Just So Stories

Random Reviews and Ramblings from Redcliffe

  • Detective Galileo- Peter Helliar. Illustrated by Andrew Joyner.

    Harper Collins Australia June 2025 While I’m not a big fan of ‘celebrity’ authored books in general, and always ready to be unimpressed, I have to say that this isn’t dreadful at all. And, in particular, if you have some kiddos who are reluctant or struggling readers who should be moving upwards in their reading…

  • Ebb & Flo series – Laura & Philip Bunting

    Hardie Grant Australia Ebb & Flo: Short Cut June 2025 ISBN:9781761214790 Price:AU$11.99, NZ$13.99 These are the first I’ve seen in this series but I’m sure they won’t be the last. And how good is it to see another set of titles for those emergent, newly independent readers that is FUN as well as providing some…

  • R.I.P. Nanny Tobbins – Lucie Stevens

    Harper Collins Australia June 2025 ISBN: 9781460766521 ISBN 10: 1460766520 $16.99 It’s one thing having a strict but kind and fair Nanny who is alive – and quite another when that Nanny is dead. Nine-year-old Albertine is a sweet child, who is without a mother but with a very loving and protective father. He is, in fact,…

  • Lucky – Amelia Tonta & Peter Baldwin

    For those of us who have been in library mode as long as I have, this will bring back happy memories of hilarious sessions reading A Nice Walk in the Jungle but in this new Amelia Tonta [the artist formerly known as Amelia McInerney] book, the python in question is a pet of no scruples…

  • Mr Duckins’ Chickens: Paw Prints series – Mick Elliott

    Walker Books June 2025 ISBN13:9781760659080 Australia RRP:$12.99 New Zealand RRP:$14.99 It’s a new series for your little newly independent readers who are ready to flap their reading wings a little more. At around 60 pages long and highly entertaining, it would also be a great ploy to introduce some of your more hesitant or reluctant…

  • This is a Ball 10th Anniversary Edition #1 Books that Drive Kids Crazy – Beck & Matt Stanton

    Harper Collins Australia April 2025 Doesn’t really seem possible that it’s 10 years since the extraordinary humour of the Stantons burst onto the scene, sending hordes of kids into absolute fits of laughter. Yet, here we are, the laughs kept on coming too, which was a great thing and there’s been a few I’ve reviewed…

  • Your … – Jon Klassen

    Walker Books Australia April 2025 Your Farm ISBN13:9781529526868 Australia RRP:$16.99 New Zealand RRP:$18.99 This is your sun.It is coming up for you. This is your tree.It can go under the sun. Your Forest ISBN13:9781529526844 Australia RRP:$16.99 New Zealand RRP:$18.99 This is your sun.It is coming up for you. These are your trees.They can go over…

  • Doom of the Darkwing: How to Train Your Dragon School #1- Cressida Cowell

    Hachette Australia May, 2025 | 9781444981926 | RRP $16.99 Imprint: Hodder Children’s Books If you read my review of the 20th anniversary edition of How to Train Your Dragon you will know how this series holds a special place in my heart, and will forever. So it’s super exciting that we get to enjoy a new series featuring our…

  • Sink or Swim: Frog Squad #3 – Kate and Jol Temple. Shiloh Gordon.

    Harper Collins April 2025 Everybody’s favourite famous frogs are back – leaping into action with all the finesse of the fit and feisty ‘phibians that they are. This small, but dedicated, army of frogs – drawn from all over the world [and by Shiloh Gordon] are hopping with excitement to not only meet the famous…

  • Harry and Gran Bake a Cake – Fiona McIntosh. Sara Acton.

    Penguin Australia March 2025 I have my own happy memories of cooking with not just my Mummy but also my Fairy Godmother, Aunty Shirl, and my own Gran. Then when my grandies came along, it was my turn to cook with them. My eldest grandson was mad keen on Gabriel Gate’s cooking show and one…