Just So Stories

Random Reviews and Ramblings from Redcliffe

  • A Lemon for Safiya – Jemima Shafei-Ongu. Illustrated by Nisaluk Chantanakom.

    Hachette Australia May 2025 Imprint: Lothian Children’s Books | 9780734422224 | RRP $24.99 When Safiya spots an old lady sitting on the kerb, she feels worried for her. Her parents sense something is amiss as well. The family are quick to see that the old lady is confused, also that she has no English, and it is apparent by…

  • It’s Christmas Time in Brisbane – Wendy Kelly. Illustrated by Magdalena Almevo Nocea.

    Boolarong Press 2017 ISBN 9781925236590 RRP: $19.99 Yes, I thought I had finished! But this is a late arrival. It’s not a newly published title, but I only just discovered its existence recently (thanks to Quick Brown Fox! for the heads up and Boolarong Press for the speedy sending!) and with perfect timing it was…

  • Bugs in the Spotlight

    Given the recent bug books I thought perhaps you might like to know about Minibeast Wildlife. This is where we used to buy The Kid’s mini-zoo creatures. We first discovered them not long after K came to live with me and I took her to Cairns for a few days, about a month after her…

  • The Garden of Broken Things – Freya Blackwood

    Harper Collins May 2024 We always know, when we hear there is a new Freya Blackwood on the horizon that it will be both beautiful and insightful. Freya’s incalculable talent for creating atmospheric narratives and illustrations has become a standard of excellence. Her numerous awards, including the coveted Kate Greenaway Medal in 2010 (for Harry…

  • The Tiny Star – Mem Fox/Freya Blackwood

    Penguin 1st October 2019 ISBN: 9780670078127 Imprint: Puffin RRP: $24.99 Mem Fox has triumphed again with this simply beautiful new picture book inspired by the most personal of motivations – the bond between loving grandparent and grandchild. In their first collaboration Mem and Freya have produced a gentle and warming exploration of life and death that will resonate…

  • Oma’s Buttons – Tania Ingram/Jennifer Harrison

    Penguin Australia 9780143786573 April 2, 2018 Viking Imprint RRP$24.99   We grandmothers know there is a special bond between us and our grandchildren – some of us even more so than others.  Tania and Jennifer have produced a beautiful book which encapsulates just one aspect of this relationship.   So many of us would have…

  • Nanna’s Button Tin – Dianne Wolfer & Heather Potter

    Walker Books ISBN: 9781922077677 June 1, 2017 Australian RRP: $24.99 New Zealand RRP: $27.99 This is an absolutely charming story for young readers and a beautiful gentle lead in to the idea of memories, keepsakes and family story telling.  When a special little girl needs a very specific button to repair a much loved teddy, Nanna’s button tin…