Just So Stories

Random Reviews and Ramblings from Redcliffe


  • The Daredevil Princess and the Grumpy Giant – Belinda Murrell. Illustrated by Rebecca Crane

    Penguin Australia July 2024 There’s absolutely no doubt about it – Belinda Murrell has certainly hit the sweet spot s with this new series. Unicorns, goblins, and dragons have all delighted her fans so far, and now a seriously annoyed sleep-deprived giant will once again engage Smalls in the adventures of Princess Tillie and Honey…

  • The Daredevil Princess and the Fire Dragon: #3 – Belinda Murrell. Illustrated by Rebecca Crane.

    Penguin Australia Princess Tillie and Honeyblossom are back in another exciting mystery/adventure, this time with a very large, very pink and very grumpy dragon with which to deal. Yet again, there is trouble in the Queendom when suddenly all the water begins to dry up – wells, fountains, animal troughs, the castle moat, all have…

  • Q&A with Belinda Murrell

    Q&A with Belinda Murrell

    Welcome to Just So Stories, Belinda! And how exciting to have you here at last (I have no idea why it’s taken so long really!). But with the debut of another brand-new series, it certainly is good timing. Let’s start off at the very beginning. Tell us about Belinda the little girl: family (of course,…

  • The Daredevil Princess and the Goblin King [#2] – Belinda Murrell. Illustrated by Rebecca Crane.

    Penguin Random House February 2024 After a slight hiccup in delivery, here is #2 in Belinda’s fun new series for your younger readers. Those kiddos who are now so proud of being able to read ‘chapter books’, all of whom will relish the humour and adventure in these stories. Princess Tillie, now constantly accompanied by…

  • The Daredevil Princess and the Golden Unicorn: #1 – Belinda Murrell. Illustrated by Rebecca Crane.

    Penguin Random House February 2024 Make way, make way, for Her Royal Highness, Crown Princess Mathilda Amalia Charlotte Adelaide Rose! Or, as readers will come to know her, Princess Tillie, newest character from one of our favourite authors, Belinda Murrell. The first in a brand new series especially pitched at freshly independent readers, this has…

  • The Silver Sea – Belinda Murrell

    Penguin Australia August 2022 ISBN: 9781761045554 Imprint: Puffin RRP: $16.99 Young Sophie is still living with her grandmother while her mum and brother are busy with Archie’s summer camp for young geniuses. During her summer sojourn Sophie has discovered, by complete accident, her Nanna’s connection with beautiful Tuscia and the Rossellana family. After one grand adventure, Sophie has…

  • Searching for Charlotte: The Fascinating Story of Australia’s First Children’s Author/s-Kate Forsyth, Belinda Murrell

    Paperback | Nov 2020 | National Library of Australia | 9780642279699 AUD$34.95, NZD$39.99 I had hoped to review this when it was released – sadly, the publicists did not get the memo and I missed out. But it was always going to find its place in our collection given both its subject matter and the…

  • The Golden Tower – Belinda Murrell

    Penguin Australia March 2021 ISBN: 9781760897093 Imprint: Puffin RRP: $16.99   Belinda Murrell’s time-slip adventures have always been thrilling and captivating and this new one does not fail to do the same. Sophie is feeling a little down. Though she loves her English grandmother dearly, she’s a little bored with her extended stay while her mum and younger…

  • Aussie Kids

      Introducing an absolutely fabulous new series for your newly independent/emerging readers that will take them all over Australia to meet a diverse array of characters and visit iconic destinations. Not only will this be the perfect share for those units on Australia for Junior school kiddos but is a superb introduction to diversity, inclusion…

  • Total Quack Up Again! – Edited by Sally Rippin and Adrian Beck. Illustrated by Jules Faber.

    Penguin Australia October 2019 ISBN: 9781760893583 Imprint: Puffin RRP: $14.99 Get quacking if you haven’t already and grab this second edition of hilarious stories from some of our most celebrated authors as well as one young newcomer! The first TQU was a great success not only providing children with some super funny stories but raising funds for Dymocks…