Just So Stories

Random Reviews and Ramblings from Redcliffe

Going for Pippies – Wilaaran Laurie. Illustrated by Tori-Jay Mordey.

Publisher: Magabala Books Distributor: Hachette Australia Sep 2025 | 9781922864147 | RRP $27.99 And last, but not least, in this round of beautiful First Nations titles is yet again a family story, including grandparent, by the sea although wayyyyy over this side of the country, in northern NSW. This family is having a mob day out to collect and…

January 30, 2026
Going Fishing with Nana – Frances and Lindsay Haji-Ali. Karen Briggs.

Publisher: Magabala Books Distributor: Hachette Oct 14, 2025 | 9781922864048 | RRP $27.99 We’re staying with the sea, long trips and grandparents for this one with the setting switched to the far north of the Kimberley region, and a little place called Wyndham. When the authors lived in Broome, there were regular visits to Wyndham with their children, to…

January 29, 2026
Turbo Turtle: Scales and Tails #4- Gregg Dreise

Magabala Books Hachette Australia November 2025 | 9781922864109 | RRP $27.99 A new Gregg Dreise book is always a delight- just like the man himself and this one, in the Scales and Tails sequence, is not only a significant story handed down to Gregg from his uncle, but references the Stolen Generation, providing an opportunity to introduce this topic…

January 27, 2026
The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Fast and Slow Animals – Sami Bayly

Hachette Australia September 2025 Imprint: Lothian Children’s Books 9780734421418 | RRP $32.99 I could just say – Sami Bayly – and not need to write another word really. I know it. You know it. The kiddos certainly know it. This woman’s ability to create fascinating and fabulous books that tap into children’s innate love of animals and…

November 13, 2025
How Big is Love? – Carl Merrison and Hakea Hustler. Illustrated by Jade Goodwin.

Hachette Australia Imprint: Lothian Children’s Books Aug 26, 2025 | 9780734420176 | RRP $24.99 Three of my favourite First Nations creators have produced this gorgeous picture book which would make a beautiful gift for a small person in your family or friendship circle especially. Of course, it would also be eminently suited to an EC setting or home. Small…

November 2, 2025
The Ickabog: The bestselling fairytale, now illustrated by Ben Mantle – J. K. Rowling

Hachette Australia Imprint: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers Sep 2025 | 9781510202795 | RRP $22.99 Remember when The Ickabog first came out during the gloom of covid days and all of us HP fans were SO excited! My kiddos were so hyper that I never got my hands on it to read it – though I did admire…

October 31, 2025
The Official Agatha Christie After School Detectives Club: 50 Mystery Puzzles for Children – Agatha Christie Ltd, Dr Gareth Moore, Laura Jayne Ayres

Hachette Australia Imprint: Laurence King Publishing Oct 28, 2025 | 9781510231924 | RRP $26.99 It’s been a pretty murder-y sort of week this Halloween special so it seems only apt to add this terrific book into the mix. How did I, Agatha Christie tragic that I am, never realise that there are Agatha puzzle books!!??? Inconceivable! Be assured, now…

October 30, 2025
Last Rites: Never-before-told stories of a legendary life from the rock ‘n’ roll hellraiser – Ozzy Osbourne.

Hachette Imprint: Sphere Oct 7, 2025 | 9781408724064 | RRP $34.99 Of course, he’s not really Halloween at all, but for someone known as The Prince of Darkness and famed for his outrageousness, wildness and powerful lyrics, it seems appropriate to put this review into this week’s collection. I’m saying it openly. I’m not a metal fan – never…

October 25, 2025
It’s a Scorcher!: Tales of the Australian Summer – William McInnes

Hachette Australia Oct 14, 2025 | 9780733652912 | RRP $34.99 I thought I had missed out on a ticket to William McInnes’ event here in Redcliffe but then was lucky – someone dropped out so I was at the top of the waiting list and scored. And even luckier, when I requested this new title of his, Hachette generously…

October 14, 2025
Find Me on the Coast – Jess McGeachin

Hachette Australia July 2025 Imprint: Lothian Children’s Books | 9780734423634 | RRP $29.99 ‘Let’s walk down a winding path to where the sand meets the sea’ We certainly love our proximity to the ocean, whether here at home – a five minute walk away or when we take a little trip up the coast, an hour’s drive away.…

September 15, 2025