Just So Stories

Random Reviews and Ramblings from Redcliffe

  • The City of Secret Rivers – Jacob Sager Weinstein

    Walker Books Australia August 2017 ISBN: 9781406368857 RRP $19.99 For children who are keen on fantastical adventures this first volume in a new trilogy will provide a thrilling subterranean ride through the underbelly of London. Hyacinth Hayward and her mother have just arrived to live in the country of their forebears and Hyacinth hates it already.…

  • The Girl, the Dog and the Writer in Rome – Katrina Nannestad

    Harper Collins Imprint: ABC Books October 2017 ISBN: 9780733338175 RRP: $16.99 Maybe it’s because spring is here (my favourite season) or maybe it is just the stars aligning but I have been so blessed to be sent so many absolutely delightful books to review lately. This is just gorgeous and I love it. Young Freja is…

  • Nevermoor: The Trials of Morrigan Crow– Jessica Townsend

    Hachette October 2017 9780734418074 | RRP $16.99 When you receive a proof copy of an upcoming debut novel about which the publisher says stuff like ‘sold by eight-way auction’ and ‘film rights pre-empted’ you can assume it’s going to be a cracker. And it is that indeed. Written by Jessica Townsend (Sunshine Coast! Yay!) this…

  • Wolfie: an Unlikely Hero – Deborah Abela/Connah Brecon

    Penguin Random House ISBN 9780143781509 May 1, 2017 Random House Australia Children’s RRP $24.99 One thing I’ve learned in my years of being a teacher-librarian is that all kids, big and little, love fractured fairy tales. Wolfie is fed up with fairy tales promoting the nonsense that wolves are the bad guys. He’s determined to…

  • Little Lunch series – Danny Katz/Mitch Vane

      Walker Books I said earlier today that I’m not that across kids’ TV but this is one show I’ve watched with Miss K and we both think it is very funny.  She, like other kids, because she thinks the antics of the kids and their interactions a real hoot and me, because I reckon…

  • Supertato Run, Veggies, Run! – Sue Hendra & Paul Linnet

      Simon & Schuster May 2017 ISBN 781471121036 RRP $14.99 Supertato just makes me laugh so much every time! With the corny veggie puns (see what I did there?) and the crazy antics of the produce section at night, these are sure-fire winners with younger readers. The big bold illustrations also help create the right…

  • Collins Modern Classics: The Bagthorpe Saga – Ordinary Jack – Helen Cresswell

    Harper Collins Australia             ISBN: 9780008211677            ISBN 10: 0008211671            Imprint: HarperCollins – GB            On Sale: 01/05/2017            List Price: 14.99 AUD First published in 1977 this is the introductory volume in a new modern classics series from Harper Collins. The Bagthorpes are, to say the least, one of the most eccentric families you will encounter in a…

  • Friday Barnes 7: Bitter Enemies – Rachel Spratt

    Penguin Random House 9780143784197 July 31, 2017 Random House Australia Children’s RRP $15.99   Beginning of term at Highcrest Academy has never been so dreary and desolate. Melanie and Ian are both depressed and missing their quirky best friend Friday, who has been whisked off to Switzerland to be with her family and attend Europe’s…

  • The Cherry Pie Princess – Vivian French

    Walker Books ISBN: 9781406368970 May 1, 2017 Australian RRP: $14.99 Vivian French has put her skills of lively and fun storytelling to work in this new book which stirs up lots of elements from favourite fairy tales. Readers will find a cranky king, a hysterical queen, seven princesses (six nasty and one not), a mean governess, dwarves,…

  • Exchange of Heart – Darren Groth

    Penguin Random House 9780143781578 July 31, 2017 Random House Australia Children’s $19.99 If you were impressed with Groth’s 2014 novel Are You Seeing Me? you will be likewise taken with his new one and his ability to blend heartbreak and humour into one splendid story. Munro Maddux has taken a desperate step in his grief…