Just So Stories

Random Reviews and Ramblings from Redcliffe

  • The Daredevil Princess and the Goblin King [#2] – Belinda Murrell. Illustrated by Rebecca Crane.

    Penguin Random House February 2024 After a slight hiccup in delivery, here is #2 in Belinda’s fun new series for your younger readers. Those kiddos who are now so proud of being able to read ‘chapter books’, all of whom will relish the humour and adventure in these stories. Princess Tillie, now constantly accompanied by…

  • National Day for War Animals

    A few weeks ago I reviewed the beautiful new picture book Wear a Purple Poppy. I was going to schedule it for today but knew that there would be many who would wish to order in time to share, now that everyone is well and truly back at school. So here are a few more…

  • The Daredevil Princess and the Golden Unicorn: #1 – Belinda Murrell. Illustrated by Rebecca Crane.

    Penguin Random House February 2024 Make way, make way, for Her Royal Highness, Crown Princess Mathilda Amalia Charlotte Adelaide Rose! Or, as readers will come to know her, Princess Tillie, newest character from one of our favourite authors, Belinda Murrell. The first in a brand new series especially pitched at freshly independent readers, this has…

  • From the Archives: The Nanny Piggins Guide to Conquering Christmas – R. A. Spratt

    Just over a week ago The Kid and I tootled into the city to see R. A. Spratt’s highly entertaining Christmas Stories. Naturally, Nanny Piggins was a feature – but also Friday Barnes. It was a lot of fun and it was clear that so many of the kiddos present were thrilled to be meeting…

  • Peppa Pig: Peppa’s 12 Days of Christmas

    Penguin Random House October 2023 We all know that Peppa’s popularity remains undiminished and that Littles just never get tired of the Pig family. Continue the fun with another lift-the-flap book that will delight your slightly older Smalls particularly. Starting on Christmas Day (of course) with opening presents and then all the excitement in the…

  • Peter Rabbit Tales: The Christmas Star

    Penguin Random House September 2023 When you open a book parcel and see the shimmering scarlet foiled binding of a board book, somehow you just know it’s almost Christmas! This is a dear little book that will make a perfect stocking stuffer for any Small of your acquaintance. It is a simple little story, but…

  • Here Comes a Merry Christmas – Justine Clarke with Arthur Baystin & Peter Dasent. Illustrated by Heath McKenzie

    Penguin Australia October 2023 Because I don’t have little kids personally, nor do I watch much TV, I was not at all familiar with this song, though naturally, very aware of Justine Clarkie’s enduring popularity with Smalls. Now that I hear it, I think it is quite lovely and a very special way to lead…

  • Picture Book Month 2023 is a wrap!

    November is Picture Book Month, a tribute to the enduring importance of the picture book form. Dianne de Las Casas (author & storyteller) and her team co-founded the month-long celebration to champion the power and beauty of picture books: In this digital age where people are predicting the coming death of print books, picture books (the print kind) need love. And…

  • Busy Betty & the Circus Surprise – Reese Witherspoon. Illustrated by Xindi Yan.

    Penguin Australia October 2023 Busy Betty is back in her second fun story, still bursting with questions and ideas, and still getting into pickles. In this story, Betty is keen to do something special for her mum and after a few ideas, she comes up with a fantastic idea. A circus!! When you have clever…

  • Cricket by Bluey

    Penguin Australia December 2023 We know when the season changes in Brisbane. The jacarandas are blooming and the local cricketers are back in the parks and ovals. Of course, there’s a few other matches on TV as well *wink* and, altogether, we know that spring is here, summer is on its way, cicadas will be…