Just So Stories

Random Reviews and Ramblings from Redcliffe

  • Odd Cat Out!: Cat School – Rose Robbins

    New South Books Scallywag Press Rose Robbins 9781836300397/August 2026/AUD$19.99, NZD$22.99 This first in a new trilogy by London author Rose Robbins, who writes from her own personal experience, will make for a great addition to your inclusive collection. Framed as anthropomorphic young cats, the narrative revolves around two friends, Tangle and Eno, starting at their…

  • How to Get Rid of a Princess – Alison McLennan. Mel Pearce

    Hardie Grant Australia ISBN:9781761212970 Price:AU$24.99, NZ$27.99 Publisher:Hardie Grant Children’s Publishing – Bright Light Being the youngest sibling by 7 years I guess I could have fit the bill as the annoying princess but I honestly think the 7 and 10 year age gaps worked for me as the big brother and sister were more the…

  • Little Lunch for Littles

    Walker Books Australia August 2026 Australia RRP:$15.99 New Zealand RRP:$17.99 When The Kid was a little ‘un, and honestly – whether she was around or not – the Little Lunch series on ABC was always entertaining. I defy anyone who has taught primary kids to not identify repeatedly with the crew of diverse children as…

  • Scare B’n’B – Catherine Doyle

    Bloomsbury June 2026 ISBN 9781526655141 Imprint Bloomsbury Children’s Books RRP: $16.99 Well this is a complete departure from the previous Catherine Doyle books I’ve reviewed which were all far more magic realism, echoing folk tales and legends and ‘serious’. But this is very different – hilarious fun whilst also taking a good look at family…

  • Old Bertie – Perrella & Osborn

    Fremantle Press August 2026 ISBN: 9781760996390 RRP: $24.99 This is 100% completely bonkers but I mean that in the most positive way possible. This is dystopia as you’ve never read it before. If you imagine – and forgive me for showing my age – humour such as that of Young Einstein or The Castle – that…

  • Joey and the Junjardy – Allison Rocca. Illustrated by Brenton E. McKenna

    UQP June 2026 ISBN: 9780702271137 RRP: $17.99 I was already keen to read this one and when I started in and realised it is set in Wakka Wakka country, immediately felt a connection. My first teaching post in 1994 was Nanango SS – yes, on Wakka Wakka lands – so for several years I taught…

  • The Epically Awesome Odyssey, as told by Nanny Piggins – R. A. Spratt

    Penguin Australia June 2026 ISBN: 9781761622472 Imprint: Penguin RRP: $16.99 If there is one sure thing to brighten up a bleak, chilly winter’s night (or day) it is the one, the only Nanny Piggins along with her family: Boris, her bear brother, and the children for whom she slaves day and night to feed, clothe, keep clean,…

  • Eighty-Nine Questions for After – Ashleigh Barton

    Hachette Australia July 2026 ISBN: 9780733654596 RRP: $16.99 I first knew Ashleigh’s work as a picture book creator, one who could create wonderful texts that not only engaged young readers but gave them portals into the larger world. Then along came her middle-grade novel How to Sail to Somewhere which so skilfully demonstrated that her…

  • The Boy and the Shark – Cate James

    Affirm Kids Apri 2026 Distributed by Simon & Schuster ISBN13: 9781923419162 LIST PRICE: AU$ 24.99 / NZ$ 26.99 Cate James makes the leap from talented illustrator to doubly talented author/illustrator with this absolutely adorable book. Let’s be honest here, you can utilise any book for teaching purposes if you are a capable and creative educator,…

  • What’s That Splat? Johanna Bell & Amelia Luscombe

    Thames & Hudson June 2026 ISBN: 9781760764821 RRP: $24.99 From the talented creators of What is a Dot? comes some more great imaginative and creative read & play experiences and already I can see the paint splatting all over the place! While it may cause some to throw up their hands in horror (probably the…