Just So Stories

Random Reviews and Ramblings from Redcliffe

  • Goodly and Grave in a Bad Case of Kidnap – Justine Windsor

    Harper Collins ISBN: 9780008183530 Imprint: HarperCollinsChildren’sBooks May 2017 Lucy Goodly has been won in a game of cards against the strange Lord Grave, despite the fact that she has a  magical card to help her win. Her parents are inveterate gamblers – unsuccessful ones at that – and this time they have lost their only child who…

  • Lexi & Lottie #1: Trusty Twin Detectives – Melanie Alexander

    Penguin Random House 9780143784135 May 29, 2017 Random House Australia Children’s RRP $12.99   If you’re looking for something new for your early independent readers this might be just the thing. Ignorant as I am of TV shows in the main, apparently this is based on a kids’ show of the same name.  The author…

  • Vet Cadets : Bks 3 & 4 – Rebecca Johnson

    Penguin Random House 31 July 2017 Imprint : Puffin (AU YR) RRP $14.99 This new series from Rebecca Johnson is perfect for those who have graduated from Juliet Nearly a Vet with girls who are just a little older and perhaps with a slightly more exciting setting. The three main characters – Abbey, Talika and…

  • The Shop at Hoopers Bend – Emily Rodda

    Harper Collins       ISBN: 9781460753668       ISBN 10: 1460753666       Imprint: HarperCollins – AU      On Sale: 24/07/201      List Price: 16.99 AUD When you go to bed feeling a little tired and start reading a new book and then just keep reading it until you’re finished, you know it’s a terrific piece of writing. It’s been a while since…

  • Wreck – Fleur Ferris PLUS Q&A with Fleur

    Penguin Random House 9780143784319 July 3, 2017 Random House Australia Children’s RRP: $19.99   Bad things happen. Fight to make them right. Or let it wreck your life.   Once again Fleur Ferris has delivered a gripping and tension filled narrative which will have readers impatient to turn each page. Tamara Bennett is about to…

  • Bring Me the Head of Ivy Pocket – Caleb Krisp

    Allen & Unwin ISBN: 9781408858721 Publisher: Bloomsbury UK Imprint: Bloomsbury Child May 2017 RRP $14.99 After two totally madcap and thrilling Ivy Pocket adventures, Caleb Krisp completes the trilogy with an equally exciting conclusion. For those who have followed Ivy’s incredible and unbelievable exploits so far you may find this final instalment quite a lot…

  • The Fall – Tristan Bancks

    9780143783053 May 29, 2017 Random House Australia Children’s RRP $16.99   Well, after much impatient anticipation I could just say ‘WOW’! But that’s hardly the review this new action-packed novel deserves so I shall continue. Tristan has a superlative ability to write everyday all-too-human imperfect characters and transform them into inspirational heroes. Sam has never…

  • The Secret Horses of Briar Hill – Megan Shepherd/Levi Penfold

    By Megan Shepherd Illustrated by Levi Pinfold   ISBN: 9781406367584 Imprint: Walker Distributor: Walker Australia-HEDS October 1, 2016 Australian RRP: $19.99 New Zealand RRP: $22.99 Just to continue on my ‘historical’ trail for the day, this is a simply beautiful novel which I read a few months ago and let slip down to the bottom of the pile (thank goodness for holiday…

  • The Turnkey – Allison Rushby

    ISBN: 9781925126921 Imprint: Walker Books Australia March 1, 2017 Australian RRP: $16.99 More mystery and history and another great read following my last post. Clearly a talent for beautiful writing and an interest in history runs in this family! In this gripping story the mystery and history are wrapped up in a spooky supernatural plot. Flossie Birdwhistle is…

  • Rose Ravensthorpe Investigates: Black Cats and Butlers – Janine Beacham

    Rose Ravensthorpe Investigates: Black Cats and Butlers – Janine Beacham MAR 28, 2017 | 9781510201286 | RRP $14.99 Hachette Au. Imprint: Little Brown Books for Children This has been one of my favourite reads of the past few weeks. Described as “The Clockwork Sparrow meets Downton Abbey”  it is really energetic and engaging novel. Rose is meant to be a properly…