Just So Stories

Random Reviews and Ramblings from Redcliffe

  • 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…

  • 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…

  • Like a Charm – Elle McNicoll

    Walker Books Australia January 2024 ISBN13:9781913311278 Australia RRP:$17.99 New Zealand RRP:$19.99 Imprint: Knights of The first Elle McNicoll book I read was A Kind of Spark which I enthusiastically reviewed back in November. I was super happy to get this one fall into my lap, so to speak, and gobbled it up just as quickly.…

  • Evie and Rhino – Neridah McMullin. Illustrated by Astred Hicks.

    Walker Books October 2022 ISBN13:9781760654207 Australia RRP:$18.99 New Zealand RRP:$19.99 It’s no secret to regular readers of this blog that I love historical fiction. I love it even more when it has its basis in fact, and doubly so if it is Australian history. Neridah McMullen stumbled upon a curious story from the past and,…

  • The Shadow Arts – Damien Love

    Bloomsbury July 2021 Imprint: Rock the Boat ISBN: 9780861540860 RRP: $14.99 A few months ago, Alex’s world changed forever. Now, just when it seems life is almost getting back to normal, his grandfather crashes back into the picture with grave news…Innocent lives –  even history itself – could be at stake. Monstrous Devices was one…

  • 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…

  • One Tree – Christopher Cheng & Bruce Whatley

      Penguin Random House 9780143786733 April 2, 2019 Puffin   RRP: $24.99 Once Grandfather lived at the top of a mountain next to the tallest tree. Even down in the village market his house was a landmark for all to see but as the land changed so did Grandfather’s life. In those days he told…

  • Grandparents are the Bomb!

      Random House Australia Of course I can be a little smug since Small so often tells me  lovingly that I am ‘the best Gran in the whole world’. This little person and I have always had such a close bond and that was made even closer when Mummy became so critically ill and K…