Just So Stories

Random Reviews and Ramblings from Redcliffe

  • Dragon Folding – Christopher Cheng. Illustrated by Lucia Masciullo.

    Penguin Australia September 2024 Grief is hard. And most of us know, in one way or another, some losses are harder to bear than others. I know that well, as does author Christopher Cheng. In a beautiful new book from this illustrious author, comes a narrative that explores the depths of grief, and how strength…

  • Kevin Saves the Show – Jacqueline Harvey. Illustrated by Kate Isobel Scott.

    Penguin Australia August 2024 Just in time to kick off the animals PB extravaganza, everyone’s newest favourite sheep is back and as one would expect is front and centre in the spotlight. Our jumbuck is the host of a karaoke singing competition, rocking his new purple ‘do’ and looking sharp as a wolf’s tooth. The…

  • Days of Warmth – Gregg Dreise

    Penguin Australia August 2024 Anything from Gregg is always a guaranteed delight and this new board book is just the sweetest thing, full of warmth and comfort. It is both a tender story of family love and security, and an introduction to learning the days of the week, names for family members and various emotions.…

  • Circles of Life – Gregg Dreise

    Penguin Australia March 2024 Alphabet Song / Rap – Aboriginal Style by Gregg Dreise – YouTube Together Forever By Gregg Dreise (featuring Ed Owen-Jones) Stop Motion Lollies & Pens Animation. – YouTube My Culture and Me by Gregg Dreise – YouTube Kookoo Kookaburra Song Gregg Dreise – YouTube I Open the Door Promo ILF –…

  • Mr McGee and his Hat – Pamela Allen

    Pamela Allen on Mr McGee and turning 90: ‘I’ve always known what I’m doing is good’ Penguin Australia RRP: $24.99 In just the last week I was remembering the furore over Mr McGee’s little penis that was barely visible in Mr McGee and the Biting Flea, and chatting about it to someone. The book was…

  • The Daredevil Princess and the Grumpy Giant – Belinda Murrell. Illustrated by Rebecca Crane

    Penguin Australia July 2024 There’s absolutely no doubt about it – Belinda Murrell has certainly hit the sweet spot s with this new series. Unicorns, goblins, and dragons have all delighted her fans so far, and now a seriously annoyed sleep-deprived giant will once again engage Smalls in the adventures of Princess Tillie and Honey…

  • Emma Memma Little Library

    Penguin Australia Here’s some more delightful Emma Memma joy and this is for your tiniest Smalls. For us, that means little Daisy now a few months old and just adorable! It’s a little slipcase with teeny-sized concept board books just perfect for teeny-sized hands. Includes books– Numbers- Colours- Animals- Auslan and each is just like…

  • Camp Chaos: Willa and Woof # 7 – Jacqueline Harvey. Illustrations by A. Yi

    Penguin Australia June 2024 Each new Willa and Woof adventure makes me think “Oh this is the best yet!” but, somehow, they just keep coming – and getting better! I really LOVE this one. It makes me, as an adult, think of all the camps I’ve taken kiddos on, both school and with Brownies (later…

  • This is My Book – Tim Harris & Heidi McKinnon

    Penguin Australia May 2024 What a cracking combination of creators!! Tim has such a flair for comic writing and Heidi’s illustrations, while appearing relatively simple, are always so full of character and expression. The vibrant contrast of colours between pages is inspired! I just LOVE this book and your kiddos will gobble it up as…

  • Where is the Green Sheep? Celebration Book [20th Anniversary] – Mem Fox and Judy Horacek

    Penguin Australia April 2024 Twenty years ago this was a brand new sparkling book that was a huge hit in my library lessons. Now it’s an iconic staple of our Oz Kids Lit picture book canon, still sparkling, and still a huge hit with little readers. As soon as it was available I had my…