Just So Stories

Random Reviews and Ramblings from Redcliffe


  • The Very Fine Clock – Muriel Spark. Drawings by Edward Gorey.

    Transit Children’s Editions New South Books Illustrated by Edward Gorey, author Muriel Spark 9798893380262/ February 2026/AUD$29.99, NZD$34.99 From the archives: Illustrator Edward Gorey Collection of Macabre Author and Illustrator Edward Gorey Item Well I knew Muriel Spark wrote The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie and I certainly knew the name of Edward Gorey, – the…

  • Friday Barnes 11: Last Chance – R. A. Spratt

    Penguin Australia Oh Friday, you just get betterer and betterer! Readers will remember my anecdote of the dismay felt by my coterie of Friday fans, when the ‘last’ in the (original) series was announced, and was confirmed by my (then) recent conversation with Rachel over afternoon tea. Subsequently – and by then in a different…

  • Little Frida – Anthony Browne

    Walker Books April 2019 ISBN: 9781406381221 Imprint: Walker Australian RRP: $24.99 New Zealand RRP: $27.99 The absolutely mega-talented Anthony Browne brings his own distinctive style to the story of another fabulous artist, Frida Kahlo. This glorious picture book gives younger readers an insight into the background and artistic genesis of Kahlo who has, over the years, become an increasingly…

  • An Artist’s Alphabet – Norman Messenger

    ISBN: 9781406346763 Imprint: Walker Studio October , 2016 Australian RRP: $29.99 New Zealand RRP: $32.99   This is an amazingly beautiful book which unfortunately (with a couple of others, reviews on their way) got waylaid on a shelf under some other more trivial items. Whether this is a gift or a title for your library collection (either primary or…