Just So Stories

Random Reviews and Ramblings from Redcliffe

  • The Lorikeet Tree – Paul Jennings

    Allen & Unwin January 2023 ISBN:9781761180095 Publisher:A&U Children’s Imprint:A & U Children The Master returns, proving yet again that he can still enthral readers of all ages with the most marvellous narratives. It would seem that being almost an octogenarian is no bar whatsoever to remaining a writer as brilliant as the titular birds in…

  • 100 Remarkable Feats of Xander Maze – Clayton Zane Comber

    Harper Collins Australia June 2021 ISBN: 9781460759455 ISBN 10: 1460759451 Imprint: HarperCollins AU List Price: 19.99 AUD Age: From 14 years Believe me when I tell you that you will fall in love with Xander, and be sad to leave him at the end of this beautiful feel-good coming-of-age novel. Xander loves to make lists and #1 on his list…

  • Raymie Nightingale – Kate DiCamillo

    Walker Books ISBN: 9781406373189 Imprint: Walker May 1, 2017 Australian RRP: $14.99 New Zealand RRP: $16.99   I know that most folks will already know Raymie Nightingale but this paperback edition has been my ‘waiting for child pick up’ read for a few weeks so it did take me a while to get through in the short snatches. It…

  • Eve and Elly – Mike Dumbleton/Laura Wood

    Penguin Random House ISBN 9780857988515 May 2016 Random House Australia Children’s $16.99 I have always admired Mike Dumbleton’s ability to take a simple story line or idea and turn it into a gorgeous and relevant picture book for little ones.  This one is no exception. If, as a parent, you have ever been in a…

  • Grandad’s Island – Benji Davies

    Simon & Schuster UK 32 pages | ISBN 9781471119958 July 2015 RRP AU$ 14.99 NZ$ 16.99 For many children, losing a grandparent is often their first experience with death and grief. The emotions of this may be openly expressed or may not be so visible to observers. Using a picture book to invite discussion on…