Just So Stories

Random Reviews and Ramblings from Redcliffe


  • The Wolf Who Cried Boy – Mark Mupotsa-Russell

    I read several fantastic adult books over the blog break, a few of those just free-range reading and not for review, but this was one I had seen in Affirm’s catalogue and requested because it sounded intriguing. Can I just say it’s been a while since I swallowed an entire adult novel in one gulp?…

  • Board Book Bonanza!

    Mr McGee – Pamela Allen Penguin Australia February 2026 Some top-shelf board book editions with a much-loved character plus some fresh new titles for the Smallest Smalls in your circle. First up is that popular chap, Mr McGee whose last book I reviewed in 2024, the year in which Pamela Allen turned 90. How lovely…

  • A Light on the Rocks – Helen Edwards

    I’ve quickly come to realise that Helen’s historical novels are impeccably researched and completely engrossing, so much so that it is not just your young readers who will enjoy them, but also adults. As I have mentioned previously I, for one, didn’t know much about Adelaide’s or South Australia’s history, certainly not as a child,…

  • The Thing About Christmas – Jo Dabrowski/Briony Stewart

    Little Book Press September 2025 Simon & Schuster ISBN13: 9781923141407 RRP: LIST PRICE: AU$ 24.99 / NZ$ 29.99 The thing about Christmas is that it is an intensely individual festival for each and every person and family. This book is a sublime insight into that concept. Once upon a time, in my family our Christmas…

  • Mrs Claus – Renee Price. Illustrated by Travis Price.

    Simon & Schuster Publisher: Affirm Press August 2025 This is another I’ve been sitting on since August but it’s worth the wait. I wish you could see how shiny the cover is because that’s just completely gorgeous. Aside from that the first thing that struck is me that glorious mid-century vibe about the illustrations –…

  • An Ancient Witch’s Guide to Modern Dating – Cecilia Edward

    Simon & Schuster November 2025 It absolutely is not a Christmas themed book but it would make a great gift for a YA/NA reader in your circle because aside from anything else, it’s SO pretty! Look at those sprayed page edges!! But it is also a nice light rom-com read AND there’s plenty of cats!…

  • Little Rabbit and the Moon – Inda Ahmad Zahri. Claire Wee.

    Simon & Schuster Little Book Press September 2025 ISBN: 978-1-923141-12-4 RRP: $24.99 I’m not sure if Inda created this based on the ‘rabbit in the moon’ idea. I know one of my girls always talked about the moon rabbit – that is she saw the crater shadows on the moon as a reclining rabbit. I also…

  • Neighbourhood Nest – Sarah Jane Lightfoot

    It’s pretty apt I think that on the first day of this year’s Aussie Bird Count (time of writing 20/10) I should pick up this one to review. Mind you, I am a daily bird watcher. My walk especially in the afternoons is usually one punctuated by twitching and it’s always exciting to see some…

  • When the Mountain Wakes – Matt Shanks

    Affirm Press Simon & Schuster August 2025 Somewhere, towards the beginning of time, a mountain rose from the ocean and came to rest above the clouds.Life sang a lullaby, and the mountain slept for many millions of years.Until one day, when the world became too silent for sleep  If you have a Sophisticated Picture Books…

  • Escape from Firestone Fortress: Solve it Your Way #3 – Rachel Jackson

    Riveted Press Distributed by Simon & Schuster September 2025 ISBN13: 9781764007122 RRP: AU$ 17.99 / NZ$ 19.99 I loved Rachel’s first two Solve it Your Way titles and, of course, have also enjoyed my Q&A and meeting her on my visit to Canberra a few months ago. She is both personable and engaging, aside from…