Just So Stories

Random Reviews and Ramblings from Redcliffe


  • All We Need is Love and a Really Soft Pillow – Peter Reynolds and his son Henry Rocket Reynolds

    Scholastic Australia October 2023 ISBN: 9781338572339 RRP: $39.75 Imprint: ORCHARD BOOKS We’ve had so much joy from Peter Reynolds over the years, and I think I can say, unequivocably that sharing The Dot and celebrating Dot Day has been one of the greatest joys in my teacher-librarian career. We especially loved the year we could do…

  • The Impossible Secret of Lillian Velvet [a Kingdoms and Empires book] – Jaclyn Moriarty. Illustrations by Kelly Canby.

    Allen & Unwin October 2023 ISBN:9781761067570 Publisher:A&U Children’s Imprint:A & U Children RRP: $22.99 Confession: this was the first Kingdoms and Empires book I’ve read 😳 but in my defence, this series has been so very popular with the readers in my libraries, that they were never on the shelf long enough for me to…

  • Magic Awry [Big Magic #2] – Sarah Armstrong

    Hardie Grant Children’s Publishing August 2023 ISBN: 9781760508449 Series: Big Magic RRP: $19.99 You know how sometimes, you’ve read an absolutely stonkingly good first book in a series, and when the sequel arrives you feel somewhat let down? Well, trust me, in this case, it is the very opposite. Big Magic was SO good, I…

  • The Puppets of Spelhorst – Kate DiCamillo

    Walker Books Australia October 2023 ISBN13:9781529512854 Australia RRP:$24.99 New Zealand RRP:$27.99 Kate DiCamillo never disappoints and this is no exception. I’d been keenly anticipating it since I first got wind of this new series a while back and so was thrilled to receive the ARC which, of course, I promptly devoured in one gulp. Kate…

  • A Load of Love and other feelings…

    This past week’s posts already had some ‘love’ but here are two more, just because it makes sense that they should be wrapped up together in one sweet parcel, so to speak. Feelings are Wild – Sophy Williams. Illustrated by Gavin Scott Allen & Unwin July 2023 ISBN:9781761180262 Publisher:A&U Children’s Imprint:Albert Street Books RRP: $19.99…

  • I love You Because I Love You – Mượn Thị Văn. Illustrated by Jessica Love.

    Harper Collins Australia ISBN: 9780008531652ISBN-10: 000853165X This is essentially a quite simple book, but it is also one that is packed with layers to absorb and reflect upon, as it examines the concept of love across a wide spectrum of diverse people. Using what is generally known as a call-and-response technique, the first statement is relayed “I…

  • 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…

  • The Boy Who Hatched Monsters- T. C. Shelley

    Bloomsbury Publishing March 2022 ISBN 9781526600790 Imprint Bloomsbury Children’s Books RRP: $14.99 Sam, half monster/half fairy, has not only that secret to keep but many others. For example, there’s the one about his pack – the gargoyles who protect him, and the one about his school friends, the shape shifters who can change into dogs…

  • The Great Escape from Woodlands Nursing Home – Joanna Nell

    Hachette Trade Paperback: OCT 27, 2020 | 9780733642869 | RRP $32.99 While the wind howls wildly and the rain is falling constantly this is the perfect read to take a break from the busyness of Christmas preparations and just relax. Light-hearted and witty the antics of this group of senior citizens will entertain you and demonstrate that old age…

  • Big Hug Little Mouse – Lisa Kerr

    Walker Books Australia March 2020 ISBN: 9781760651107 Imprint: Walker Books Australia Australian RRP: $24.99 New Zealand RRP: $26.99 It is certainly not an ideal time to launch new books but it is the perfect time to share a book about hugs especially for little people who are missing out on those special cuddles from grandparents, other family and friends.…