Just So Stories

Random Reviews and Ramblings from Redcliffe

  • 2026 Father’s Day Special: Superheroes in the Park – Ian Eagleton. Hayley Wells

    New South Books Publisher: Otter Barry Books 9781915659972 July 2026 AUD$26.99, NZD$29.99 I’m going to be completely honest here. While I found this a little too heavy-handed, I really do love the entire concept and also, that the author is writing from his own experience and heart. Ian Eagleton and his husband adopted a toddler…

  • 2026 Father’s Day Special: Every Day is Special with Dad – Sarah Ayoub & Kate Moon.

    Harper Collins Australia June 2026 I know that not every child is as lucky as I was. I had two great fathers essentially. My Father Bear until my parents divorced when I was 14 but even apart, they were both loving parents and my dad never stopped being my biggest fan. Then a couple of…

  • 2026 Father’s Day Special: My Dad Makes the World Go Around and Around – Maddy Mara. Illustrated by Andrew Joyner.

    Harper Collins Australia June 2026 What a wonderfully exuberant rhyming romp this one is! Filled with Andrew Joyner’s unmistakable art with some whacky inventions and gadgets and just one of many fathers doing extraordinary yet ordinary stuff with their kiddos. This one just happens to be rather a Caractacus Potts or perhaps a Wallace with…

  • 2026 Father’s Day Special: Some Dads: 15th Anniversary Edition – Nick Bland

    Scholastic Australia July 2026 ISBN: 9781761723841 RRP: $19.99 First of all let me say, I love EVERY Nick Bland book without exception. They are both clever and always well-executed. And this long-time favourite must have been shared a gazillion times in libraries, classrooms and homes for the past 15 years. It is both fun and…

  • 2026 Fathers Day Special: Baby’s First Father’s Day – Cheryl Orsini

    Hardie Grant Australia June 2026 ISBN:9781761217876 Format:Board book Price:AU$19.99, NZ$22.99 Series:Baby’s First Imprint:Hardie Grant Children’s Publishing First pick for this year’s crop of Father’s Day books is another in Cheryl Orsini’s sublime ‘Baby’s First‘ series. Simple text, charming story line and those absolutely glorious illustrations. What’s not to love? It’s a Father’s Day special hike…

  • My Dog – Olivia Wakeford

    the story of an extraordinary friendship Harper Collins Australia ISBN: 9780008658588 ISBN 10: 0008658587 Imprint: HarperCollins GB RRP: $17.99 This one I will say was at times, a bit too close to the bone for me. That being said, it is truly a special book that will touch the hearts of sophisticated primary readers and, I would suggest,…

  • Goodnight Daddy – Gregg Dreise

    Scholastic Australia July 2025 This second title from Gregg Dreise for this year’s NAIDOC showcase, is essentially a complete departure from his usual style both textually and artistically. While it is still easy to recognise his deft hand, this is no updated Dreaming story with lots of very discernible First Nations art iconography. This is…

  • Father’s Day 2024

    Happy Father’s day to all the dads, grandpas, uncles, significant/lighthouse males as well as the mums pulling double-duty as both parents. What Do You Call Your Dad? – Ashleigh Barton/Martina Heiduczek Harper Collins Australia July 2024 I’ve now reviewed several of Ashleigh’s books and also had, quite recently, the pleasure of meeting her at the…

  • Happy Father’s Day!

    Whether you are celebrating a dad, step-dad, grandfather or the person who takes on the important role of a father figure – there are so many beautiful books which will add joy to your family’s or class’ marking of this special day. Here are some fabulous titles that will fit the bill perfectly! I love…

  • Monstrous Devices – Damien Love

    Bloomsbury Australia May 2020 Imprint: Rock the Boat ISBN 9780451478597 RRP $14.99 Firstly if Sid’s Franken-toys in Toy Story freaked you out a bit, you’re really not going to like the titular monstrous devices in this deliciously exciting and somewhat creepy debut novel from Damien Love! Twelve year old Alex has a collection of old…