Just So Stories

Random Reviews and Ramblings from Redcliffe


  • Boodja Barna – Land Creatures: Noongar First Words – Jayden Boundry. Tyrown Waigana.

    Fremantle Press June 2024 ISBN: 9781760995317 RRP: $16.99 This is the first of a new series and it is absolutely adorable 💗. Whether this is the language of the traditional owners in your part of the country or not, this makes for a really sweet read for tiny Smalls. To my mind, it’s no matter if…

  • Caution! This Book Contains Deadly Reptiles – Corey Tutt. Art by Ben Williams.

    Anyone familiar with Corey Tutt’s work, both with the Deadly Science program and his previous books [and if you’re not – why not??? Inconceivable!] will not be one bit surprised to learn that this book is every bit as deadly as its title. I am only sorry that The Kid is now the too-cool-for-school-adult, and…

  • Stand Proud – Nicho Hynes with Marlee Silva. Illustrated by Blak Douglas.

    Penguin Australia October 2024 So as someone said recently ‘I know you’re an NRL girl…’. Yes I am, I grew up in Hurstville and went to St George Girls High School and I’ve been a Dragons supporter since I first went to a footy game, aged around 7. But you know, it’s right next door…

  • Big, Big Love – Lisa Fuller & Samantha Campbell

    Magabala Books April 2024 ISBN978-1-921248-96-2 RRP: $27.99 What a darling book this is and how pleased I am that it has come my way. It is essentially very simple,but it is also so profoundly special as it expresses a mother’s heart and overwhelming love for her child. I loved you before you were born and…

  • Raymaŋgirrbuy dhäwu When I was a little girl – Kylie Gatjawarrawuy Mununggurr

    Magabala Books July 2024 ISBN: 9781922142306 RRP: $27.99 As you can imagine, I think the bond between grandmother and granddaughter is particularly special. It certainly is for me and The Kid, as it’s now been over nine years that I have been her ‘parental’ person. But I think it is the same the world over,…

  • Q&A with Carl Merrison

    Gaywambana! to Just So Stories Carl – I’m delighted to have you pop in for a visit. This blog has always been a proud supporter of First Nations creators given our own mob connections. Let’s just jump right on in. I always like to start at the beginning – makes more sense really don’t you…

  • Circles of Life – Gregg Dreise

    Penguin Australia March 2024 Alphabet Song / Rap – Aboriginal Style by Gregg Dreise – YouTube Together Forever By Gregg Dreise (featuring Ed Owen-Jones) Stop Motion Lollies & Pens Animation. – YouTube My Culture and Me by Gregg Dreise – YouTube Kookoo Kookaburra Song Gregg Dreise – YouTube I Open the Door Promo ILF –…

  • Three Dresses – Wanda Gibson

    UQP April 2024 ISBN: 9780702266355 RRP: $26.99 As soon as I saw this book, I wanted to review it as I knew it would be both beautiful and poignant. I’ve not been to Hopevale or Woorabinda, only as far as Cairns, but I know people who have both been and worked there. I have though,…

  • Doubles Disaster: Ash Barty Tennis Camp Diaries #1 – Ash Barty, Jasmin McGaughey. Illustrated by Jade Goodwin.

    Harper Collins Australia July 2024 Your junior readers who have been gobbling up the Little Ash series are going to go nuts when they see this and realise that a whole new series, another step up the reading ladder, is happening! Ash is very excited that she’s been chosen to go to her first tennis…

  • The Land Recalls You -Kirli Saunders/David Cragg and Noni Cragg

    Scholastic Australia May 2024 ISBN 9781760975159RRP $26.99  ‘Do not cry for earth who birthed you, for river as she calls your name… Do not weep for songs of land, for your old people and sacred stories’. So begins this beautiful, powerful and poignant new book from award-winning author and OAM, Kirli Saunders. This is a…