Just So Stories

Random Reviews and Ramblings from Redcliffe

  • Are you ready for Silverborn?

    Just a few weeks ago, I re-read all the books, in preparation for #4’s release- at last!! and today this sumptous box arrived. Like a Xmas present only betterer. So I’m re-posting my original reviews for your delectation. Nevermoor: The Trials of Morrigan Crow Jessica Townsend Hachette October 2017 When you receive a proof copy…

  • Our Dance – Jacinta Daniher & Taylor Hampton. Illustrations by Janelle Burger

    Hachette Australia Imprint: Lothian Children’s Books Apr 30, 2025 | 9780734423429 | RRP $24.99 As one might expect from this pair of collaborators this is cross-cultural learning made fun and exciting. Taylor Hampton, a proud Ngiyampaa/Wiradjuri man and Jacinta Daniher, an early childhood educator created Birrang Cultural Connections, to which I have previously made reference when I reviewed Our…

  • Grandmother from the East, Grandmother from the West – Jacinta Liu & Freda Chiu

    Hachette Australia Imprint: Lothian Children’s Books Mar 26, 2025 | 9780734421791 | RRP $24.99 I believe many of you will have experienced or know children with mixed cultural heritage, just as I have. Not just as an educator of many years, nor even the fact that I taught at many schools with vibrantly diverse communities. Even growing up in…

  • All the Colours of the Rainbow – Rae White. Illustrated by Sha’an D’anthes.

    Hachette January 2025 Imprint: Lothian Books Jan 29, 2025 | 9780734423061 | RRP $24.99 The travesty over on the other side of the world has filled so many of us with utter disbelief, shock, horror and very real trepidation, because we know that we have certain elements who think in exactly the same way, have the same agenda and…

  • The Brightest Christmas Star – Laura Motherway and Deb Hudson

    Hachette Australia Aug 2024 | 9780734423085 | RRP $19.99 Imprint: Lothian Children’s Books One thing we educators endeavour to instil in our Smalls is that, despite differences – whether race, colour, creed, culture etc – we all have commonalities. And for those little ones it is simple things that underline this concept. We all smile. We all play. We…

  • 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,…

  • 11 Words for Love – Randa Abdel-Fattah/Maxine Beneba Clarke

    Hachette September 2022 Imprint: Lothian Children’s Books ISBN: 9780734421203  RRP: $24.99 In the Arabic language, there are over 50 words describing the degrees of love. That’s 50 stories, 50 life-worlds. This lyrical and heartwarming book takes you on a journey through 11 of these Arabic expressions for love While this deceptively simple text focuses on…