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Q&A with Belinda Murrell
Welcome to Just So Stories, Belinda! And how exciting to have you here at last (I have no idea why it’s taken so long really!). But with the debut of another brand-new series, it certainly is good timing. Let’s start off at the very beginning. Tell us about Belinda the little girl: family (of course,…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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An A to Z of Dreaming Differently – Tracey Dembo. Illustrated by Lucia Masciullo
Penguin Books Australia This is an alphabet book with a difference. It is actually an extended affirmation for your kiddos, and will give them much to think about, as well as opening up lots of conversations. Just flick through the slideshow to see some of the positive text and Lucia’s (as always) exquisite illustrations. With…
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Willa and Woof #6: Double the Drama – Jacqueline Harvey
Penguin Australia October 2023 RRP: $12.99 I am pretty sure everyone is aware already that Jacqueline is one of my favourite authors, as well as a favourite friend/wonderful human. She is also pretty prolific with her creativity – witness that just in the last two months I’ve reviewed the latest Alice-Miranda MG novel as well…
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