Just So Stories

Random Reviews and Ramblings from Redcliffe

  • A Message Through Time – Anna Ciddor

    Allen & Unwin April 2023 ISBN:9781761180125 Imprint:A & U Children RRP: $18.99 For those who love time-slip adventures, and particularly, are keen on ancient history this is a desirable addition to your shelves. I loved The Boy Who Stepped Through Time and after book talking it to my ChocLit kiddos, it was on a regular…

  • 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…

  • The Isabelle Stories Volume 1: Izzy & Belle – Jane Godwin. Illustrated by Robin Cowcher.

    Hachette March 2023 Imprint: Lothian Children’s Books ISBN 9780734421593  RRP: $14.99 Whil Jane Godwin’s delightful new series for your younger readers, venturing on their independent reading journeys will, I predict, be a huge hit. These kiddos are always enthralled with stories which mirror their own doings, likes and dislikes, worries and joys, and, of course,…

  • All Four Quarters of the Moon – Shirley Marr

    Penguin Australia July 2022 On the last day of her old life, Peijing makes moon cakes with Ah Ma for the Autumn Festival. The following Peijing and her family, Ba Ba, Ma Ma, little sister Biju and Ah Ma, move to Australia and their new lives begin. Moving house is always a time of upheaval…

  • The Lorikeet Tree – Paul Jennings

    Allen & Unwin January 2023 ISBN:9781761180095 Publisher:A&U Children’s Imprint:A & U Children The Master returns, proving yet again that he can still enthral readers of all ages with the most marvellous narratives. It would seem that being almost an octogenarian is no bar whatsoever to remaining a writer as brilliant as the titular birds in…

  • 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…

  • Dancing with Memories – Sally Yule with Professor Ralph Martins & Maggie Beer. Illustrated by Cheryl Orsini.

    Harper Collins July 2022 Imprint: ABC Books AU RRP: $24.99 The length of time I’ve been sitting on this is certainly no reflection of its quality or value so please don’t think it is. Given my rather tumultuous year, there came a point where I just thought – save all these PBs for November so…

  • My Baba is the Best – Bachar Houli. Illustrated by Debby Rahmalia

    Penguin Australia August 2022 RRP: $19.99 Read more in this piece from SBS Arabic24 This is simply just a joyous read filled with family and fatherly love. It is wonderful that we have an ever-increasing diverse representation of our Australian children in books, and, in particular, picture books. Bachar proves himself not just a great…

  • Peppa Pig: Peppa’s Dragon Adventure

    Penguin Australia August 2022 We can always depend on Peppa and her family to provide us with warm fuzzies, plus imagination combined with happy reality. When George Pig doesn’t want to go to sleep, fearful of bad dreams, Daddy Pig tells a wonderful story about a dragon. Peppa and George enjoy the story so much,…

  • Peppa Pig: A Trip to the Moon

    Penguin Australia September 2022 ISBN: 9780241610664 Imprint: Ladybird RRP: $16.99 I think it’s safe to say that Peppa’s popularity just does not diminish! I shared this one with a delightful class of Preppies and before reading, when I asked who likes Peppa, there was a forest of hands shooting up and much excited chatter. The kiddos really enjoyed…