Just So Stories

Random Reviews and Ramblings from Redcliffe

  • Woof woof! Double the Dog Delight

    Today (as I write this) is International Dog Day and many of my friends with doggos are sharing their pals. I thought it would be a good opportunity to write these two reviews to go up after the last of the Birdie Num Num titles this week. So here we go! My Name is Jemima…

  • Ava Spark: Hello, I’m here! – Alex Field. Illustrated by Joanna Bartel.

    New Frontier Publishing May 2025 ISBN : 978-1-923145-92-4 PRICE : $16.99 Meeting Ava Spark will be something quite different for most of your readers, I think. While they may already be aware or even familiar with some methods of communication, especially AUSLAN/sign language, which many schools are incorporating into their programs, not so many will be aware…

  • Dylan Alcott: Game On! – Dylan Alcott/Fiona Regan. Illustrated by Nahum Ziersch.

    Harper Collins November 2024 What an absolute honour it was for me to be asked to write the teaching notes for this book – the first in a series – from sporting legend, disability advocate, radio host, actor, founder of his self-named foundation, film-maker, motivational speaker, Australian of the Year and, dead-set larrikin, Dylan Alcott.…

  • ABC Disability – Sarah Rose and Alley Pascoe. Illustrated by Beck Feiner.

    Hachette JUN 26, 2024 | 9780734423023 | RRP $24.99 Obviously having the care of a child with a disability for years has made me even more aware of promoting both knowledge and understanding around this topic. With the Paralympics looming, there will be plenty of opportunities for discussions with your kiddos around various disabilities, how they are acquired, what…

  • Willa and Woof #6: Double the Drama – Jacqueline Harvey

    Penguin Australia October 2023 RRP: $12.99 I am pretty sure everyone is aware already that Jacqueline is one of my favourite authors, as well as a favourite friend/wonderful human. She is also pretty prolific with her creativity – witness that just in the last two months I’ve reviewed the latest Alice-Miranda MG novel as well…

  • Mama’s Chickens – Michelle Worthington & Nicky Johnston

    EK Books March 2023 ISBN: 9781922539458 RRP: $24.99 When the news about Bruce Willis’ aphasia condition first came out, my family and friends will attest to the fact that I was devastated – given that I freely admit, and have done for years, that he is my ‘Oh yeahhhhhh’ guy and always has been. But…

  • Sticky McStickStick: the Friend who Helped me Walk Again – Michael Rosen

    Walker Books February 2022 ISBN: 9781529502404Imprint: Walker Australian RRP: $27.99New Zealand RRP: $29.99 When I first read about Michael Rosen’s near-death Covid episode, I found it incredibly moving as this man is one of my most admired creators of children’s literature. Then I read, and shared, his article thanking Sticky McStickStick, and knew for certain that this was a…

  • The Curiosities – Zana Fraillon/Phil Lesnie

    Hachette SEP 29, 2021 | 9780734417848 | RRP $26.99 Imprint: Lothian Books This is a sophisticated book in all senses so my inclination is that it is more suitable for sharing with older children, with whom one would be able to fully explore and unpack the subtleties both written and visual. Indeed, the teachers’ resources file is full of…