Just So Stories

Random Reviews and Ramblings from Redcliffe


  • What’s That? Australian Sharks, Rays and Skates – Myke Mollard

    Woodslane Press March 2026 ISBN: 9781923350151 RRP: $24.99 Once again Myke Mollard brings his passion for the natural world and, especially, our own Australian animals to young readers in an informative, engaging and entertaining format. Sharks have been very much in the news again over summer and I, for one, have been well-pleased at the number…

  • Catalpa: Escape to Freedom – Mike and Joy Lefroy

    Fremantle Press March 2026 ISBN: 9781760996673 $29.99 I love learning some history of which I’ve been unaware and when it’s told in such an engaging way as this, as well as similar books, from Fremantle Press, it’s even better. I knew about the Fenians, though admittedly not a lot, just that they were the revolutionaries determined…

  • Robot Responders -Smitri Daniel

    CSIRO Publishing March 2026 | $ 34.99ISBN: 9781486318421 Another great title from CSIRO Publishing that many young readers will find it absorbing and exciting. While there is so much shrieking about AI – and yes, it is quite justified in many instances e.g. stealing the work of creators – yet, there is so much more…

  • Be The Change: Rob Greenfield’s Call to Kids – Rob Greenfiled and Antonia Banyard

    Making a Difference in a Messed-up World New South Books Publisher: Greystone Books APril 2025 AUD$24.99, NZD$29.99 This is a book completely on point especially for all the kids and schools taking action towards zero waste and climate change/environmental degradation. I love that it’s written jargon-free with an easy conversational tone that feels like author…

  • I can’t review my own book..

    Well, I suppose I could but I won’t. However, I was super-excited yesterday to get a box from America with my author copies of my first book for the Creative Company which is also the first ever book written about the Roulettes. It is a beautiful hardback (library quality in US publishing jargon) and it…

  • Fremantle Press extravaganza!!

    Coming up for its 50th anniversary Fremantle Press may be small but it sure is mighty! SO many fabulous books across all genres have come from this outstanding independent publishing house. It has always been a pleasure to review their titles but I was super excited yesterday (11/02) to get several parcels from them, loaded…

  • Living in the Past – Ancient History with a Twist of Fun

    I’ve had a passion for ancient history since I was a nerdy kid. I still have my Ancient Civilisations book my darling mum bought me when I was around 10 years old. I snaffled all my seven-years-older brother’s ancient history textbooks when he was done with them. I aced my project in 6th class on…

  • Words Matter – Anita Fitch Pazner & Sophie Casson

    The Story of Hans and Sophie Scholl, and the White Rose Resistance The Story of Hans and Sophie Scholl, and the White Rose Resistance New South Books Publisher: Groundwood Books 9781773069708 January 2026 AUD$29.99, NZD$34.99 While I have known of Hans and Sophie Scholl for many years, as would anyone who follows groups such as…

  • There’s a Prawn in Parliament House: The Kids’ Guide to Australia’s Amazing Democracy – Annabel Crabb

    Allen & Unwin September 2025 A & U Children 9781760637750 $24.99 This is one from last year’s pile which was read at the time, thoroughly enjoyed but I ran out of time and space for the review before the break. And, frankly, maybe that’s a good thing. Because if there was ever a time this…

  • Slight interruption to Xmas programming…

    Just a tad excited to get proof layouts yesterday of the next four reader-style books I’ve written for the American publishing company. I know so much more about jet fighters than I ever did before!!! But the design team have done a great job. Actually all I’ve seen of their books for kids are excellent…