Just So Stories

Random Reviews and Ramblings from Redcliffe

  • 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.…

  • 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 –…