Just So Stories

Random Reviews and Ramblings from Redcliffe

  • Hope is the Thing – Johanna Bell & Erica Wagner

    Allen & Unwin January 2023 ISBN:9781761180026 Publisher:A&U Children’s Imprint:A & U Children RRP: $24.99 This is another visually stunning picture book which has a deeply meaningful text but also truly superb artwork, which would be so perfect to utilise as inspiration in a learning environment. Taking its cue from one of Emily Dickinson’s most well-known…

  • The Midnight Panther – Poonam Mistry

    Allen & Unwin January 2023 ISBN:9781787418929 Publisher:Bonnier Imprint:Templar RRP: $24.99 I think this is the most visually stunning book I’ve seen in a long time. In fact, it is breathtakingly beautiful, and demands close scrutiny of the intricate and rich illustrations. A beautiful fable of identity and self-belief, the little panther is insecure in a…

  • Meet the Author: Q&A with Wendy Orr

    If you were paying attention a week or so ago, you will have read my review of Wendy’s fabulous new MG novel, Honey and the Valley of the Horses. Now I have the great pleasure of introducing Wendy to you in this Q&A. Welcome to Just So Stories, Wendy, and what a privilege it is…

  • Alex: Through My Eyes – Australian Disaster Zones – Rosanne Hawke, edited by Lynn White

    Allen & Unwin August 2023 ISBN:9781760877002 Publisher:A&U Children’s Imprint:A & U Children RRP: $18.99 While we all have the readers who relish the humour, the fantasy and the historical fiction, we equally have those kiddos who want the contemporary realistic fiction which demands thoughtful reflection, inspires resilience and develops a sense of empathy. All of…

  • Enola Holmes and the Mark of the Mongoose #9- Nancy Springer

    Allen & Unwin August 2023 ISBN:9781761180613 Publisher:A&U Children’s Imprint:A & U Children RRP: $19.99 We are big Enola fans here, both books and Netflix adaptations, so a bit morose that this is the final in the series *sad face*. But it is certainly a ripper of a finale, with another very clever blend of historical…

  • 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…