Just So Stories

Harper Collins

April 2023

Imprint: Clarion Press

ISBN: 9780358677864

RRP: $34.99

This is visually one of the most fascinating books you will encounter this year, and even if you don’t have kiddos who live by the sea, as I do, your readers will be completely absorbed by these amazing photographs as well as the text which flows like the water itself.

These two creators are the co-founders of Sea Change Project. Craig’s Oscar-winning, Netflix documentary My Octopus Teacher (2020), which shares his journey following a wild octopus, was – I think – one of the most widely talked about programs of the year. From tiny eggs to huge whales, the stunning photos will show your readers creatures of the deep that they will, very likely, never see in person but oh! how they will want to!

The authors finish up their expose of their underwater playground with a note about their commitment to daily diving and then another gallery of smaller snapshots of their double spreads, with more detailed information about each subject.

Look, to be honest, it is really difficult to both define this and to describe it, in order to do it justice. It is so much more than a ‘nature’ book. It is a declaration of love to these marvellous creatures who inhabit our oceans which these authors have graciously shared with us all.

Certainly, if your unit of work is centred around Oceans, this is a must, but simply sharing with your readers is also a must. We owe it to our kiddos to instil in them the sense of wonder at nature’s bountiful curiosities, especially those that are hidden from our everyday view. How else are they to grow into humans who will protect and preserve the beauty of the world?

Highly recommended for readers pretty much of any age but especially for littles from around Prep up to middle primary.