Just So Stories

Random Reviews and Ramblings from Redcliffe

  • If I Could Eat the Stars and Other Poems – Chosen by Rebecca. M. Newman & Sally Murphy. Illustrated by Briony Stewart.

    Publisher: Fremantle Press April 2026 ISBN: 9781760996482 RRP: $17.99 It is no secret that I love a great poetry book and, remarkably, after not having had one for review for quite some time, suddenly I have two stunning ones! The first is this absolute little cracker from Fremantle Press and a stellar cast of contributors. Here’s just…

  • Ten-Word Tiny Tales – Joseph Coelho and Friends

    An anthology of brilliantly illustrated tales only ten words long, from former Children’s Laureate Joseph Coelho and friends Walker Books Australia October 2025 ISBN13:9781529502688 Australia RRP:$27.99 New Zealand RRP:$29.99 A JUNIOR LIBRARY GUILD SELECTIONSHORLISTED FOR THE ENGLISH 4-11 BOOK AWARDS LEICESTERSELECTED AS A KIRKUS REVIEWS BEST BOOK OF THE YEAR I am so sorry that…

  • Australia’s Greatest Stories: True Tales, Legends and Larrikins – Graham Seal

    Publisher:Allen & Unwin October 2024 ISBN:9781761471131 Imprint:Allen & Unwin RRP: $34.99 This is exactly the sort of yarning book that my Father Bear and I loved to read and share with each other, so in one sense it was quite a nostalgic trip for me. It was however, fascinating to be able to explore hitherto…

  • Borderlands: Riding the Slipstream – Edited by Paul Collins

    Ford St Publishing June 2024 ISBN: 9781922696403 RRP: $29.99 Paul Collins and Ford St Publishing are, IMO, the most successful editors and creators of anthologies for young people in the country. Just yesterday FB reminded me that the very first published review I ever did was sent off to ReadPlus 12 years ago and it…

  • Borderlands: Riding the Slipstream – the preemptive post. Not-Yet-The-Review

    Yes, I know that’s probably the strangest header I’ve ever put up but I’ve been mentally writing this post for a week and here goes. I’m really excited about reviewing the new anthology from Ford St Publishing. It’s been sitting patiently on my shelf waiting till I get NAIDOC reviews done. I think I’m right…

  • I Think of You & Other Poems – Alexander McCall-Smith

    New South Books Nov 2023 | Polygon | 9781846976452 | 112pp | 198x129mm | GEN | AUD$29.99, NZD$34.99 I’ve been a AM-S fan for a long time, but this is the first time I’ve experienced his poetry. As he does throughout much of his prose writing, the author shares his deep love of both his…

  • Our Australian HeART anthology – Just Write for Kids and Friends

     Daisy Lane Publishing & Just Write For Kids Australia ISBN: 9780645842722 RRP: $32.99 Contributors include: Bridget Acreman . Suzanne Barton . Melanie Corrigan . Kim de Haan . Michèle Dodd . Alisha Dyer . Naomi Eccles-Smith . Hannah Friend . Daniela Glyntzos . Imogen Hartland . Jacqui Hewlett . Carla Hoffenberg . Jennifer Horn . Lorraine &…

  • The Book That Made Me – Edited by Judith Ridge

    ISBN: 9781922244888 Imprint: WALKER BOOKS AUST Release Date: September 1, 2016 Australian RRP: $19.99 New Zealand RRP: $22.99 Although the publishers suggest an age range of 14 up I feel that it is going to be adults who will enjoy this most. Judith Ridge has compiled a wonderful collection of anecdotes from thirty-two of Australia’s leading storytellers.  Each describes the…