in conservation and caring for the environment and wildlife. It’s now well over 30 years since my first teaching gig with Year 5 when I created a literature-based unit of inquiry based on Fern Gully,…

  • Bush Tukka Guide for Kids – Samantha Martin

    Hardie Grant Australia ISBN:9781741179163 Price:AU$24.99, NZ$27.99 Publisher:Hardie Grant Explore Amid the burgeoning interest in First Nations culture and practices (despite the nasty background noise of such as certain political sectors and their brainwashed acolytes), there is a steadily growing interest in cultivating traditional bush foods, as well as native plants. And where better to start…

  • One Race – Gregg Dreise

    Scholastic Australia February 2026 ISBN: 9781761298585 RRP: $26.99 Kamilaroi and Euahlayi author and artist Gregg Dreise always produces extraordinary work that is both beautiful and powerful. And this is another, from the stunning endpapers to the evocative and impactful artwork carried along the rhythm and beauty of the poetic text. At a time when the…

  • Cat Nap – Brian Lies

    Harper Collins Australia January 2026 When an adventurous kitten spies a scurrying mouse, he is off and away on the chase, leaping right into the Metropolitan Museum of Art via a convenient poster on the wall – just like Alice stepping through the Looking Glass. The feline adventure starts with small kitten (based on Brian…

  • April Wrap-up

    It was pretty busy and some really stand-out reads here!

  • Girls Like – Katrina Germein. Illustrated by Deb Hudson.

    New South Books Publisher: MidnightSun Publishing 9781922858726 April 2026 AUD$29.99, NZD$34.99 For anyone raising their own Mighty Girl or for those empowering all the mighty girls in a class or cohort this is hands-down a must-have for your shelf. It’s a simple rhythmic text that is almost a rap and just invites clap alongs or…