Just So Stories

Random Reviews and Ramblings from Redcliffe


  • The Sea Captain’s Wife – Jackie French

    Harper Collins Australia It really is a given, that a new Jackie French book means that all other books are put on hold (even if half-read!) until I have devoured the newest. And that’s exactly what has happened over the past few days. Just under 500 pages flew by over a couple of nights as…

  • Swimming on the Moon – Brian Conaghan

    Bloomsbury May 2023 ISBN 9781526653925 Imprint Bloomsbury Children’s Books RRP: $16.99 I had missed release info on this one, but as soon as I found out about it, I especially requested it (thank you Bloomsbury!) because I have been in love with Brian Conaghan’s writing since Cardboard Cowboys (do yourself a favour and read it!).…

  • Time Travelling with a Tortoise – Ross Welford

    Harper Collins Australia January 2024 I have thoroughly enjoyed every single one of Ross Welford’s books that I have read. These adventures are chockful of adventure, humour, heart and a sense of the absurd, and every time I’ve pushed one into a reader’s hands they have come back for more. That, for me, says it…

  • Which Way Round the Galaxy – Cressida Cowell

    Hachette Australia SEP 26, 2023 | 9781444973501 | RRP $22.99 IMPRINT: Hodder Children’s Books I’ve absolutely adored Cressida Cowell’s previous series – along with millions of others – but this newest one is just so crackerjack that I really think it is my favourite so far. This is the second instalment in this firecracker fantasy/adventure which centres on the…

  • I love You Because I Love You – Mượn Thị Văn. Illustrated by Jessica Love.

    Harper Collins Australia ISBN: 9780008531652ISBN-10: 000853165X This is essentially a quite simple book, but it is also one that is packed with layers to absorb and reflect upon, as it examines the concept of love across a wide spectrum of diverse people. Using what is generally known as a call-and-response technique, the first statement is relayed “I…

  • Pippa and the Troublesome Twins – Dimity Powell/Andrew Plant

    Ford St Publishing June 2023 ISBN: 9781922696298 RRP: $17.95 Pippa is back in a new story and it is one with which many young readers will make connections. Being a big sister or brother is a very exciting time but it can also be very frustrating and leave an older sibling feeling quite resentful, no…

  • Rida and Madiya: a Bloomsbury Reader – Niyla Farook and Umair Najeeb Khan

    Bloomsbury Australia May 2023 RRP: $14.99 ISBN 9781801991933 Imprint Bloomsbury Education Series Bloomsbury Readers Yes, this is a sample of Bloomsbury readers and these have been written and aimed directly at the UK curriculum market, but don’t let that put you off. This series has been crafted by some top authors and the books written…

  • 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,…

  • Worst. Holiday. Ever. – Charlie Higson

    Penguin AustraliaISBN: 9780241414781 May 2021 ISBN: 9780241414781 Imprint: Puffin RRP: $14.99 See, I associate Charlie Higson’s name with Young Bond, thrilling spy adventures, evil villains – you know the sort of thing so this absolutely hilarious book took me completely by surprise. Stan is the only child of pretty ordinary parents and lives in a pretty ordinary suburban house…

  • KBR: Moonlight Mums – Laura Stitzel

    Read my review of this beautiful new picture book on Kids Book Review now 🙂

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