Just So Stories

Random Reviews and Ramblings from Redcliffe

  • Mini and Milo: the Big Flappy Ears – Venita Dimos & Natasha Curtin

    Walker Books Australia September 2023 ISBN13:9781760656164 Australia RRP:$25.99 New Zealand RRP:$28.99 In times gone by, books for children were of an ‘improving’ nature and it seems that there is quite a resurgence of these in recent times. Perhaps justifiably, given what we, as educators, are observing with our youngest students beginning prep (particularly after the…

  • The Puppets of Spelhorst – Kate DiCamillo

    Walker Books Australia October 2023 ISBN13:9781529512854 Australia RRP:$24.99 New Zealand RRP:$27.99 Kate DiCamillo never disappoints and this is no exception. I’d been keenly anticipating it since I first got wind of this new series a while back and so was thrilled to receive the ARC which, of course, I promptly devoured in one gulp. Kate…

  • Rabbit – a global superstar!

    Walker Books Australia Author/Illustrator: Jo Ham September 2023 Uh-oh! Rabbit ISBN13:9781529504439 Australia RRP:$19.99 New Zealand RRP:$22.99 Yippee! Rabbit! ISBN13:9781529509106 Australia RRP:$19.99 New Zealand RRP:$22.99 Have you met Rabbit yet? The brainchild of Joanna Ham, artist and illustrator, Rabbit has graced almost everything from Body Shop packaging to giant murals and art installations. Rabbit epitomises all…

  • Alex Rider: Nightshade Revenge #14 – Anthony Horowitz

    Walker Books September 2023 ISBN13:9781529517422 Australia RRP:$17.99 New Zealand RRP:$19.99 My fondness for Alex’ adventures is pretty well-known, and some people may remember my huge excitement with an exchange I had with the boy spy’s creator, Anthony himself, when I did my promo for Alex’ 20th anniversary. Well I remember our collective sadness when we…

  • Eat My Dust! – Neridah McMullin & Lucia Masciulla

    Walker Books August 2023 ISBN13: 9781760654191 Australia RRP:$26.99 New Zealand RRP:$28.99 After many months of hearing of the progress with this new book from Neridah McMullin, I was tremendously pleased to finally hold it in my hands, and enjoy the narrative account of two remarkable Australian women. I freely admit I had never heard of…

  • How to be a Friend – Anna Branford

    Walker Books July 2023 ISBN13:9781760657246 Australia RRP:$15.99 New Zealand RRP:$17.99 If you are looking to add to your collection for your newly independent readers, this will be a super choice. Some of your Smalls will already be exploring the Violet Mackerel series or have read How to be the New Person, both of which have…

  • The Unlikely Heroes Club – Kate Foster

    Walker Books Australia ISBN13:9781760655969 Imprint: Walker Books Australia Australia RRP:$16.99 New Zealand RRP:$18.99 Some of my readers will recall that I recently reviewed The Bravest Word, and may also be familiar with Paws, In her new book, Kate returns to the theme of autism that was a focus in the latter, and provides readers with…

  • The Skull (follow up) in the wild

    Today was the first opportunity I’ve had to share The Skull in a classroom. I had Year 4s and they were completely and utterly rapt. There was a frisson of tension, and some audible intakes of breath, some shocked squeaks at various moments, a constant murmuring of “I love this book!”…….so afterwards, I invited them…

  • Dogs: understanding your very best friend – Dr John Bradshaw. Illustrated by Clare Elsom

    Walker Books November 2021 ISBN13:9781839130878 Imprint; Andersen Press Australia RRP:$14.99 New Zealand RRP:$16.99 In every school library you will have those kids who will borrow every dog book you have – often, many times over. This is one that will be a great little resource for those who are getting their first doggo, who want…

  • Woof for Walker Books!

    When the lovely folks at Walker sent me Scout and the Rescue Dogs we had a little confab about dog books, and they very kindly sent me a parcel of these to share with you all. We all know how much kiddos love a good dog book! So stay posted over the next few days…