Just So Stories

Random Reviews and Ramblings from Redcliffe

  • Creators’ Christmas Crackers – and one Publicist’s Pick!

    From Cate Whittle: If you want to go as far back as 1986, The Nativity, illustrated by Julie Vivas remains one of my faves, so full of joy and life and movement. Another favourite is A Christmas Story by Brian Wildsmith (1989), also beautifully brought to life by his gorgeous artwork. From Cassy Polimeni: Fave…

  • Flora: Australia’s Most Curious Plants – Tania McCartney

    National Library of Australia October 2024 9781922507716 /AUD$29.99, NZD$34.99 Try some Flora puzzles! Watch a Waratah bloom via Tania’s skills I have watched the development of this stunning companion to Fauna for months now and have eagerly anticipated its arrival. And how very beautiful it is – of course! With the meticulous attention to detail we…

  • Plume-lollapalooza!!

    The series teaching notes are now available!! Enjoy all things Plume and penguin with your Smalls.

  • Plume: Christmas Elf – Tania McCartney

    Hardie Grant Australia October 2023 ISBN: 9781741177923 RRP: $24.99 You would be hard-pressed to find a more sparkling author/illustrator than the ever-elegant, super-stylish, tremendously-talented Tania McCartney, and, therefore, how utterly appropriate that this beautiful new Plume story is just as sparkly as its creator. I have been in love with Plume since first meeting, having…

  • Wildlife Compendium of the World – Tania McCartney

    Hardie Grant May 2023 ISBN9781741177473 Imprint: Hardie Grant Explore RRP: $32.99 I can safely say without hesitation that Tania’s gorgeous picture books are only surpassed by her utterly glorious non-fiction books. You may disagree – but you’d be wrong in my opinion! I have always loved informational books – yes, I was the nerdy kid…

  • Dorrie – Tania McCartney

    Harper Collins Australia February 2023 Well you know my high opinion of the hugely talented Tania McCartney with her stylish flair for presenting her young readers with inspirational and engaging narratives, which also incorporate factual tidbits of the most fascinating kind. I grew up reading Blinky Bill along with all the time-honoured Australian classics, but,…

  • Plume [#3]: Festival Seeker -Tania McCartney

    Hardie Grant October 2022 ISBN: 9781741177909 Publisher: Hardie Grant Explore RRP: $26.99 My apologies for that delay between the fabulous interview with the lovely Tania and my promised review of the newest Plume title – released yesterday – but there was a rather inconvenient technical hitch. Welcome back Plume! Our intrepid Antarctic traveller extraordinaire is…

  • Huzzah! Special guest Q&A with the amazing Tania McCartney

    At the very first moment we met, around 11 years ago, the lovely Tan and I just hit it off and I, for one, have treasured this friendship and her astounding talent since. Tania McCartney, welcome to Just So Stories- I have no idea why it’s taken this long to do a Q&A with you…

  • Plume [#2]: Global Nibbler – Tania McCartney

    May 2022 Hardie Grant, Hardie Grant Explore, RRP $26.99 ISBN: 9781741177671 My friends are all very aware of my penchant for penguins. Surely, they are one of the cutest creatures in the world? Although, if you have ever participated in the penguin spotting research via live stream, you will appreciate that the little darlings are…

  • Beijing Tai Tai – Tania McCartney

    Exisle Publishing 2012 ISBN: 9781921966156 RRP: $14.99 I first met Tania when she came to my Canberra school as our author guest around ten years ago, and she and I just clicked from the first moment we spoke to each other. Since then it has been my honour and pleasure to be her friend. I…