Just So Stories

Random Reviews and Ramblings from Redcliffe

  • A Load of Love and other feelings…

    This past week’s posts already had some ‘love’ but here are two more, just because it makes sense that they should be wrapped up together in one sweet parcel, so to speak. Feelings are Wild – Sophy Williams. Illustrated by Gavin Scott Allen & Unwin July 2023 ISBN:9781761180262 Publisher:A&U Children’s Imprint:Albert Street Books RRP: $19.99…

  • A Very Dinosaur Birthday – Adam Wallace. Illustrated by Christopher Nielsen.

    Harper Collins Australia July 2023 We know most kids are wild about dinosaurs. Certainly The Kid, and her mother before her were besotted with them as littles, but right up to loving every gritty, Velociraptor moment of the Jurassic Park franchise. And who wouldn’t want to have a shebang dino birthday party?? (in actual fact,…

  • Nanette’s Baguette – Mo Willems

    Walker Books Australia March 2017 ISBN13:9781406376210 Australia RRP:$16.99 New Zealand RRP:$18.99 Honestly, the kiddos go nuts for Mo’s books – which you probably already know. This one is my absolute favourite of all and I have used it several times. This past week I’ve been back in my happy place being teacher-librarian for a one…

  • Hairy Maclary from Donaldson’s Dairy [40th Anniversary] – Lynley Dodd

    Penguin Australia The real problem with these anniversary editions of our favourite books is that it always makes me feel incredibly old 😫 but, of course, at the same they always bring back so many happy memories of read-alouds for my own girls and grandies, as well as the many kiddos over a long teacher-librarian…

  • Pasta – Felice Arena. Illustrated by Beatrice Cerocchi.

    Affirm Press 28 March 2023RRP: $19.99ISBN: 9781922848604 I do wish you could see how tricky this lovely cover is, with its embossed shiny strands of spaghetti twirling with temptation. There would be very few kiddos who don’t both know and enjoy eating pasta and many of them will already know a few of the different…

  • Meerkat Christmas – Aura Parker

    Penguin Australia October 2022 Seriously, I’m always so in awe of creators who can do both the text and the illustrations – for someone who yearns to have even a smidgin of creativity it seems a little unfair -haha! This is another title I shared with numerous classes over the closing weeks of Term 4…

  • That Cat – Jacqueline Harvey. Illustrated by Kate Isobel Scott.

    Penguin Australia 1 March 2022 ISBN: 9781761040702 Imprint: Puffin RRP: $19.99 When the delightful Jacqueline came to my place last year (dinner, lots of talk and loads of laughs!) she told me about her first picture book which was on its way. How excitement!! And really no surprise regarding the subject matter – given her great affection for…