Just So Stories

Random Reviews and Ramblings from Redcliffe


  • Handbooks for Little Humans: Compassion & Confidence – Zanni Louise. Kim Drane

    Simon & Schuster Publisher: Affirm Press RRP: LIST PRICE: AU$ 19.99 / NZ$ 24. Geez, it’s tricky being human, isn’t it?You have so many things to learn, like: tying your shoelaces, learning the alphabet and eating noodles.Here’s another thing to add to your list: ISBN13: 9781923293175 September 2025 Wow. Being human is tricky, don’t you…

  • Beyond the Shore – Kirli Saunders. Illustrated by Mark Chester Harding.

    I had the great pleasure of listening to Kirli Saunders speak about her work, back in May so had special interest in seeing this new title. I was also particularly interested to see the illustrations from debut picture book illustrator, Mark Chester Harding. There is an elegant simplicity about both text and illos that has…

  • The Little Engine that Could – Watty Piper

    Scholastic Australia December 2024 ISBN: 9781761642449 ISBN-10: 1761642448 RRP: $19.99 As I read this [I’ve lost count of how many times I have done so over the years] ready to write this review, it is Xmas Eve. And, as happens, all my loved ones who are missing are strongly in my mind. My dear Mum, who would…

  • The 113th Assistant Librarian – Stuart Wilson

    Penguin Australia When you get an ARC all wrapped up pretty just like a birthday present, you can be pretty sure it’s going to be an exciting surprise inside and so it was. I mean to say, how could they possibly go wrong sending me something called this with a stern warning about the magic…

  • The Unlikely Heroes Club – Kate Foster

    Walker Books Australia ISBN13:9781760655969 Imprint: Walker Books Australia Australia RRP:$16.99 New Zealand RRP:$18.99 Some of my readers will recall that I recently reviewed The Bravest Word, and may also be familiar with Paws, In her new book, Kate returns to the theme of autism that was a focus in the latter, and provides readers with…

  • The Black Cockatoo with One Feather Blue – Jodie McCleod/Eloise Short

    Wollemi Press July 2023 ISBN: 9780646874708 RRP: $26.99 Confidence can be a frail commodity for many of us, but, perhaps, particularly for little people. And, as a result, it is easy to imbue a particular object with special qualities that make us feel braver, stronger and smarter – whether professional golfer with a lucky tee…

  • Funny Kid Peeking Duck [Funny Kid #7] – Matt Stanton

    Harper Collins Australia April 2020 ISBN: 9780733340598 ISBN 10: 0733340598 Imprint: ABC Books – AU List Price: 14.99 AUD Matt Stanton’s Max has become one of the most popular characters in Australian kids’ lit in recent years – with the first debuting at #1 Australian kids’ book in 2017. The Funny Kid continues to garner enthusiastic fans not only…

  • The Girls’ Guide to Growing Up Great: Changing Bodies, Periods, Relationships, Life Online

    –  Sophie Elkan with Laura Chaisty & Dr Maddy Podichetty. Illustrated by Flo Perry Bloomsbury Australia June 2018 Imprint: Green Tree ISBN 978147294374 RRP $22.99 Navigating through puberty is no easy ask and often it seems tweens heading into teens can be quite overwhelmed despite all intentions to help them be informed and comfortable. For…

  • Chook Doolan series – James Roy. Illustrated by Lucinda Gifford

      Walker Books Sometimes it can be tricky finding those transition type books for the little ones who are ready to take on their first chapter books. I have found the Chook Doolan series to be ideal for this and I know that many people will already have some in their collection. Now we have…

  • Girl vs. Boy Band: The Right Track – Harmony Jones

    Bloomsbury Publishing Australia Published: 01-07-2016 ISBN: 9781408868546 Imprint: Bloomsbury Childrens RRP: $14.99 If you have girls who are pop fans and are looking for a little innocent romance along with an engaging story, this will be a very popular addition to your collection. It’s light and frothy and a bit bubble-gummy but perfect for tweens…