Just So Stories

Random Reviews and Ramblings from Redcliffe

  • Diary of a Wimpy Kid #13 : The Meltdown – Jeff Kinney

    Penguin Random House 9780143309352 October 30, 2018 Puffin RRP: $14.99   There is not much more embarrassing than being an adult of a certain age in public and snort laughing as you read the newest Wimpy Kid book, attracting strange looks from wary observers.  But it does seem to happen to me every time and…

  • The Funny Life of Pets – James Campbell and Rob Jones

    Bloomsbury Australia September 2018 ISBN 9781408889947 Imprint: Bloomsbury Children’s Books RRP: $12.99   This book answers all the big questions, like: do sausage dogs eat sausages? Why has my cat done a poo-poo behind my wardrobe? And, how can I persuade my parents to get me a pet? If you have some reluctant readers in…

  • Total Quack Up- Edited by Sally Rippin and Adrian Beck. Illustrated by James Foley

    Penguin Random House 9780143794905 October 15, 2018 Puffin RRP $14.99   Here’s another super choice for the kid who loves humour – and again, very timely with Christmas rushing in upon us.   The cream of our Australian children’s writers have contributed a wealth of funny stories: Deborah Abela, Tristan Bancks, Adrian Beck, Jacqueline Harvey,…

  • Funny Stories: and Other Funny Stories – Morris Gleitzman

      Penguin Random House 9780143793380 October 29, 2018 Puffin RRP $24.99 So, you say, what could be better than a new Morris Gleitzman book? A bumper book with three books in one plus a bonus brand new story – that’s what! Give Peas a Chance, Pizza Cake and Snot Chocolate line up for what can…

  • Monster Party – The Children from Rawa with Alison Lester & Jane Godwin

    Magabala Books September 2018 ISBN:9781925360554 RRP: $17.99 Described by the publisher as an ‘explosion of fun and pure joy’ this is a delightfully riotous and exuberant picture book full of colour and humour. The Rawa Community School is on the edge of the Great Sandy Desert and the children there helped to write the text…

  • The Adventures of Catvinkle – Elliot Perlman

    Penguin Random House 9780143786368 October 1, 2018 Puffin RRP $19.99   Well regarded author of adult books Elliot Perlman has ably proven that he can turn his hand just as easily to writing for children with this first book for younger readers. It is delightfully whimsical and carries a literary flavour of its Amsterdam setting…

  • Help Around the House – Morris Gleitzman

    Penguin Random House 9780143793236 September 3, 2018 Penguin   RRP $16.99 Classic Morris Gleitzman! And pure unadulterated joy! In these parlous times when politicians behave without regard for those they are sworn to represent this could not be more timely or indeed, pointed. Ludo is a helper. A year after losing his mother his desire…

  • Dragon Apocalypse: City of Monsters #3 – DC Green

    Sep 2018 Ford Street Publishing 9781925272680 AUD$19.95, NZD$24.99   DC, you have completely smashed it with this thrilling conclusion to the trilogy – darker, edgier and gripping!  I’ve watched with such joy as the Dead Gang monster misfits have grown from their funky beginnings to truly kickass warriors united in their mission to save not…

  • The Peski Kids #1: The Mystery of the Squashed Cockroach – R. A. Spratt

    Penguin Random House 9780143788812 July 30, 2018 Puffin   $16.99   There were many sad faces in my library when I reported that the Friday Barnes series had come to an end (including mine) but there was the consolation that R. A. Spratt was working on a new series. And here it is! And it’s…

  • Mr Bambuckle’s Remarkables #4: Go Wild – Tim Harris

    Penguin Random House 9780143789024 September 3, 2018 Random House Australia Children’s RRP : $14.99   Being curled up and cosy with a steaming cup of Himalayan tea – what could be better? If you have the new adventure of Mr B and 12B to make you laugh, of course. The class camp is going to…