Just So Stories

Random Reviews and Ramblings from Redcliffe

  • The Space Between – Jess McGeachin

    Penguin Australia July 2024 ISBN: 9780143779186 Imprint: Puffin RRP: $24.99 Jess’ books are always a delight [I still love Business Chickens so much especially] and this one has all the warmth of a cosy blanket and a mug of hot chocolate, with a lovely look at both imagination and enduring friendship. Max and Milo are neighbours and…

  • Best Idea Yet: Willa and Woof # 8 – Jacqueline Harvey

    Penguin Australia October 2024 ISBN: 9781761343575 Imprint: Puffin $12.99 Jacqueline Harvey continues to smash this series for younger readers with another exciting adventure from the ever-intrepid and resourceful Willa. Along with Tae and Woof, Willa has been officially helping at the Sunset Views retirement village next door. And the elderly residents are now also even more involved…

  • The Dog who Danced on the Moon – John Boyne. Illustrated by Ashling Lindsay.

    Penguin Australia July 2024 ISBN: 9780241529515 Imprint: Puffin RRP: $16.99 This a rather charming rhyming story with a special leaning towards bedtime, exploring aspirations and determination in a warm and inspirational way. Jeremy’s dreams of space exploration are scoffed at by his peers, and even his teachers, but that doesn’t stop his absorbing as much information about…

  • Real Stories with Random Writers

    A few weeks ago I had the absolute pleasure of being invited to be the first librarian on this hugely popular and terrific podcast with friends, Jacqueline Harvey, R. A. Spratt and Tim Harris. It was loads of fun and I’m very lucky. Check it out here and have a laugh with us.

  • Listen, Hippo! – Gabriel Evans

    Penguin Australia April 2024 ISBN: 9781761341700 Imprint: Puffin RRP: $24.99 This utterly delightful book completely reminded me of Forrest Gump: For Forrest, the only thing that was going to help was running. For Billy, he just wants Hippo to listen. Hippo is the most willing and helpul friend one could have. But sometimes we don’t want razzamatazz…

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

    Penguin Australia September 2024 ISBN: 9781761340949 Imprint: Puffin RRP: $24.99 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…

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

    Penguin Australia August 2024 ISBN: 9781761048968 Imprint: Puffin RRP: $17.99 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…

  • Days of Warmth – Gregg Dreise

    Penguin Australia August 2024 ISBN: 9781761340567 Imprint: Puffin RRP: $14.99 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…

  • Circles of Life – Gregg Dreise

    Penguin Australia March 2024 ISBN: 9781761340550 Imprint: Puffin RRP:$24.99 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…

  • 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 ISBN: 9781761345050 Imprint: Puffin 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…