Just So Stories

Random Reviews and Ramblings from Redcliffe

  • Football: Horrible Histories – Terry Deary. Illustrated by Martin Brown.

    All about the gruesome game – this book is a real keeper! Scholastic Australia ISBN: 9780702344800 ISBN-10: 070234480X Series: Horrible Histories May 2026 RRP: $21.99 It’s not called the World Game for nothing and while I’m not a fan myself, I not only have friends who are but have seen the enthusiasm of the kiddos I’ve taught, particularly…

  • Blossom Possum: 20th Anniversary Edition – Gina Newton. Kilmeny Niland.

    Well I wouldn’t mind a dollar for every time I’ve shared this delightful re-tell with an appreciative audience over the many years in the many libraries. And it’s never on the shelf unless you keep it in reserve for when you do want to share it. There is something about the familiarity, yet difference, of…

  • The Rainbow Egg: The Tinysaurs #2 – Sally Odgers. Illustrated by Adele K. Thomas

    Scholastic Australia July 2026 ISBN: 9781761723858 ISBN-10: 1761723855 RRP: $14.99 The cutie-pie Tinysaurs are back for their second adventure and this one gets even cuter than the first. Much like Redcliffe for the past month, the Tinysaurs are quite fed up with the endless rain and are very happy to see a magnificent rainbow arching overheard. Surely…

  • Prickles – Phil Cummings & Jennifer Goldsmith

    Scholastic Australia April 2026 ISBN: 9781760266028 ISBN-10: 1760266027 RRP: $26.99 This is just an absolutely delightful (as usual) from Phil Cummings with an assistance dog who doesn’t just assist her human. Prickles is an alley cat. It’s not a great life what with weather and dangers, but it does have good moments like stretching out on windowsills…

  • I Know What You’re Hiding – Jack Heath

    Scholastic Australia May 2026 ISBN: 9781761526794 RRP: $17.99 My first introduction to Jack Heath and his amazing capacity for inventive and thrilling narrative was at the ASLA Conference Canberra [circa 2005 if I recall?]. I am quite sure his presentation was at The Shine Dome, which was great fun in itself but it’s been a…

  • The Dust Bowl, 1935: I Survived – Lauren Tarshis

    Scholastic Australia March 2026 ISBN: 9781761728662 RRP: $15.99 My introduction to the work of John Steinbeck was watching the movie adaptation of The Grapes of Wrath aged around 11/12 and thereafter, reading my father’s copy of the book plus all his other Steinbecks, including my all-time favourite book Of Mice and Men, also set in…

  • ANZAC Biscuits (a Commemorative Edition) – Phil Cummings. Owen Swan

    SCHOLASTIC AUSTRALIA March 2026 ISBN: 9781761725302 ISBN-10: 1761725300 Hard to believe it’s 13 years since this lovely book was first published and this is a welcome new edition to replace your original, particularly with this updated and very striking cover [love the touch of gold and the hardcover has the most delightful feel to it, almost like…

  • My Mum’s Amazing! Phil Cummings. Hannah Marks.

    Scholastic Australia March 2026 9781761297380 RRP: $19.99 This is just pure delight from start to finish! Phil Cummings has cracked it again with a lively text that is super engaging, fun to read and so descriptive while, at the same time, encapsulating all those great things we appreciate about our mothers, for Smalls to reflect…

  • I’d Rather Be a Shark – Philip & Laura Bunting

    The Buntings have done it again with an uproariously look at ‘what if…’ when a child is fed up with having to use their manners, or being kind to everyone and taking turns, smiling sweetly and, as for sharing – phooey! What if….one salty kid could transform into a salty, snapping toothy SHARK! That would…

  • Books in Homes

    Yesterday I did my first gig for Books in Homes, which is just such a fantastic initiative to promote a love of books and reading to kiddos. I went to Carole Park SS and while it was a mission to get there, what a delightful little school it is. Their student leaders were fabulous and…