Just So Stories

Random Reviews and Ramblings from Redcliffe


  • We Did Ok, Kid – Anthony Hopkins

    Still looking for ideas for gifts? Or, like me, and just keep seeing things I know somebody I know would love. If you have family or friend interested in memoirs and/or acting, this is a superb choice. I read it over 4 nights and while some of it was a bit close to home for…

  • Picture Book Month extra!! Cobweb – Michael Morpurgo

    Harper Collins Australia RRP: $19.99 Once again Michael Morpurgo demonstrates exactly why he is a master of middle grade historical fiction, even at the venerable age of 80+. If you have read his memoir Such Stuff: a Storymaker’s Inspiration, you will already be aware that most, if not all, of Michael’s stories are sparked initially…

  • Fallout – Lesley Parr

    Bloomsbury Australia October 2024 ISBN 9781526648013 Imprint Bloomsbury Children’s Books RRP: $15.99 I have been a fan of Lesley Parr’s writing since the very first I reviewed, and this new one is another fabulous read. I ate it up over this past weekend, thoroughly immersed in Marcus’ troubled life in his Welsh valley in the…

  • A Child’s Christmas in Wales – Dylan Thomas. Illustrated by Peter Bailey.

    Orion Children’s Books 2014 Hachette I first fell in love with Dylan Thomas’ work when I heard Richard Burton recite Under Milkwood, in my English class at St George Girls’ High School circa early 1970s. (see the final video for some wonderful RB vocal deliciousness). So I was thrilled with this gift from my bestie…

  • Where the River Takes Us – Lesley Parr

    Bloomsbury Australia April 2023 ISBN 9781526647771 Imprint Bloomsbury Children’s Books RRP: $16.99 I can now confirm for sure that Lesley Parr has become one of my favourite MG authors. This is the third of hers I have read – avidly – and it’s not just the fact that they are set in Wales (home to…