Just So Stories

Random Reviews and Ramblings from Redcliffe

  • The Boy and the Shark – Cate James

    Affirm Kids Apri 2026 Distributed by Simon & Schuster LIST PRICE: AU$ 24.99 / NZ$ 26.99 Cate James makes the leap from talented illustrator to doubly talented author/illustrator with this absolutely adorable book. Let’s be honest here, you can utilise any book for teaching purposes if you are a capable and creative educator, but sometimes… Read more

  • Spare Kisses – Pip Harry. Illustrated by Yiscah Marcatili.

    Hachette Australia Imprint: Lothian Children’s Books 9780734423511|Mar 31, 2026|RRP $24.99 I know there are grandparents in the unfortunate position of not seeing their grandies often, or indeed at all. And admittedly, now half of mine are adult and live at a distance that’s the case for me as well most of the time. But I… Read more

  • The Story House – Vikki Conley. Illustrated by Jennifer Falkner.

    New Frontier Publishing Distributed by New South Books May 2026 9781923145979/AUD$26.99, NZD$32.99 What an utterly beautiful and poignant book this is and what a book to share with all young readers! Coming hard on the heels of that odious red-head’s Press Club twaddle yesterday and the heinous implications of her deriding those of other cultures,… Read more

  • Cleopatra: The Girl Who Would Be King (Heroes in the Ancient World, #1) – Jackie French

    Harper Collins AustraliaMay 2026 ISBN: 9781460766545 RRP: $16.99 A new book from Jackie French is always exciting. When it heralds a new series even more so. And to top it off, I was able to read it and write notes for it, which was so cool especially as, some months ago, Jackie and I had some… Read more

  • The Crystal Skulls: History Hunter series – Mark Greenwood

    Fremantle Press July 2026 ISBN: 9781760996550 RRP: $14.99 After thoroughly enjoying The Unlucky Pirate, I knew I was going to love this one and I surely did! So much of which I had no idea before reading – absolutely fascinating and bizarre at the same time. This time Mark Greenwood takes readers on a trip through… Read more

  • My First Aussie Dinosaurs – Sarah Jane Lightfoot

    Affirm Press Dist: Simon & Schuster December 2025 I think I’m officially in love with Sarah Jane Lightfoot’s books . After reviewing my first couple last year, I have no hesitation in asking for more when I see them. This one has been out for a while but only recently came to my attention. And,… Read more

Archived Reviews