Just So Stories

Random Reviews and Ramblings from Redcliffe

How to Go to Big School – Sarah Ayoub. Mimi Purnell.

Harper Collins Australia November 2025 I’m not familiar with the stats of other states but in Queensland there are now almost 12, 000 students being home-schooled. Between 2020 and 2024 there was almost a 164% increase in registrations. I knew the stats were escalating a few years ago when I was home-schooling The Kid myself.… Read more

November 28, 2025
Picture Book Month Bonus: Frances Bloom – Katrina Nannestad. Illustrated by Marina Zlatanova.

Harper Collins October 2025 Earlier this year I was not only excited to find out that Katrina had a new series on the way but was invited to write notes to support this first Frances Bloom and what fun it was! Anyone, young or old, who has loved Pippi Longstocking will fall in love with… Read more

November 27, 2025
giwang: Weather & Wildlife on Wiradjuri Country – Belinda Bridge. Illustrated by Peta-Joy Williams.

New South Books Publisher: Aboriginal Studies Press November 2025 9781922752031 AUD $24.95, NZD $29.99 I acknowledge the Gubbi Gubbi, the traditional custodians of the land on which I live and write, and pay my respects to elders past and present – Redcliffe, Australia. I also acknowledge and pay my respects to all the First Nations… Read more

November 27, 2025
Dreaming: Welcome to our Country- Adam Goodes/Ellie Laing. Illustrated by David Hardy.

Allen & Unwin September 2025 ISBN:9781761065095 Publisher:A&U Children’s Imprint:A & U Children To be honest, I know this series doesn’t need any talking up. The previous books and the enthusiasm with which they’ve been received speaks for them far more eloquently than I can. But just in case you’ve been incommunicado for some time, let… Read more

November 27, 2025
The Fishmonger and the Pastrychef- Sophie Masson. Cheryl Orsini.

Hardie Grant Australia November 2025 ISBN:9781761211225 Price:AU$24.99, NZ$27.99 Publisher:Hardie Grant Children’s Publishing Just OH MY!! This is simply an absolutely beautiful treasure from every angle. Sophie Masson has brought the flavour of her family background and her upbringing in France to young readers in what is the most delicious sounding narrative ever. Not to be… Read more

November 26, 2025
Picture Book Month Bonus: The Cockatoo Crew #1 and #2 – Lora Inak. Illustrations by Kruti Desai.

UWA Publishing RRP: $15.99 This is a brilliant new JF series that all kids will eagerly engage with and enjoy. The whole is set in Cockatoo Hill English Language School and casts a group of eight culturally diverse, enthusiastic and delightful refugee kids as main characters. Despite their differences in experiences, cultural backgrounds, language and… Read more

November 25, 2025

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