Just So Stories

Random Reviews and Ramblings from Redcliffe

  • Your Next Read: Silver Series – Books #1-#4

    Affirm Press/Simon & Schuster 2026 ongoing It certainly has had a lot of hoopla in the lead-up, as you would expect from expert marketers but this new series, which to my mind, is a reincarnation of our old favourites Aussie Bites, Aussie Chomps will undoubtedly be popular with school libraries and classrooms across the country.…

  • Board Book Bonanza!

    Mr McGee – Pamela Allen Penguin Australia February 2026 ISBN: 9781761621123 Imprint: Puffin Format: Board Book RRP: $16.99 Some top-shelf board book editions with a much-loved character plus some fresh new titles for the Smallest Smalls in your circle. First up is that popular chap, Mr McGee whose last book I reviewed in 2024, the year in which Pamela…

  • Stories for Big Brothers & Sisters: four beloved Australian picture books –  Jan Ormerod, Libby Gleeson, Zanni Louise. Illustrators:  Andrew Joyner, Jedda Robaard, Anna Pignataro, Sara Acton

    Hardie Grant Children’s Publishing Imprint: Little Hare Books November 2023 ISBN 9781761213205 RRP: $29.99 A perfect book to prepare a Small for the arrival of a Smaller-still, or a gift for that Small when the new little human has arrived. These are four favourite stories about siblings that are now compiled into one of the nicest…

  • The Isabelle Stories Volume 1: Izzy & Belle – Jane Godwin. Illustrated by Robin Cowcher.

    Hachette March 2023 Imprint: Lothian Children’s Books ISBN 9780734421593  RRP: $14.99 Whil Jane Godwin’s delightful new series for your younger readers, venturing on their independent reading journeys will, I predict, be a huge hit. These kiddos are always enthralled with stories which mirror their own doings, likes and dislikes, worries and joys, and, of course,…

  • A Walk in the Dark – Jane Godwin

    Hachette August 2022 ISBN 9780734420770 RRP $14.99 Jane Godwin has created another intense narrative for teen readers which really encapsulates how different a ‘coming-of-age’ might be for disparate individuals. The teenagers at the Otway Community School, which is not your regular school, are used to doing things differently but the ‘dropping’ is a new experience…

  • Back…in time for Christmas

    It’s been a rather hectic time the past month or so. A new school, a new job always presents its challenges and a special kind of tiredness but in this – dare I say – year of unprecedented circumstances, perhaps even moreso. While I’ve done a fair bit of reading after crawling into bed exhausted…

  • When Rain Turns to Snow – Jane Godwin

    Hachette Australia JUN 30, 2020 | 9780734420053 | RRP $16.99 If you are looking for something new in your ‘identity’ collection this beautiful coming-of-age narrative will be a perfect fit. The recent months have been a revelation in how some humans handle a crisis situation and for teens this can be a real challenge. Lissa is no different. Home…

  • 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…