Just So Stories

Random Reviews and Ramblings from Redcliffe

  • The Stolen Bairn – Katrina Macdonald Roe

    Riveted Press Distributed by Simon & Schuster May 2026 ISBN13: 9781764256773 LIST PRICE: AU$ 17.99 / NZ$ 19.99 The gorgeous cover and enticing title bespeak the thoroughly engaging nature of this fantasy faerie tale from newcomer Katrina Macdonald Roe [Fun Fact: while the Macdonald clans, in their variations, are now scattered all over the world,…

  • The Boy and the Shark – Cate James

    Affirm Kids Apri 2026 Distributed by Simon & Schuster LIST PRICE: AU$ 24.99 / NZ$ 26.99 Cate James makes the leap from talented illustrator to doubly talented author/illustrator with this absolutely adorable book. Let’s be honest here, you can utilise any book for teaching purposes if you are a capable and creative educator, but sometimes…

  • My First Aussie Dinosaurs – Sarah Jane Lightfoot

    Affirm Press Dist: Simon & Schuster December 2025 I think I’m officially in love with Sarah Jane Lightfoot’s books . After reviewing my first couple last year, I have no hesitation in asking for more when I see them. This one has been out for a while but only recently came to my attention. And,…

  • Lexie Moon & the Remote Control Disaster – Melissa Garside and Lauren Mullinder

    Riveted Press Distributed by Simon & Schuster June 2026 ISBN13: 9781764256766 LIST PRICE: AU$ 12.99 / NZ$ 14.99 Hooray for #3 in the Lexie Moon series with this young inventor extraordinaire. In this new adventure, Lexie is constructing a ‘sauce bottle’ remote control car for an upcoming competition but is really having difficulties. Finding the…

  • The Midlands – Kate Gordon

    Kate Gordon has certainly forged a following since her first foray into publication. Some of her titles I have reviewed, others I have read but not reviewed but I definitely know which ones have received the positives and enthusiasms. I particularly enjoyed Whalesong. There is a lot to like about this newest one as well.…

  • Dingoes: Up Close series – Jane Forge

    Wild Dog Books Dist: Simon & Schuster June 2026 In a word – stunning! This is exactly the sort of non-fiction book on Australian animals that we all want to complement our UoI on our fauna but, at the same time, is also perfect for those children who are keen to learn more about animals.…

  • Handbooks for Little Humans: Integrity and Inclusivity – Zanni Louise. Illustrated by Jingting Wang.

    Simon & Schuster Imprint: Affirm Press February 2026 Integrity ISBN13: 9781923293205 LIST PRICE: AU$ 19.99 / NZ$ 24.99 Inclusion ISBN13: 9781923293199 LIST PRICE: AU$ 19.99 / NZ$ 24.99 Following up on the earlier two in this series we have two more titles to add to your kitbag for inclusion in your circle time or social…

  • Ella and the Mystery of the Missing Frogs – Cassy Polimeni. Illustrated by Hykie Breeze.

    UWA Publishing Distributed by Simon & Schuster March 2026 #3 in the Ella’s froggy series is another engaging read for those early chapter books readers in your circle – the ones who are growing more confident with their sustained reading. Each of these charmers has presented a narrative to which kids will relate and make…

  • The Prime Minister Problem – Brenton Cullen

    Riveted Press April 2026 Dist: Simon & Schuster ISBN13: 9781764256728 RRP: AU$ 17.99 / NZ$ 19.99 Brenton Cullen’s debut novel is a terrific read for middle-grade. This young man has been a keen writer since childhood and is now making his dream of writing professionally come true. And what a great start this is! It’s…

  • Your Next Read: Silver Series – Books #1-#4

    Affirm Press/Simon & Schuster 2026 ongoing It certainly has had a lot of hoopla in the lead-up, as you would expect from expert marketers but this new series, which to my mind, is a reincarnation of our old favourites Aussie Bites, Aussie Chomps will undoubtedly be popular with school libraries and classrooms across the country.…