Just So Stories

Random Reviews and Ramblings from Redcliffe



  • Raised by Wolves – Tristan Bancks

    Penguin Australia May 2026 It’s been a time of real anticipation waiting for this one to arrive. When Tristan first started to consider this and asking for input, it was a given for me that this sequel to Two Wolves should come from Olive’s PoV, given she was such a striking character, despite her tender… Read more

  • Hunt for the Nighthawks – Felice Arena

    Penguin Australia July 2026 Knowing there was a brand new Felice Arena mystery/adventure on the way has been a very exciting prospect and thus, when the ARC arrived two days ago, I pounced on it immediately and I have loved every word of it! For one thing, I have always had a great interest in… Read more

  • The Interactive Human Body:Explore the Human Body with Flaps, Wheels, Levers, Touch and Feel, and More! – – Ryan G. Van Cleave. Illustrated by Juliana Eigner.

    New South Books This is big, bold and absolutely guaranteed to keep young curious minds absorbed for hours. There is not only plenty to read in easy-to-digest chunks but also so much with which to interact. It’s going to require some careful handling and supervision if being offered up to many children e.g. as a… Read more

  • Wanted: The Cutest Baby in the World – Davina Bell. Sarah Zweck.

    Thames & Hudson January 2026 ISBN: 9781760765323 RRP: $24.99 As adults I think there are many of us who can relate to this investigation into the arch-criminal and dastardly doer of deeds that is the World’s Cutest Baby. Whether it’s finding our walls liberally decorated with abstract art done in the crayon medium, or indeed… Read more

  • My Nonna Loves- Adelle Frittitta. Claudia Frittitta.

    Hardie Grant Children’s Publishing Imprint: Little Hare February 2026 ISBN:9781761214486 Price:AU$24.99, NZ$27.99 Publisher:Hardie Grant Children’s Publishing Mother’s Day is a special time for all the grannies as well and in an Italian family, Nonna is a particularly important and much-loved figure. Any of us who have spent time with Italians know this. It’s a culture… Read more

  • My Mum’s Amazing! Phil Cummings. Hannah Marks.

    Scholastic Australia March 2026 9781761297380 RRP: $19.99 This is just pure delight from start to finish! Phil Cummings has cracked it again with a lively text that is super engaging, fun to read and so descriptive while, at the same time, encapsulating all those great things we appreciate about our mothers, for Smalls to reflect… Read more