Just So Stories

Random Reviews and Ramblings from Redcliffe

  • Ruby’s Fire Safety Plan – Wendy Rudge. Tom Jellett.

    Wild Dog Books Distributed by Simon & Schuster January 2026 ISBN: 9781742037110 RRP: $26.99 Given that I was teaching little people home safety last year, I can say authentically that this book would be perfect to fit with that little slice of curriculum but more than that [having had The Firie in my life] this…

  • Treeshape – Trace Balla

    Allen & Unwin March 2026 ISBN:9781761181252 Publisher:A&U Children’s Imprint:A & U Children Trace Balla’s work always fills me with both admiration and emotion, and I think really, this one is the best yet as it is the most intensely personal as well, outlining the journey of Trace from child to present. Leaf-light (2023) and Rivertime…

  • Through the Darkening Sea – Claire Saxby. Peter Cheong.

    Harper Collins Australia April 2026 As the winter draws in, it’s getting closer to whale season in Queensland which will be particularly exciting this year as one of The Kid’s 21st birthday presents from me is a voucher to swim with the whales, and I think it will be quite the memorable experience for her.…

  • Dingoes: Up Close series – Jane Forge

    Wild Dog Books Dist: Simon & Schuster June 2026 In a word – stunning! This is exactly the sort of non-fiction book on Australian animals that we all want to complement our UoI on our fauna but, at the same time, is also perfect for those children who are keen to learn more about animals.…

  • Handbooks for Little Humans: Integrity and Inclusivity – Zanni Louise. Illustrated by Jingting Wang.

    Simon & Schuster Imprint: Affirm Press February 2026 Integrity ISBN13: 9781923293205 LIST PRICE: AU$ 19.99 / NZ$ 24.99 Inclusion ISBN13: 9781923293199 LIST PRICE: AU$ 19.99 / NZ$ 24.99 Following up on the earlier two in this series we have two more titles to add to your kitbag for inclusion in your circle time or social…

  • 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…

  • 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…

  • Write Now

    As it happens an assortment of books all geared to writing – for kids and for others, so do enjoy! The Story Writer’s Handbook – Katrina Nannestad. Illustrated by Cheryl Orsini. Harper Collins Australia September 2025 It was completely unintentional to leave this one so long but it sifted down between others and so was…

  • Green Cities: How Green Infrastructure Helps Heal the Planet – Sheila Boudreau. Katy Dockrill.

    UQP March 2026 ISBN: 9780702271175 RRP: A$32.99 A fortnight ago I wrote a detailed review of this gorgeous book which the blog promptly ‘lost’ and even after contacting support, couldn’t be retrieved. So let’s just start all over again. I loved this book at first sight. The whole mid-century vibe of the artwork just sang…

  • Gross Things Animals Eat – Dr Claire Stevens. Adele K. Thomas

    Yucky, icky and utterly hilarious, take a deep dive into the bizarre and disgusting world of animal facts with vet Dr Claire and her cute dog Frankie! Harper Collins Australia March 2026 Although I didn’t know her name, I’m sure many others will know of or have seen Dr Claire Stevens, vet/presenter/author who has turned…