Just So Stories

Random Reviews and Ramblings from Redcliffe

  • Harry and Gran Bake a Cake – Fiona McIntosh. Sara Acton.

    Penguin Australia March 2025 ISBN: 9781761346941 Imprint: Puffin $19.99 I have my own happy memories of cooking with not just my Mummy but also my Fairy Godmother, Aunty Shirl, and my own Gran. Then when my grandies came along, it was my turn to cook with them. My eldest grandson was mad keen on Gabriel Gate’s cooking…

  • Taronga for the Tinies

    Penguin Australia The surge in zoo and animal books is not just for the older readers. Here are some adorable board books for the Smallests in your circle. Taronga: We’re Going to the Zoo: Taronga Conservation Society Australia Cate James March 2025 ISBN: 9781761347542 Imprint: Penguin RRP: $16.99 An outing to the zoo is always exciting with so…

  • The Girl and the Ghost – Jacqueline Harvey

    Penguin Australia April 2025 ISBN: 9781761349409 Imprint: Penguin RRP: $16.99 OMG!!! JH fans, both young and old, are about to lose their minds!!! This fabulous new book, which I gobbled up in two sittings, heralds the start of another new series from the best-selling author, who really knows how to reach her audience. In this instance, the audience…

  • Epically Good Greek Myths – R. A. Spratt

    Penguin Australia March 2025 ISBN: 9781761349751 RRP: $16.99 Nerdy kid me has always been fascinated with the ancient civilisations: as a primary schooler requesting books on the big three of Egypt, Rome and Greece and acing my project on 6 chosen civilisations, to a highschooler crushing on my Ancient History teacher [not even young, almost as…

  • Emma Memma: Twirly Tuesday

    Penguin Australia February 2025 ISBN: 9781761341779 Imprint: Puffin Format: Board Book RRP: $14.99 Honestly, every Emma Memma book is just pure joyfulness! I defy anyone, no matter how staid and grumpy, to ignore Emma’s natural exuberance and zest. You only had to see her in her former role as Yellow Wiggle pouring sunshine and happiness over Grey Wiggle, Simon…

  • Boys Do Cry – Gus Worland. Illustrated by Heath McKenzie.

    Penguin Australia February 2025 ISBN: 9781761346583 Imprint: Penguin Format: Hardback $19.99 To be fair, Gus Worland, former Triple M breakfast presenter, wouldn’t have initially appeared to be a prime candidate to pull together one of the most successful mental health initiatives in the country. I don’t mean that he wasn’t capable or that he was lacking in some…

  • My Big Secret – Felice Arena

    Penguin Australia ISBN: 9781761349706 RRP: $19.99 As he well knows, I didn’t have a clue who he was back in the days of Neighbours on TV, given I never watched it, but it makes me very happy to now count Felice Arena among my friendship circle. Not only have I reviewed many of his numerous books…

  • Cozy Christmas – Coco Wyo

    Penguin Australia ISBN: 9780241764244 Imprint: Penguin RRP: $14.99 If you’ve grabbed Warning! These Jokes Will Annoy Everyone You Know to keep a bigger one occupied, while everyone snoozes post Xmas-lunch Christmas, and you need something for a Small, this is really cute and would suit any age from around 3/4 upwards. Put some chunky crayons or some new…

  • The Completely Chaotic Christmas of Lottie Brooks – Katie Kirby

    Penguin Books Australia ISBN: 9780241679166 Imprint: Puffin RRP: $16.99 Somehow or other, I have completely missed Lottie Brooks until now but I’m glad we have met. I found this quite hilarious and can easily see why this series has been so popular with tweens. It’s reminiscent of the likes of Wimpy Kid or Tom Weekly but more…

  • Emma Memma: Christmas Lights

    Penguin Australia October 2024 ISBN: 9781761341786 Imprint: Puffin $19.99 Christmas is coming and the excitement and the sparkle is building! Emma Memma and Elvin Melvin are ready to show little readers all the beautiful twinkling lights around their town. Once the sun goes down it’s time to twirl and dance their way from one set of lights…