Just So Stories

Random Reviews and Ramblings from Redcliffe

  • The One and Only Ruby – Katherine Applegate

    Harper Collins Australia June 2023 We first fell in love with Ivan and his friends over ten years ago (yes! I know!!), and I still defy anyone to read the gentle gorilla’s story with dry eyes. Then, the amazing Katherine Applegate followed up with The One and Only Bob, and again we were both amused…

  • Wildlife Compendium of the World – Tania McCartney

    Hardie Grant May 2023 ISBN9781741177473 Imprint: Hardie Grant Explore RRP: $32.99 I can safely say without hesitation that Tania’s gorgeous picture books are only surpassed by her utterly glorious non-fiction books. You may disagree – but you’d be wrong in my opinion! I have always loved informational books – yes, I was the nerdy kid…

  • The Last Whale – Chris Vick

    Bloomsbury Australia November 2022 Imprint: Head of Zeus ISBN: 9781803281612 RRP: AU $26.99 NZ $29.99 WhtT This is a terrific read which combines a lot of very topical issues into a passionate call to arms in a vital environmental crisis. Spanning three generations the story of the Kristensen family and their close connection with the…

  • The Golden Swift – Lev Grossman

    Bloomsbury July 2022 ISBN 9781526647634 Imprint Bloomsbury Children’s Books RRP: $14.99 A couple of years back I enthusiastically endorsed The Silver Arrow and I am very pleased to say that this second instalment is equally as enchanting for your middle school readers. A year after they first encounter The Silver Arrow and begin their mission…

  • Endangered Animal Tales 1: Coco, the Fish with Hands – Aleesah Darlison. Illustrated by Mel Matthews.

    Penguin Random House June 2021 Yesterday at the EdSummit conference Brisbane, I had the great joy of hearing the amazing Aleesah Darlison deliver a lively and engaging presentation called “Saving the Environment through Story”. Uber-talented Aleesah has long been a huge advocate for the environment and has repeatedly taken up the cause of various creatures…

  • The Tindims of Rubbish Island – Sally Gardner and Lydia Corry

    Harper Collins Australia September 2020 ISBN: 9781838935672 ISBN 10: 1838935673 Imprint: Head Of Zeus – Zehpyr – GB List Price: 12.99 AUD This is not only a terrific story for newly independent readers to enjoy on their own but if your junior classes are planning an environmental or recycling unit this would make a super introduction to some serial…

  • Health and Help for tweens & teens

    There is certainly a boom in books targeting young people to empower them to be their best selves and take action for the greater good. As it happens I have quite a pile of them here so have decided to compile them into this one post. All are very worthy additions either to a personal…

  • Tree Beings – Raymond Huber and Sandra Severgnini [with a foreword by Jane Goodall]

    Exisle Publishing October 2020 ISBN 9781925820539 RRP $34.99 I think it fair to say that if Dr Jane Goodall is lending her endorsement to a book then you know it must be of the highest quality. This is a beautiful volume packed with information and richly illustrated which addresses the growing desire among children to…

  • The Silver Arrow – Lev Grossman

    Bloomsbury September 2020 ISBN 9781526629418 RRP: AU $14.99 NZ $16.99 In my opinion it’s a rare middle-age novel that can transcend reading interests, age groups and genders but this is most definitely one that can. Certainly your middle grade readers will love it but it is just as appealing for older readers, including adults, as…

  • Old Enough to Save the Planet – Loll Kirby/Adelina Lirius

    Walker Books Australia April 2020 ISBN: 9781916180529 Imprint: Magic Cat Publishing Australian RRP: $24.99 New Zealand RRP: $27.99 Another fantastic book to inspire your kiddos who are always keen to be eco-warriors especially in their own ‘backyard’ so to speak. This book collates the stories of 12 real-life child environmental entrepreneurs who have identified problems within either their…