Just So Stories

Random Reviews and Ramblings from Redcliffe



  • The 21st party is over…

    Three months in the actual planning, the guest of honour rolling her eyes throughout the entire process but it happened on Saturday 21st March – everyone enjoyed themselves greatly, even The Kid. 24th is the actual big day. I’m so proud of this girl and I know her mother would be as well. Highlights: her… Read more

  • Your Next Read: Silver Series – Books #1-#4

    Affirm Press/Simon & Schuster 2026 ongoing It certainly has had a lot of hoopla in the lead-up, as you would expect from expert marketers but this new series, which to my mind, is a reincarnation of our old favourites Aussie Bites, Aussie Chomps will undoubtedly be popular with school libraries and classrooms across the country.… Read more

  • Catalpa: Escape to Freedom – Mike and Joy Lefroy

    Fremantle Press March 2026 ISBN: 9781760996673 $29.99 I love learning some history of which I’ve been unaware and when it’s told in such an engaging way as this, as well as similar books, from Fremantle Press, it’s even better. I knew about the Fenians, though admittedly not a lot, just that they were the revolutionaries determined… Read more

  • Swallowed by a Whale: Writing Advice from Authors of Note – Edited by Huw Lewis-Jones.

    New South Books British Library December 2025 9780712355544 AUD$29.99, NZD$34.99 This was another of my delightful surprises over the Xmas break and it’s been on my bedside table since arriving, but it was not until this cloudy, cool Saturday afternoon that I had time to be leisurely and read it. And how very delightful it… Read more

  • Robot Responders -Smitri Daniel

    CSIRO Publishing March 2026 | $ 34.99ISBN: 9781486318421 Another great title from CSIRO Publishing that many young readers will find it absorbing and exciting. While there is so much shrieking about AI – and yes, it is quite justified in many instances e.g. stealing the work of creators – yet, there is so much more… Read more

  • My Country – Sally Morgan and Ezekiel Kwaymullina

    Fremantle Press January 2026 ISBN: 9781760996260 $19.99 GST This great favourite of many which has been in its original format and a board book, is now in a sweet-sized smaller hardback edition, just perfect for little hands who are beginning to enjoy their books. This is exactly the right size for toddlers especially to hold, turn the… Read more