Just So Stories

Random Reviews and Ramblings from Redcliffe

  • Hairy Maclary from Donaldson’s Dairy [40th Anniversary] – Lynley Dodd

    Penguin Australia The real problem with these anniversary editions of our favourite books is that it always makes me feel incredibly old 😫 but, of course, at the same they always bring back so many happy memories of read-alouds for my own girls and grandies, as well as the many kiddos over a long teacher-librarian…

  • Hedgehog the Wonder Dog – Dannika Patterson/Ross Morgan

    Ford St Publishing February 2023 ISBN : 9781922696212 RRP: $17.95 It took some time for this one to arrive into my eagerly waiting hands, but it was definitely worth the wait. It was an absolute delight to share this one with some bouncy Year 2s this week, all of whom (even the neuro-diverse child who had been…

  • Pugnacious & Scuttlebutt #2: S.M.Ellybutt Strikes Back – Adam Wallace/Wayne Bryant

    Larrikin House May 2023 ISBN: 9781922804495 RRP: $14.99 This is definitely not your feel-good, cute and fluffy dog story, not that you would imagine it to be, knowing Adam’s rather – let’s say – quirky brand of creativity. Following on from the heroic pound rescue (#1 book), these two dysfunctional doggos are cruising the streets,…

  • Two Dogs – Ian Falconer

    Harper Collins Australia November 2022 RRP: $24.99 Vale Ian Falconer. 25/08/1959 8/03/2023 I think it’s actually quite ironic that I had put off reviewing this charmingly hilarious book. The news of Falconer’s death two weeks ago came as quite a shock to many and we are all the poorer for it. You may not have…

  • Willa and Woof 3: Grandparents for Hire – Jacqueline Harvey

    Penguin Australia January 2023 It makes me very happy that my first review for 2023 is for my lovely friend, and über-talented creator, Jacqueline Harvey for #3 in her latest sensational series. Jacqueline has a sublime knack for creating character with whom readers can immediately connect, empathise and love, and Willa – along with her…

  • Tarni’s Chance – Paul Collins & Jules Ober

    Ford St July 2022 ISBN: 9781922696052 RRP: $24.99 This is a stunning collaboration between these two fine creators. Paul’s ease and expertise in handling sensitive issues is well established and coupled with Jules’ fantastic mini-sculptures brings this beautiful and poignant story to life with an elegance that will entrance your readers. Tarni withdraws from the…

  • Willa and Woof #2: Birthday Business – Jacqueline Harvey

    Penguin Australia October 2022 Willa happens to find out that it’s almost Frank’s birthday and it’s a super special significant one. She feels pretty sad when she knows that Frank’s family, son and his wife plus children, who live in England are unable to even be in touch on this special day so, of course,…

  • Back to School – or not, as the case may be…

    So I’ve had these ones for a while but thought they would be more usefully timed for the start of the school year so was going to post them next week as Queensland schools were due to resume on 24th January. That was the case right up to a few hours ago when the growing…

  • Catvinkle and the Missing Tulips – Elliot Perlman

    Penguin Australia 29 September 2020 ISBN: 9781760894382 Imprint: Puffin RRP: $19.99 If you, like me, loved the first Catvinkle book and couldn’t wait to share it with your kiddos, you will also love this new hilarious episode with all the crazy animal characters of the first plus some equally quirky new ones! Catvinkle and Ula love their human children…

  • Where’s Spot? 40th Anniversary edition – Eric Hill

    Penguin Australia ISBN: 9780241446850 May 2020 $16.99 The cover image does not do this beauty justice – you need to see it for yourself in all its shiny ruby glory!! It’s almost my Jen’s birthday – she would have been turning 40 on 22nd of this month and how apt it is to be able to…