Just So Stories

Random Reviews and Ramblings from Redcliffe

  • Somewhere You Can Dream – Janeen Brian. Hilary Jean Tapper.

    Allen & Unwin March 2026 ISBN:9781761181764 Publisher:A&U Children’s Imprint:A & U Children The incomparable Janeen Brian never fails to provide us with utter joy and here is the latest example of her lyrical talent. As I’ve previously mentioned, Janeen’s was one of the first author names to make me take note wayyyyyy back when I…

  • Good Young Men – Gary Lonesborough

    Allen & Unwin March 2026 ISBN:9781761182174 Publisher:A&U Children’s Imprint:A & U Children RRP: $22.99 Once again Gary brings his own upbringing as a young gay Koori in a regional setting [from the same part of the country as my family] as well as his professional experience working with Aboriginal youth in a skewed justice system,…

  • Valerie: Australia’s Bravest Sausage Dog – Lucinda Gifford

    Allen & Unwin Imprint: Albert St Books February 2026 ISBN:9781761182594 RRP: $19.99 Valerie the dachshund reunited with owners after Kangaroo Island rescue There can’t be many people who didn’t hear Valerie’s story – not just in Australia … this little weiner became world-famous. Not many pampered pooches could survive in the wild for almost two…

  • The Night Tiger – Sherryl Clark & Hannah Summerville

    Allen & Unwin March 2026 ISBN:9781760113421 Publisher:A&U Children’s Imprint:A & U Children When I was a kid I was one who was afraid of dark so I think a book that empowers Smalls to feel more comfortable with the nightime and embrace the magic of moonlight, stars and night creatures is a welcome addition to…

  • Neeka and the Great Search: #3 Wilder Zoo – Tina Strachan. Illustrated by Max Hamilton.

    Harper Collins Australia Imprint: Angus & Robertson ISBN: 9781460764572 ISBN 10: 1460764579 RRP: $16.99 I would be seriously surprised if anyone had missed the charming trilogy now at its conclusion. What a credit it is to this debut author, Tina Strachan, to start off with such a crackerjack set of books! For me, there’s the added bonus…

  • Christmas Time! Aussie Baby’s First Words- Tom Jellett

    Allen & Unwin September 2025 ISBN:9781761181900 Publisher:A&U Children’s Imprint:A & U Children RRP: $12.99 There’s a whole series of these: Dinner Time! Bath Time! Bed Time!, just perfect for the Smallest in your circle and, of course, a perfect stocking stuffer for a newborn human. This cutie little board book has got some Xmas vocab…

  • 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…

  • Dogs With Jobs – Max Hamilton

    Allen & Unwin ISBN:9781761181016 Publisher:A&U Children’s Imprint:Albert Street Books RRP: $19.99 There have been a few books for younger readers which feature assistance dogs of various types, but this one is quite a comprehensive overview. And I certainly learned about a couple of examples, of which I was previously unaware. I haven’t been to the…

  • Animals on Country: Let’s look after the animals with Uncle Kuu – Victor Steffensen. Illustrated by Sandra Steffensen.

    Allen & Unwin September 2025 ISBN:9781761181566 Publisher:A&U Children’s Imprint:A & U Children RRP: $24.99 Teaching notes available The continuing upswell in First Nations titles is so pleasing and, let’s face it, not before time. As a minority fringe continues to attempt to cause as much division as it can, and certainly global ugliness is on…

  • Murder in the Cathedral (Phryne Fisher #23)- Kerry Greenwood

    November 2025 ISBN:9781760879341 Publisher:Allen & Unwin Imprint:Allen & Unwin RRP: $34.99 Like hundreds – nay, thousands of others, I was completely devastated to learn of Kerry Greenwood’s death back in March. Just this past week my FB memories told me that 11 years ago I was relishing another Phyrne Fisher title, and I would think…