Just So Stories

Random Reviews and Ramblings from Redcliffe

  • Milly Meelyu – Holly Bradley & Darryl Fogarty. Illustrated by Corinne Fogarty.

    Fremantle Press February 2026 ISBN: 9781760996314 RRP: $24.99 For years now we have seen children and schools becoming more actively interested in conservation and caring for the environment and wildlife. It’s now well over 30 years since my first teaching gig with Year 5 when I created a literature-based unit of inquiry based on Fern Gully,…

  • Goldfields Girl: the Clara Saunders Story – Elaine Forrestal

    Fremantle Press February 2025 ISBN: 9781760994969 RRP: $17.99 When Goldfields Girl was first published in 2020, I acquired it for our collection and then never got around to reading it. Now it’s been reissued with this [IMO] far more engaging cover [I think it just illustrates Clara’s jaunty and resilient personality more] and I’m very happy…

  • Jack’s Island – Norman Jorgensen

    Fremantle Press January 2024 ISBN: 9781760992958 RRP: $17.99 Since its initial publication in 2008, Norman Jorgensen’s award-winning historical novel has proven not only an enduring popular choice for many class novel studies, but as a first-rate adventure constantly in circulation among readers from around Year 5 to Year 8. Based on stories from his own father,…

  • Aussie Kids series #3 & #4

    Penguin Random House March 2020 This new series for newly independent readers has already been a big hit in our junior library. Not only are the stories relatable to these young readers but they are able to explore Australia vicariously – and let’s face it, at present particularly this is a huge advantage.   Meet…