Just So Stories

Random Reviews and Ramblings from Redcliffe

  • Magabala Magic

    As you know any books from Magabala make my heart sing because a) they are always so beautiful b) they enable me to promote the First Australian culture which is so important to my family. Here are three of the newest titles: Brother Moon – Maree McCarthy Yoelu & Samantha Fry March 2020 ISBN 9781925936827…

  • A Swag of Magabala!

    Opening a parcel from Magabala Books is always such a joy! I love seeing what our First Australian authors and illustrators have created and they enable me to share rich culture and boundless talent with my readers. First up is the absolute little treasure of a book: Girls Can Fly – Sally Morgan/Ambelin Kwaymullina March…

  • My Culture and Me – Gregg Dreise

    Penguin May 2019 ISBN: 9780143789376 Imprint: Puffin RRP: $24.99 Gregg’s first picture books were contemporary styled versions of traditional stories told to him by his family and elders. They were beautiful, joyous and hugely popular with my readers. This latest diverges a little but is a glorious celebration of First Australian culture. As readers of this blog are…

  • Black Cockatoo – Carl Merrison and Hakea Hustler

    Magabala Books   Published: Jul 2018   ISBN: 9781925360707 RRP: $11.99 A beautiful novella that explores a coming-of-age experience for a young Aboriginal girl in the remote Kimberley region. Mia is distressed at the increasing distance her brother is putting between himself and family. The growing turbulence within her family is hard for a 13…

  • 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…

  • NAIDOC Week 2017

    “I would like to respectfully acknowledge the Traditional Owners of the land surrounding Redcliffe and Elders both past and present. I also recognise those whose ongoing effort to protect and promote Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures will leave a lasting legacy for future Elders and leaders.” I also acknowledge the Elders past and present of…

  • Return of the Dinosaurs _- Bronwyn Houston Magabala Books November 2016 ISBN:9781925360370 RRP $17.99 Over the years as a teacher-librarian I’ve probably lost count of the number of dinosaur books, both factual and fictional, I’ve seen or read or bought or circulated. This is the first one I have ever seen which incorporates an awareness…