Just So Stories

Random Reviews and Ramblings from Redcliffe

  • Gigantic- Rob Biddulph

    Harper Collins Australia This is just an absolute cracker whichever you turn it – both the splendid rhyming text (perfectly cadenced) and the stunning illustrations combine to make it a sure-fire winner. And, definitely, a stand-out to kick off a little series of ‘sea’ themed picture book reviews. Loads of your Smalls will be very…

  • Silver Linings – Katrina Nannestad

    Harper Collins Australia I cannot begin to tell you how impatiently I have waited to post this review. When I was invited to write teaching notes for a new Katrina Nannestad book, I was absolutely thrilled. Then, when I read the manuscript for this beautiful, funny, poignant, life-affirming narrative, I realised how easy it would…

  • Extreme Planet #: Deep Inside the Earth – Emily Bone. Illustrated by Rodrigo Cordeiro

    Journey to the Earth’s Core, with flaps Harper Collins Australia September 2023 We are all familiar with the high quality of Usborne’s books, particularly the informational titles and this one will have enormous appeal to your Smalls who are budding geologists. It is a sturdy, large-sized board book so will withstand much handling, particularly as…

  • The Magician’s Nephew – C. S. Lewis

    Harper Collins Australia September 2023 ISBN: 9780007323135 RRP: $17.99 I was 11 years old when I read my first Narnia book, and it was this one, which had been a Sunday School prize (still have it!). Needless to say, I was, like so many other children over the past 70 years, absolutely entranced by the…

  • In My Garden – Kate Mayes. Tamsin Ainslie

    ….a children’s picture book about belonging Harper Collins Australia August 2023 It was easy to fall in love with this beautiful book when I only had the galley proofs to look at. Now that I see it in its final form, I find it even more enchanting. It really is a work of art, which…

  • Happy Father’s Day

    I’ve been saving a few especially for today, so this is our nod to dads – those no longer with us, those who are great male models for our kiddos, and those who are doing double duty of both parents. What My Daddy Loves – Raissa Figueroa Harper Collins Australia August 2023 Dads, like everybody…

  • The Newshound[The Dog Squad #1]-Clara Vulliamy

    Harper Collins Australia August 2023 ISBN 9780008565336 RRP: $15.99 This is just pure fun, feel-good all the way, and made for an enjoyable read. Your confident independent readers who are already loving Dotty Detective and Marshmallow Pie, will go just as nuts for this new series – particularly, of course, if they are dog-lovers! Central…

  • Alias Anna: a true story of outwitting the Nazis – Susan Hood {with Greg Dawson}

    Harper Collins Australia August 2023  Sydney Taylor Book Award 2023 Middle Grade Notable  Jewish Book Council Award Middle Grade Finalist  Nerdy Book Club 2022 Best Novel-In-Verse Book  New York Public Library 2022 Best Book For Kids  Chicago Public Library Best Informational Books For Younger Readers Of 2022 I think it’s fair to say I’ve read…

  • I love You Because I Love You – Mượn Thị Văn. Illustrated by Jessica Love.

    Harper Collins Australia ISBN: 9780008531652ISBN-10: 000853165X This is essentially a quite simple book, but it is also one that is packed with layers to absorb and reflect upon, as it examines the concept of love across a wide spectrum of diverse people. Using what is generally known as a call-and-response technique, the first statement is relayed “I…

  • Lots of Things to Know about Weather – Emily Bone. Illustrated by Katia Gaigalova

    Harper Collins Australia July 2023 I’ve had this one at the ready, in my bag to share with a class for the last week and, as luck would have it, just didn’t have the right opportunity to do so. But today, while I have some time of my own, I thought it was high time…