Just So Stories

Random Reviews and Ramblings from Redcliffe

  • Eyes that Kiss in the Corners – Joanna Ho. Illustrated by Dung Ho.

    Harper Collins Australia May 2021 ISBN: 9780062915627 ISBN 10: 0062915622 Imprint: HarperCollins US RRP: $24.99 This stunningly beautiful and lyrical book has been one of the most talked about on children’s book lists around the world for the past few weeks, and once you see it and read it, you will quickly realise why it is so. I,…

  • Hello and Welcome – Gregg Dreise

    Penguin Australia March 2021 ISBN: 9781760898328 Imprint: Puffin RRP: $24.99 With absolutely spot-on timing for Harmony Day 2021, multi-talented Gregg Dreise’s new book – which is a stunning companion to My Culture and Me – once again celebrates our First Australian people. In joyful celebration, as all are welcomed to corroboree, this gorgeous book provides insight and understanding…

  • Aussie Kids series – Books #5 & #6

    Penguin Australia July 2020 Get your little newly independent readers excited when you add these two new volumes to the Aussie Kids books! This is just a truly charming series as children take a vicarious trip around our beautiful country, learning a little about kids from other spaces, cultures and backgrounds as well as information…

  • The Proudest Blue – Ibtihaj Muhammad, with S. K. Ali. Art by Hatem Aly

    Walker Books Australia February 2020 ISBN: 9781783449712Imprint: Andersen PressAustralian RRP: $24.99New Zealand RRP: $26.99 This is a beautiful expression of a strong bond between sisters as well as an empowering story to encourage children to be proud of their culture and to better understand the cultural differences of their classmates. The strong anti-bullying message is one that is of…

  • 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…

  • All Are Welcome – Alexandra Penfold/Suzanne Kaufman

    Bloomsbury Australia February 2019 ISBN: 9781526604071 Imprint: Bloomsbury Children RRP: $14.99 I deliberately saved this one to time with Harmony Day since it is a perfect expression of what we want to convey to our children as they grow up in a world where so many adults are blindly ignorant of the true meaning of…

  • Pack your bags – we’re going on a trip!

      Tania McCartney and Tina Snerling EK Publishing RRP $19.99 Tania and Tina have once again triumphed as they continue their “A Kid’s Year Series”.  Children are celebrated and cultures, customs and festivities are explored in each book via the group of children featured.  What an absolutely marvellous way for us to spread the joy…

  • How The Queen Found The Perfect Cup Of Tea

    By Kate Hosford Illustrated by Gabi Swiatkowska ISBN: 9781467739047 Imprint: Lerner PG – Carolrhoda Books Distributor: Walker Australia-HEDS April 1, 2017 Australian RRP: $24.99 New Zealand RRP: $27.99 Life as the Queen is pretty luxurious. There are maids to help one get dressed each day and footmen to serve delicious beverages and food. Still, this particular Queen grows very dissatisfied especially with…

  • Coming of Age: growing up Muslim in Australia – Amra Pajalic & Demet Divaroren [Edit.]

    ISBN: 9781743312926 Australian Pub.: January 2014 Publisher: Allen & Unwin Imprint: A & U Children Subject: Young adult non fiction RRP $18.99 As many in our nation continue to fear and abuse any of the Muslim faith and while even the global media whips this anti-Islam feeling into frenzy, this is an important book for…