Just So Stories

Random Reviews and Ramblings from Redcliffe


  • Finding My Bella Vita: A story of family, food, fame and working out who you are – Pia Miranda

    Hachette SEP 27, 2023 | 9780733649837 | RRP $34.99 I only quite recently re-watched Looking for Alibrandi, thoroughly enjoying it all over again, so was keen to read and review this memoir, simply on the strength of Pia’s amazing presence as Josie Alibrandi. And I was not disappointed, because her memoir is every bit as fresh, quirky and memorable as…

  • Christmas Goodies

    Zola and the Christmas Lights – Melina Marchetta/Deb Hudson Penguin Australia October 2022 For the entirety of the delightful What Zola did On… series, Melina Marchetta consistently delivered such beautiful and meaningful messages to young readers around diversity, community, empathy, friendship and family, all without once becoming preachy or tedious. It truly was joyful to…

  • What Zola Did on Sunday – Melina Marchetta

    Penguin September 2021 ISBN: 9781760895228 Imprint: Puffin RRP: $12.99 This series has just been pure joy from the very first word with each new story building on the warmth, friendship and community of Zola’s neighbourhood. Now that we have finished the entire week with Zola I feel quite sad but I’m hopeful that Melina might take Zola and…

  • What Zola did on Wednesday – Melina Marchetta

    Penguin Australia September 2020 ISBN: 9781760895174 Imprint: Puffin RRP: $12.99 I don’t know about you but I am getting incredibly fond of Zola and her neighbourhood. This little series is just truly delightful and I know that little readers must love being able to make connections with their own family, friends, schools and communities. Boomerang St has been…

  • What Zola did on Tuesday – Melina Marchetta

    Penguin Australia August 2020 ISBN: 9781760895167 Imprint: Puffin RRP: $12.99 I reviewed the first in this joyful series a little while back and now we have the delight of the second instalment which is just as gorgeous! Zola and her cousin over the back fence, Alessandro, would love to get to meet their new neighbours – more playmates!…

  • What Zola did on Monday – Melina Marchetta. Illustrated by Deb Hudson

    Penguin Australia June 2020 ISBN: 9781760895150 Imprint: Puffin RRP: $12.99 This is certainly a departure from Looking for Alibrandi and Melina’s other novels for YA but what an absolute joy it is! From start to finish it ticks every box I love! Zola lives with her mum and Nonna Rosa in a little house in the suburbs, with…