Just So Stories

Random Reviews and Ramblings from Redcliffe


  • Pages & Co #3: Tilly and the Map of Stories – Anna James

    Harper Collins Australia October 2020 ISBN: 9780008229948 ISBN 10: 0008229945 Imprint: HarperCollins – GB List Price: 19.99 AUD This series is so utterly charming and original that it has been such pleasure to read and review each of them. Tilly and Oskar continue their adventures with the ongoing quest to thwart the horrible Underwoods who have usurped the British…

  • The Great Escape from Woodlands Nursing Home – Joanna Nell

    Hachette Trade Paperback: OCT 27, 2020 | 9780733642869 | RRP $32.99 While the wind howls wildly and the rain is falling constantly this is the perfect read to take a break from the busyness of Christmas preparations and just relax. Light-hearted and witty the antics of this group of senior citizens will entertain you and demonstrate that old age…

  • The Tree – Graeme Base

    Penguin Australia November 2020 ISBN: 9781760897048 Imprint: Puffin RRP: $24.99 Yet again Graeme Base gives us the most beautiful picture book with a charming story that cloaks a hugely important message for all. This is the story of a cow, a duck and a very big tree. When two friends discover an enormous tree both are thrilled especially…

  • Bear in Space – Deborah Abela. Illustrated by Marjorie Crosby-Fairall

    Walker Books Australia August 2020 ISBN: 9781760651510Imprint: Walker Books Australia Australian RRP: $25.99New Zealand RRP: $28.99 Encouraging our little readers to be not just accepting of differences but to embrace them is arguably one of the greatest gifts we can offer. And to be able to do this through the enjoyment of a wonderful and vibrant story is a…

  • Go for Gold! (Pea and Nut #2) – Matt Stanton

    Harper Collins Australia August 2020 ISBN: 9780733340680 ISBN 10: 0733340687 Imprint: ABC Books – AU List Price: 17.99 AUD The second in the Pea + Nut series is another rowdy rambunctious read that will have your kiddos in fits of laughter and with swimming season upon us there will no doubt be many connections made. Pea the panda really…

  • Hollowpox: The Trials of Morrigan Crow. Nevermoor #3 – Jessica Townsend

    Hachette SEP 29, 2020 | 9780734418241 | RRP $17.99 Huzzah! It has finally arrived! We’ve all been waiting with great impatience but at last the next instalment is here. And what a corker it is! Not only is it gripping and full of new revelations but has most uncanny parallels to our current parlous circumstances. Morrigan is looking forward…

  • In the Key of Code – Aimee Lucido

    Walker Books Australia ISBN: 9781406389333Imprint: WalkerAustralian RRP: $16.99New Zealand RRP: $18.99 It speaks volumes that this was read in just one night in the past week and that I was immediately talking it up the next day to my ChocLit group. A verse novel that combines music and coding is not something I’d ever encountered before but this is…

  • What Zola did on Wednesday – Melina Marchetta

    Penguin Australia September 2020 ISBN: 9781760895174 Imprint: Puffin RRP: $12.99 I don’t know about you but I am getting incredibly fond of Zola and her neighbourhood. This little series is just truly delightful and I know that little readers must love being able to make connections with their own family, friends, schools and communities. Boomerang St has been…

  • Finding Francois – Gus Gordon

    Penguin Australia July 2020 ISBN: 9780143794141 Imprint: Puffin RRP: $24.99 In over eighty books Gus Gordon has demonstrated time and again his talent at producing the type of quality books we love to share with our young readers. This beautiful picture book is heart-warming and endearing as two little characters, both lonely and longing for real friendship, discover…

  • What Zola did on Tuesday – Melina Marchetta

    Penguin Australia August 2020 ISBN: 9781760895167 Imprint: Puffin RRP: $12.99 I reviewed the first in this joyful series a little while back and now we have the delight of the second instalment which is just as gorgeous! Zola and her cousin over the back fence, Alessandro, would love to get to meet their new neighbours – more playmates!…