Just So Stories

Random Reviews and Ramblings from Redcliffe


  • Ella and the Mystery of the Missing Frogs – Cassy Polimeni. Illustrated by Hykie Breeze.

    UWA Publishing Distributed by Simon & Schuster March 2026 #3 in the Ella’s froggy series is another engaging read for those early chapter books readers in your circle – the ones who are growing more confident with their sustained reading. Each of these charmers has presented a narrative to which kids will relate and make…

  • Be The Change: Rob Greenfield’s Call to Kids – Rob Greenfiled and Antonia Banyard

    Making a Difference in a Messed-up World New South Books Publisher: Greystone Books APril 2025 AUD$24.99, NZD$29.99 This is a book completely on point especially for all the kids and schools taking action towards zero waste and climate change/environmental degradation. I love that it’s written jargon-free with an easy conversational tone that feels like author…

  • Awash – Marg Gibbs/Sandra Severgnini

    Picture Book – full colourPublished – M J Gibbs, 2025Illustrated by – Sandra Severgnini$28.00 Ages – 3-7 yearsTeachers Notes available from the author – m.j.gibbs@bigpond.com It’s always a pleasure to review for ‘local’ creators. Author Marg Gibbs as well as illustrator Sandra Severgnini, I have been fortunate to meet. Both are Sunshine Coast/Hinterland based which…

  • Curious Kai Asks Why? – Sarah Pye. Sandra Severgnini.

    September 2025ISBN: 978-1-7640657-0-2 (paperback)ISBN: 978-1-7640657-1-9 (ebook) Last year I had the great pleasure of meeting and making friends with both these Sunshine Coast based creators. A more dynamic and engaging pair of personalities you would find hard to meet. Since then I’ve reviewed books from them, followed their adventures (most recently, Sarah’s trip to Galapagos…

  • Nim’s Island – holiday fun on the Sunshine Coast

    From Wendy Orr: ​Nim’s Island showing on the Sunshine Coast on the school holidays. Always nice to see it still bringing fun for kids. I wonder if they know it’s an Australian book and was filmed not far from them? [Hinchinbrook!] Thrilling activity guide for the holidays on the Sunshine Coast Maybe it’s time to…

  • The Bee Squad

    Boosting biodiversity in your neighbourhood – Judy Friedlander New South Books Ferbruary 2025 ISBN: 9781742238227  RRP: $27.99 Last year there were quite a few books come my way with bugs and biodiversity featured. This one is almost a complete wrap-up of them all in a non-fiction package. We know kiddos are enthusiastic about environmental activities.…

  • Merry Christmas, Little Wombat! Charles Fuge

    Walker Books Australia October 2024 ISBN13:9781760655105 Australia RRP:$19.99 New Zealand RRP:$24.99 This is a super-cute book from a well-established author/illustrator with great credentials. I am the first to say I don’t really know his work though I do recognise Little Wombat. I need to say this first and get it out of the way. A…

  • The Beehive – Megan Daley/Max Hamilton

    Walker Books Australia February 2024 ISBN13:9781760655228 Australia RRP:$26.99 New Zealand RRP:$28.99 Given it’s World Bee Day, it seems the right time to finally get to this one. I’m happy to say that Megan Daley and I go back quite a long way, and though we don’t often physically cross paths, we have some shared experiences…

  • Tweet – Morris Gleitzman

    Penguin Australia April 2024 This arrived last Friday (22/3), and on Sunday I took it with me when we went up the coast for two days of R&R to celebrate The Kid’s birthday. I read 240ish pages the first evening with only a break to head out for the birthday celebration dinner. I was a…

  • Salt Water Therapy

                              Here are four picture books all of which centre on the ocean but with very different purpose, style and execution, each of them truly lovely.   Beach Song – Ros Moriarty. Illustrated by Samantha Campbell Allen & Unwin January 2024 ISBN:9781761180248 Publisher:A&U Children’s Imprint:A & U Children RRP: $24.99 Ros Moriarty comments ‘my emotional wellbeing…