Just So Stories

Random Reviews and Ramblings from Redcliffe

  • Girls Like – Katrina Germein. Illustrated by Deb Hudson.

    New South Books Publisher: MidnightSun Publishing 9781922858726 April 2026 AUD$29.99, NZD$34.99 For anyone raising their own Mighty Girl or for those empowering all the mighty girls in a class or cohort this is hands-down a must-have for your shelf. It’s a simple rhythmic text that is almost a rap and just invites clap alongs or…

  • Write Now

    As it happens an assortment of books all geared to writing – for kids and for others, so do enjoy! The Story Writer’s Handbook – Katrina Nannestad. Illustrated by Cheryl Orsini. Harper Collins Australia September 2025 ISBN: 9780733344008 ISBN 10: 0733344003 Imprint: ABC Books AU List Price: 26.99 AUD It was completely unintentional to leave this one so long…

  • The Private Side of Friendship – Alexander McCall-Smith

    New South Books Publisher: Polygon 9781846977299 February 2026 AUD$39.99, NZD$44.99 This a stand-alone novel from A M-S that is utterly typical of his gentle story-telling with expert characterisations and with small details that bring his narratives to life. Travelling in time back to the 80s, 24-year-old Julie recalls the happy times spent in a shared…

  • The Interactive Human Body:Explore the Human Body with Flaps, Wheels, Levers, Touch and Feel, and More! – – Ryan G. Van Cleave. Illustrated by Juliana Eigner.

    New South Books ISBN : 9781638190882 Publisher : Bushel & Peck Imprint : Bushel & Peck RRP: $39.99 This is big, bold and absolutely guaranteed to keep young curious minds absorbed for hours. There is not only plenty to read in easy-to-digest chunks but also so much with which to interact. It’s going to require some careful handling and supervision if…

  • Swallowed by a Whale: Writing Advice from Authors of Note – Edited by Huw Lewis-Jones.

    New South Books British Library December 2025 9780712355544 AUD$29.99, NZD$34.99 This was another of my delightful surprises over the Xmas break and it’s been on my bedside table since arriving, but it was not until this cloudy, cool Saturday afternoon that I had time to be leisurely and read it. And how very delightful it…

  • Be The Change: Rob Greenfield’s Call to Kids – Rob Greenfiled and Antonia Banyard

    Making a Difference in a Messed-up World New South Books Publisher: Greystone Books APril 2025 ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1771645911 ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1771645911 AUD$24.99, NZD$29.99 This is a book completely on point especially for all the kids and schools taking action towards zero waste and climate change/environmental degradation. I love that it’s written jargon-free with…

  • Daisy and Bug: Treehouse Troubles – Kim de Haan

    Perentie Press Kim de Haan 9781923543072 April 2026 AUD$15.99, NZD$16.99 To be honest, I said, I’m not a huge fan of graphics. I have reviewed some that were extraordinarily great but, in general, yeah nah – not for me, so I usually avoid them. ‘It’s just a little one for younger kids’. Well, it is…

  • The Odd Flamingo – Nina Bawden

     Introduction by Martin Edwards New South Books British Library Publishing December 2025 ISBN: 9780712355438 RRP: AUD$22.99, NZD$27.99 I 100% guarantee you that I had no idea whatsoever that Nina Bawden, the talented writer of Carrie’s War and The Peppermint Pig – two of my favourite classic children’s books – also wrote some adult novels. Not…

  • Bertie’s Theory of Ice Cream: a 44 Scotland St novel – Alexander McCall Smith

    New South Books Publisher: Polygon 9781846977169 December 2025/Hardback AUD$39.99, NZD$44.99 My holiday reading was for pure pleasure, and not necessarily review books – just books that I had been wanting to read for my own interest or enjoyment. However, when it comes to Alexander McCall Smith, and particularly the Bertie books, that can very happily…

  • Words Matter – Anita Fitch Pazner & Sophie Casson

    The Story of Hans and Sophie Scholl, and the White Rose Resistance The Story of Hans and Sophie Scholl, and the White Rose Resistance New South Books Publisher: Groundwood Books 9781773069708 January 2026 AUD$29.99, NZD$34.99 While I have known of Hans and Sophie Scholl for many years, as would anyone who follows groups such as…