Just So Stories

Random Reviews and Ramblings from Redcliffe

  • Before it was Called Science – Corey Tutt. Jaelyn Biumaiwai.

    ISBN:9781761181511 Publisher:A&U Children’s Imprint:A & U Children September 2026 RRP: $32.99 As soon as I knew this one was on its way, I asked for it because there is absolutely no doubt that Corey Tutt has proven himself to be such an excellent creator of engaging, interesting and meaningful information books – along with his…

  • Caring for Country First Knowledges for younger readers – Bruce Pascoe & Bill Gammage.

    Adapted by Jasmin McGaughy with illustrations by Savi Ross. 2026 CBCA NOTABLE BOOK FOR EVE POWNALL AWARD2026 NATIONAL TRUST HERITAGE AWARDS FINALIST Thames & Hudson September 2025 ISBN: 9781760763572 RRP: $26.99 I am quite sure you have already got this one in your collection, given its recent accolade in the annual CBCA awards, but it…

  • Belonging – Ambelin Kwaymullina

    Magabala Books July 2026 ISBN: 9781922864819 RRP: $27.99 This is absolutely stunning – there’s no other word for it. Both Ambelin’s striking contemporary Aboriginal artwork and her simple yet powerful text make this a must-have for any collection. I’m sure many of you will have already seen it but for those who haven’t, let me…

  • Noongar Boodja Waangkan/Noongar First Words – Jayden Boundry & Tyrown Waigana

    Fremantle Press October 2026 ISBN: 9781760997632 RRP: $26.99 Oh these books from Jayden and Tyrown are just adorable as well as being such excellent cultural learning resources. And this one is especially cute being pitched at a slightly older audience ready for a longer book. This one covers a wide vocabulary of Noongar words for for…

  • Sleeping in the Land – Jasmine Seymour

    Wild Dog Books July 2026 ISBN13: 9781742037288 LIST PRICE: AU$ 26.99 / NZ$ 29.99 This stunning book was particularly synchronistic as I had not long ago been collating information about the resurgence of our First Nations languages for some resources I was writing, and indeed was doing so again last week [as of writing this…

  • Handbooks for Little Humans: Fairness and Friendship – Zanni Louise. Art by Maja Veselinovic.

    Affirm Press Simon & Schuster $19.99 Fairness May 2026 ISBN13: 9781923293229 Friendship May 2026 ISBN13: 9781923293212 Zanni’s extremely valuable series of Handbooks for Little Humans continues with these two new instalments and just how important are these two topics for Smalls?! Whether as educators or parents, we have all dealt with those issues that crop…

  • An exciting parcel…

    Today my four books arrived from the US – I wasn’t exactly sure when they would be coming so it was a very delightful surprise!. You can see my whole hokey unboxing reel on Insta here. Published by The Creative Company, Minnesota who also published my book about The Roulettes, available from the publisher and…

  • Football: Horrible Histories – Terry Deary. Illustrated by Martin Brown.

    All about the gruesome game – this book is a real keeper! Scholastic Australia ISBN: 9780702344800 ISBN-10: 070234480X Series: Horrible Histories May 2026 RRP: $21.99 It’s not called the World Game for nothing and while I’m not a fan myself, I not only have friends who are but have seen the enthusiasm of the kiddos I’ve taught, particularly…

  • Find Me in the Forest – Jess McGeachin

    Hachette Australia July 2026 Imprint: Lothian Children’s Books ISBN: 9780734423849 RRP $29.99 If you thought Jess’ Find Me on the Coast was beautiful, just wait till you see this one! Of course, The Kid and I love both the coast and the forests – we live beside the sea but spend time bushwalking through forest…

  • Fake News and How to Spot It – Holly Bathie & Alex Firth

    Harper Collins Australia June 2026 ISBN: 9781836040606 ISBN-10: 1836040601 Series: Usborne Life Skills Publisher: Usborne This is a terrific adjunct to any digital literacy program or unit as well as being both interesting and informative for digi-curious kiddos. Of course, I also think that there is a plethora of adults who could well benefit from reading it: from the…