Just So Stories

Random Reviews and Ramblings from Redcliffe

  • Hope is the Thing – Johanna Bell & Erica Wagner

    Allen & Unwin January 2023 ISBN:9781761180026 Publisher:A&U Children’s Imprint:A & U Children RRP: $24.99 This is another visually stunning picture book which has a deeply meaningful text but also truly superb artwork, which would be so perfect to utilise as inspiration in a learning environment. Taking its cue from one of Emily Dickinson’s most well-known…

  • The Midnight Panther – Poonam Mistry

    Allen & Unwin January 2023 ISBN:9781787418929 Publisher:Bonnier Imprint:Templar RRP: $24.99 I think this is the most visually stunning book I’ve seen in a long time. In fact, it is breathtakingly beautiful, and demands close scrutiny of the intricate and rich illustrations. A beautiful fable of identity and self-belief, the little panther is insecure in a…

  • Meet the Author: Q&A with Wendy Orr

    If you were paying attention a week or so ago, you will have read my review of Wendy’s fabulous new MG novel, Honey and the Valley of the Horses. Now I have the great pleasure of introducing Wendy to you in this Q&A. Welcome to Just So Stories, Wendy, and what a privilege it is…

  • Book Week’s a’coming

    It will soon be my 2nd Book Week not in a library, whether primary, secondary or public, and as I don’t have to be turning myself inside out, thought I might share a few thoughts/reflections as some parents go into a tailspin, some kids go into meltdown or hyper-excitement, many t-l’s are 50/50 on whether…

  • Alex: Through My Eyes – Australian Disaster Zones – Rosanne Hawke, edited by Lynn White

    Allen & Unwin August 2023 ISBN:9781760877002 Publisher:A&U Children’s Imprint:A & U Children RRP: $18.99 While we all have the readers who relish the humour, the fantasy and the historical fiction, we equally have those kiddos who want the contemporary realistic fiction which demands thoughtful reflection, inspires resilience and develops a sense of empathy. All of…

  • Enola Holmes and the Mark of the Mongoose #9- Nancy Springer

    Allen & Unwin August 2023 ISBN:9781761180613 Publisher:A&U Children’s Imprint:A & U Children RRP: $19.99 We are big Enola fans here, both books and Netflix adaptations, so a bit morose that this is the final in the series *sad face*. But it is certainly a ripper of a finale, with another very clever blend of historical…

  • A Load of Love and other feelings…

    This past week’s posts already had some ‘love’ but here are two more, just because it makes sense that they should be wrapped up together in one sweet parcel, so to speak. Feelings are Wild – Sophy Williams. Illustrated by Gavin Scott Allen & Unwin July 2023 ISBN:9781761180262 Publisher:A&U Children’s Imprint:Albert Street Books RRP: $19.99…

  • I love You Because I Love You – Mượn Thị Văn. Illustrated by Jessica Love.

    Harper Collins Australia ISBN: 9780008531652ISBN-10: 000853165X This is essentially a quite simple book, but it is also one that is packed with layers to absorb and reflect upon, as it examines the concept of love across a wide spectrum of diverse people. Using what is generally known as a call-and-response technique, the first statement is relayed “I…

  • Lots of Things to Know about Weather – Emily Bone. Illustrated by Katia Gaigalova

    Harper Collins Australia July 2023 I’ve had this one at the ready, in my bag to share with a class for the last week and, as luck would have it, just didn’t have the right opportunity to do so. But today, while I have some time of my own, I thought it was high time…

  • The Unlikely Heroes Club – Kate Foster

    Walker Books Australia ISBN13:9781760655969 Imprint: Walker Books Australia Australia RRP:$16.99 New Zealand RRP:$18.99 Some of my readers will recall that I recently reviewed The Bravest Word, and may also be familiar with Paws, In her new book, Kate returns to the theme of autism that was a focus in the latter, and provides readers with…