Just So Stories

Random Reviews and Ramblings from Redcliffe

  • Through the Darkening Sea – Claire Saxby. Peter Cheong.

    Harper Collins Australia April 2026 As the winter draws in, it’s getting closer to whale season in Queensland which will be particularly exciting this year as one of The Kid’s 21st birthday presents from me is a voucher to swim with the whales, and I think it will be quite the memorable experience for her.…

  • Mim and the Frazzled Fruit Farmer: The Travelling Bookshop #7 – Katrina Nannestad. Illustrated by Cheryl Orsini

    Harper Collins Australia February 202 No doubt there will be many young readers who will be sad to know that this is the final chapter in this entertaining series but, dare I say, knowing Katrina’s fertile imagination and creativity there is sure to be something new in the offing. Mim, Zeddy and Nat plus the…

  • Living in the Past – Ancient History with a Twist of Fun

    I’ve had a passion for ancient history since I was a nerdy kid. I still have my Ancient Civilisations book my darling mum bought me when I was around 10 years old. I snaffled all my seven-years-older brother’s ancient history textbooks when he was done with them. I aced my project in 6th class on…

  • Hester Hitchins and the Falling Stars – Catherine Norton

    Harper Collins Australia July 2024 Don’t think it’s taken me all this time to read this one because it didn’t at all. After The Fortune Maker this was high up in the reading order. It’s just a sad fact that it’s taken me this long to get to writing the review. But it is another…

  • Catch Your Breath – Ravena Guron

    Harper Collins Australia March 2024 I really do love me a good cozy murder mystery, going right back to when I had almost every single Agatha Christie title, so I’m absolutely relishing this trend in YA fiction. This is the second of this author’s books I’ve read [see This Book Kills] and it’s even twistier…

  • National Day for War Animals

    A few weeks ago I reviewed the beautiful new picture book Wear a Purple Poppy. I was going to schedule it for today but knew that there would be many who would wish to order in time to share, now that everyone is well and truly back at school. So here are a few more…

  • Back to School!

    Well it is for our Qlder kiddos, and, naturally, for some there will be nervousness, trepidation, curiosity and surprises. I can’t think of any teacher I’ve ever known who has not done their utmost to make first days, and first weeks, as smooth and welcoming as possible. For little ones, as first-timers, it can be…

  • Being a Cat: a tail of curiosity – Maria Gianferrari. Pictures by Pete Oswald

    Harper Collins Australia August 2023 It seems that for most people it’s either one or the other. Cats or Dogs (always one of my most popular weekly ‘This or That’ votes in my libraries!) For me, it’s cats. I’ve owned dogs and loved dogs but I find it hard to live without a cat. Although,…

  • How to Write a Poem – Kwame Alexander & Deanna Nikaido. Art by Melissa Sweet.

    Harper Collins Australia October 2023 I really think this is one of the ‘prettiest’ picture books I’ve seen this year. I actually received it months ago but it was far too early to post a review so I’ve had it sitting in drafts for yonks! So then I decided I should save it for Picture…

  • Say My Name – Joanna Ho. Illustratated by Khoa Le.

    Harper Collins Australia October 2023 Another one I’ve been saving with anticipation for this month! We have come to expect sheer lyrical text accompanied by stunning illustrations, along with the cross-cultural themes, from Joanna Ho’s picture books. This one continues with a wonderful exploration of rich traditions, language and customs. Beginning with herself, six children…