Just So Stories

Random Reviews and Ramblings from Redcliffe

  • A Load of Love and other feelings…

    This past week’s posts already had some ‘love’ but here are two more, just because it makes sense that they should be wrapped up together in one sweet parcel, so to speak. Feelings are Wild – Sophy Williams. Illustrated by Gavin Scott Allen & Unwin July 2023 ISBN:9781761180262 Publisher:A&U Children’s Imprint:Albert Street Books RRP: $19.99…

  • Don’t Dream It’s Over: the remarkable life of Neil Finn – Jeff Apter

    Allen & Unwin August 2023 ISBN:9781761068089 Publisher:Allen & Unwin Imprint:Allen & Unwin RRP: $34.99 First order of business is to thank A&U so much for giving me the opportunity to review this one. I’ve been a very long time devotee of Crowded House (world’s greatest band ever IMO), and Neil’s work as a gifted songwriter,…

  • Leaf-Light: a story about caring for each other – Trace Balla

    Allen & Unwin August 2023 ISBN:9781760526207 Publisher:A&U Children’s Imprint:A & U Children RRP: $27.99 We have come to know Trace’s books as eloquent and evocative explorations of important themes, with a deep connection to nature and to country. This new one is, I think, my favourite so far as it narrates the interconnections of a…

  • Honey and the Valley of Horses – Wendy Orr

    Allen & Unwin August 2023 ISBN:9781761068492 Publisher:A&U Children’s Imprint:A & U Children RRP: $17.99 In the ‘unprecedented times‘ of Covid, particularly in that first year or so, there was a seismic shift in the behaviours, attitudes and priorities of many people – and not solely for fear of infection. Undeniably there were folk who found…

  • Spellhound: a Dragons of Hallow #1 – Lian Tanner

    Allen & Unwin April 2023 ISBN:9781761180057 Publisher:A&U Children’s Imprint:A & U Children RRP: $17.99 I’m so remorseful that I didn’t get to this one sooner (one of the books that was shunted into a box during the great house move) because it is just wonderful! I love this intro from the publisher…A fascinating tale filled…

  • Picasso and the Greatest Show on Earth – Anna Feinberg

    Allen & Unwin July 2023 ISBN:9781760296988 Publisher:A&U Children’s Imprint:A & U Children RRP: $17.99 It’s been quite some time since I’ve read a book from Anna, so I was well pleased to receive this one to review (thank you lovely A&U peeps!) and it is absolutely beautiful. There is a lot going on in this…

  • Walking in Gagudju Country: exploring the monsoon forest – Diane Lucas, Ben Tyler and Emma Long

    Allen & Unwin June 2021 ISBN:9781760525958 Awards: Publisher:A&U Children’s Imprint:A & U Children RRP: $29.99 There would be few of us in school library land who have not used Walking with the Seasons in Kakadu as part of our teaching program with lower grades, as they learn about weather and seasonal calendars. Now we can…

  • We Didn’t Think It Through – Gary Lonesborough

    Allen & Unwin July 2023 ISBN: 9781760526931 Publisher: A&U Children’s Imprint: A & U Children RRP: $19.99 We are all aware of the rise in youth crime – one would have to living in a hermit’s cave not to know about it. And most of us are aware that in some areas, the problem is…

  • Some Shall Break – Ellie Marney

    Allen & Unwin June 2023 ISBN:9781761068010 Publisher:A&U Children’s Imprint:A & U Children RRP: $24.99 Of course, we know we are blessed in this country to have so many superlative creators of children’s literature, but how lucky are we when an internationally acclaimed author chooses our great nation as their home – and then continues with…

  • Custodians: Wylah the Koorie Warrior 2 -Jordan Gould and Richard Pritchard

    Allen & Unwin May 2023 ISBN: 9781761180040 Publisher: A&U Children’s RRP: $15.99 Wylah proved herself in her first adventure, and achieved the near-impossible in uniting the five Guardians, now firmly at her side but her mission continues. She must press on through the Valley of the Spirits, with all its risks and dangers in order…