Just So Stories

Random Reviews and Ramblings from Redcliffe


  • Story Doctors – Boori Monty Pryor. Illustrated by Rita Sinclair.

    Allen & Unwin July 2021 ISBN:9781760526559 Publishers; A & U Children’s Imprint: A & U Children RRP: $24.99 Described as both a story and a history this is, to my mind, a richly empowering epic poem which resonates with such heartfelt emotion that it cannot fail to move the reader with its carefully chosen words…

  • The Emu Who Ran Through the Sky – Helen Milroy

    Magabala Books April 2021 ISBN: 9781925936018 RRP: $22.99 This is the second in Helen Milroy’s exciting series Tales from the Bush Mob and will be as equally welcome as the first, Willy-willy Wagtail. Either as a read-aloud for your younger students or an independent read for your older ones this is definitely one to put…

  • Took the Children Away – Archie Roach/Ruby Hunter

    Simon & Schuster Australia October 2020 ISBN13: 9781760857219 RRP: $24.99 What a privilege to be asked to provide a review for this fabulous 30th anniversary edition of Archie’s book. This great man, 2020 Victorian Australian of the Year, member of the Order of Australia and recipient of countless other awards for his music, is one…

  • Main Abija My Grandad – Karen Rogers

    Allen & Unwin 16 March 2021 ISBN:9781760526030 Publisher: A&U Children’s Imprint: A & U Children RRP: $24.99 ‘Dijan buk gada ola memri ai bin abum gada main abija from wen ai bin lilgel til imin libu wi. Imin titjim mi loda tings bla koltja en bla kantri. Mi hepi ba pasim det stori la main…

  • Hello and Welcome – Gregg Dreise

    Penguin Australia March 2021 ISBN: 9781760898328 Imprint: Puffin RRP: $24.99 With absolutely spot-on timing for Harmony Day 2021, multi-talented Gregg Dreise’s new book – which is a stunning companion to My Culture and Me – once again celebrates our First Australian people. In joyful celebration, as all are welcomed to corroboree, this gorgeous book provides insight and understanding…

  • Welcome, Child! – Sally Morgan

    Magabala Books March 2021 ISBN 9781925936025 RRP: $12.99 Of course this is not the first book to celebrate the love with which they are received into their family for our littlest of readers, but it is one that specifically allows for our youngest First Australians to recognise themselves. Sally Morgan’s simple but beautiful text, accompanied…

  • Magabala Magic

    It’s always exciting to open a package from Magabala. I find such joy in the wonderful stories shared by our talented Indigenous creators. Two such stunning books are recent additions to the Magabala book list and both are set to become highly acclaimed in all quarters. My Story/Ngaginybe Jarragbe – Shirley Purdie October 2020ISBN 9781925936131…

  • Aussie Kids series – Books #5 & #6

    Penguin Australia July 2020 Get your little newly independent readers excited when you add these two new volumes to the Aussie Kids books! This is just a truly charming series as children take a vicarious trip around our beautiful country, learning a little about kids from other spaces, cultures and backgrounds as well as information…

  • Living on Stolen Land – Ambelin Kwaymullina

    Magabala Books July 2020 ISBN 9781925936247 RRP: $22.99 In any other year we would be in the midst of NAIDOC celebrations but this has been no ordinary year for any of us. And given the global swell of awareness around the circumstances, past and present, of people of colour this is a most timely and…

  • Family – Aunty Fay Muir & Sue Lawson. Illustrated by Jasmine Seymour

    Magabala Books July 2020 ISBN 9781925936285 RRP: $24.99 This is the second in the beautiful and enlightening Our Place series and continues the sharing of cultural identity and perspective in a way that is easily accessible by even the youngest of readers. This relatively simple story accompanied by its stunning illustrations eloquently defines the meaning…