Just So Stories

Random Reviews and Ramblings from Redcliffe

  • The Happy Prisoner – Monica Dickens

      First published in 1946 I originally read this when a friend gave me  a copy as a birthday gift many (many!) years ago. I loved it so much and re-read it so often that the paperback disintegrated over time and was reluctantly abandoned. A few weeks ago the wonderful Pat Pledger of ReadPlus invited…

  • The Book of Chance – Sue Whiting

    Walker Books Australia April 2020 ISBN: 9781760651367 Imprint: Walker Books Australia Australian RRP: $17.99 New Zealand RRP: $19.99 For Chance Callahan life has always been simple and straightforward. She and her mum and her dog, Tige, have a happy existence with their almost-family next door including Chance’s best friend Alek.   The two girls are about to start second term…

  • Aussie Kids series #3 & #4

    Penguin Random House March 2020 This new series for newly independent readers has already been a big hit in our junior library. Not only are the stories relatable to these young readers but they are able to explore Australia vicariously – and let’s face it, at present particularly this is a huge advantage.   Meet…

  • Lottie Luna and the Twilight Party (Lottie Luna #2) – Vivian French. Illustrated by Nathan Reed.

    Harper Collins Australia March 2020 ISBN: 9780008343019 ISBN 10: 0008343012 Imprint: HarperCollins – GB List Price: 12.99 AUD We all know two things for certain. Young readers love to see a reflection of their own lives: school, friendship, family and so on and that Vivian French excels in creating engaging and whimsical adventures for her audience. This is Lottie’s…

  • James Gong The Big Hit – Paul Collins

    Hybrid Publishers June 2020 ISBN 9781925736441 RRP: $16.99 Fourteen year old James Gong is pretty much a fairly average teenage boy living in suburbia with a family who are also pretty average – well in most respects. His mother rescues dogs and keeps them out the back of their house, to the frequent annoyance of…

  • Freefall:  Kensy & Max #5 –– Jacqueline Harvey

    Published: 3 March 2020 ISBN: 9780143796985 Imprint: Puffin RRP: $16.99   Hold onto your seats for another major adrenalin rush in this new top-notch adventure of twins Kensy and Max, young agents-in-training! In this latest episode there is a continuing thread from the previous book in which a thoroughly evil villain was unmasked. The outwardly charming Dash Chalmers has…

  • The Long Distance  Playlist – Tara Eglington

    Harper Collins Australia January 2020 ISBN: 9781460755211 ISBN 10: 1460755219 Imprint: HarperCollins – AU RRP: $19.99 Well if you told me I would absolutely fall in love with a YA (primarily) romantic novel I would no doubt have scoffed loudly. However, this is just delightful and so so much more than just romance. Eglington explores contemporary culture, family…

  • Toffle Towers #1: Fully Booked – Tim Harris/James Foley

    Penguin August 2019 ISBN: 9780143795421 Imprint: Puffin RRP: $14.99 Tim Harris, creator of the remarkable Mr Bambuckle, presents an equally daffy protagonist in this new series. Chegwin Toffle may be only ten years old but he is one very determined entrepreneur albeit prone to wild imaginings and daydreams. Chegwin is the sole beneficiary of his hitherto unknown great-uncle…

  • The Curse of the School Rabbit – Judith Kerr

    Harper Collins July 2019 ISBN: 9780008352608 ISBN 10: 0008352607 Imprint: HarperCollins Children’sBooks   The late Judith Kerr’s final book, like all her glorious work, is quintessentially English, gently humorous and full of everyday adventure and family life. When Snowball the school rabbit needs to be rabbit-sat for a time, Tommy’s little sister, Angie, is ecstatic. Tommy is less…

  • Nullaboo Hullabaloo – Fleur Ferris

    Penguin 9780143787143 May 7, 2019 Puffin   RRP: $14.99   We could all use some more fairy dust in our lives. Whether it’s because of the gloom and doom of daily news reports or if (like me packing up house) because of some personal issues. I maintain that a liberal sprinkling of fairy sparkle would…