Just So Stories

Random Reviews and Ramblings from Redcliffe


  • Hatch – Heidi Cooper Smith

    CSIRO Publishing Hardback | April 2025 | $ 26.99ISBN: 9781486318278 This gorgeous narrative non-fiction book makes me think of my Year 1s, 30 years ago as we had the fun of watching chickens hatch, and frogspawn develop, investigating how life begins for many creatures. I know there are many ELC and Prep classes that still…

  • Fabulous Frogs – Katrina Germein. Illustrated by Suzanne Houghton

    CSIRO Publishing October 2024 | $ 24.99ISBN: 9781486317875  Some readers might recall another froggy book I reviewed recently where I also shared our personal love of our amphibian friends. So, quite naturally, I was delighted to be able to review this one especially when these two outstanding creators have paired up. As you would expect,…

  • Little Axel’s Axolotl – Juliette MacIver. Illustrated by Christopher Nielsen.

    Walker Books Australia July 2024 ISBN13:9781760656195 Australia RRP:$25.99 New Zealand RRP:$27.99 Anyone who has owned an axolotl, or indeed even just seen one, knows that they are such quirky little animals, they are begging to have stories written about them. I loved this picture book which is pure fun and kookiness. With it’s bouncing rhythm…

  • Frog Squad: #1 Dessert Disaster- Kate and Jol Temple

    Harper Collins Australia May 2024 People who know me are well aware of my love of wordplay, especially puns, so this hilarious new series is right up my alley. You might say I almost jumped for joy and honestly, your kiddos will find it un-frog-ettable as well. The Frog Squad is an elite group of…