Just So Stories

Random Reviews and Ramblings from Redcliffe

  • A Light on the Rocks – Helen Edwards

    I’ve quickly come to realise that Helen’s historical novels are impeccably researched and completely engrossing, so much so that it is not just your young readers who will enjoy them, but also adults. As I have mentioned previously I, for one, didn’t know much about Adelaide’s or South Australia’s history, certainly not as a child,…

  • Which Way to the Future – Cressida Cowell

    Hachette Australia Oct 2025 | 9781444982398 | RRP $22.99 Preorder the P/B: Apr 7, 2026 | 9781444979435 | RRP $17.99 SO much fun to be back with the most famous starwalker, bounty hunter and Story Maker, Horizabel the Grimm, along with O’Hero-Smith children for another intergalactic, totally bonkers adventure. Cressida Cowell’s Which Way series is every bit as exciting, dramatic, crazy and fun…

  • November Wrap-up

    And that’s 2025 Picture Book month done and dusted. Whew! Thanks to everyone who took time to check out the month’s reviews. It’s been my biggest marathon yet as I determined to get all the stacked up PBs out of the way. And, as usual, sliding in some bonus books as well. I think the…

  • Because it’s Book Week…

    There are not so many days I miss being full-time in my libraries but, yes, Book Week with the insane preparations and the fun of dressing up [at one of my schools a different costume every day of the week!] has been one in the last couple of years. But honestly, this year I’ve been…

  • The Locked Room – Adam Cece

    Penguin Australia August 2025 Wowzers! Hold on to your hats, and make sure to get yourself sorted with snacks and drinks for this one because you are not going to want to stop reading it once you’ve started. Let’s say you take a really tricky escape room, mix it up with an ever-evolving game with…

  • Back to Business!! – 2025: 80th Anniversary of the end of World War II

    Thanks for your hanging in there while I took a little break. I got four readers drafted for the American publisher – let’s see how much editing will ensue! And I’ve picked up three new commissions for teaching notes in the space of two days (!!): one direct from one of our leading authors, and…

  • 2025 June Wrap-up

    Yep, there are still a couple of days left but I’m mid-way through one and that will on the July list so calling it now.

  • Ebb & Flo series – Laura & Philip Bunting

    Hardie Grant Australia Ebb & Flo: Short Cut June 2025 ISBN:9781761214790 Price:AU$11.99, NZ$13.99 These are the first I’ve seen in this series but I’m sure they won’t be the last. And how good is it to see another set of titles for those emergent, newly independent readers that is FUN as well as providing some…

  • Maggie the Dragon : Chase your Dreams! – Tony Armstrong. Illustrated by Emma Sjaan Beukers.

    Hachette Australia May 2025 ISBN: 9780734422187 | RRP $24.99 Of course, this one is included in this week’s Reconciliation Week titles because, let’s face it, Tony Armstrong has become one of the most recognisable First Nations faces in the country over the past few years. George the Wizard, Tony’s first picture book was pretty commercial but I…

  • January 2025 – check!