Just So Stories

Random Reviews and Ramblings from Redcliffe


  • Encyclopedia of…. :for Young Readers x3 : Birds, Animals and Plants, Fungi and Lichen

    New South Books Publisher: Albatros Media Encyclopedia of Birds – Tomáš Tůma 9788000063508/ December 2022/AUD$29.99, NZD$34.99 Encyclopedia of Animals: Tomáš Tůma 9788000063522/1 November 2022/AUD$29.99, NZD$34.99 Encyclopedia of Plants, Fungi and Lichens – ​Tereza Němcová/Tomáš Pernický 9788000063515/1 December 2022/AUD$29.99, NZD$34.99 This delightful series (there are more it seems) appeals hugely to my inner nerdy child and,…

  • Plantabulous!

    New South Books From Albatros Books/Media are two absolutely delightful new titles. Both about plants, both non-fiction, both exquisitely designed but providing lower-middle primary kiddos with information about plants from two different angles. How Plants Talk – Helena Haraštová. Illustrated by Linh Dao 9788000068114 / 1 August 2023 AUD$24.99, NZD$29.99 Your Smalls will be fascinated to see…

  • The Bee Squad

    Boosting biodiversity in your neighbourhood – Judy Friedlander New South Books Ferbruary 2025 ISBN: 9781742238227  RRP: $27.99 Last year there were quite a few books come my way with bugs and biodiversity featured. This one is almost a complete wrap-up of them all in a non-fiction package. We know kiddos are enthusiastic about environmental activities.…

  • Caution! This Book Contains Deadly Reptiles – Corey Tutt. Art by Ben Williams.

    Anyone familiar with Corey Tutt’s work, both with the Deadly Science program and his previous books [and if you’re not – why not??? Inconceivable!] will not be one bit surprised to learn that this book is every bit as deadly as its title. I am only sorry that The Kid is now the too-cool-for-school-adult, and…

  • Croc Candy – Claire Thompson. Illustrated by Deborah Brown.

    The True Story of a Rising Star, Angus Copelin-Walters Woodslane Press January 2025 9781922800817/$27.99 Claire Thompson and I connected when she asked if I could help her to develop some professional resources to partner both her forthcoming book and also a writing with kids gig she was undertaking. It has been an all-round pleasure I…

  • Mammalia; an illustrated guide to the world of mammals – Lindy Mattice

    New South Books Bushel & Peck 9781638191285 / July 2024 / AUD$49.99, NZD$57.99 This is likely the last of my animal books for this year (but you never know!) and what a beauty it is too. While it is an absolute treasure chest of interesting, relevant information with the addition of quite quirky quick facts, it is the…

  • Picture Book Month Extra! – Usborne Big Book of Facts

    Harper Collins Australia November 2024 Once upon a time we would likely say this is the sort of book that boys will love to pore over for hours, and while that still holds true, it’s fair to say that in my observations over the past ten years, it is just as likely to be girls…

  • Ask Aunty: Bush Survival Skills – Aunty Munya Andrews. Illustrated by Charmaine Ledden-Lewis

    Hardie Grant December 2024 Imprint: Hardie Grant Explore ISBN:9781741179231 Price:AU$24.99, NZ$27.99 Look out for this stunning new book heading your way in the next week or so. As part of the Ask Aunty series, this title will share an understanding of Country, and its integral role in the lives of First Nations People, and how…

  • How Do I Know if my Body is Upside Down? (and other things my body knows) – Idan Ben-Barak and Zahra Zainal

    Scholastic Australia August 2024 ISBN: 9781761121371 ISBN-10: 1761121375 RRP: $19.99 For those endless questioners, Idan Ben-Barak is heaven sent. He is always able to zone in on exactly what kids want to know about from the small questions to the big ones. And this is another fun book with plenty of answers to those never-ending queries. Focusing…

  • Slug Life- Moesha Kellaway

    Harper Collins Australia ‘Bug’ books, that is books about mini-beasts seem to be very on trend this year and I, for one, am greatly enjoying that. Having had The Kid raising tiny critters such as stick insects in her zoo days, we are pretty chill about our small wildlife. In fact, we both get very…