Just So Stories

Hardie Grant

February 2023

ISBN: 9781741177978

Imprint: Hardie Grant Explore

RR_: $32.99

Oh, how I wish I’d had this when The Kid was younger and fully into her mini-beasts phase ! (I do miss those days of escaped stick insects and other interesting creatures roaming the house). It is certainly chunky but it is the perfect book for youngsters, particularly of primary age, to indulge their fascination with all things creepy-crawly.

I have to show you the contents pages, just so you get an idea of the complete comprehensiveness of this volume. I absolutely love that Georgia kicks off with setting up any budding entomologist with all the vital information they might need plus more. The other truly admirable thing here is that there is due reference to First Nations languages, with variations of the names in different language groups also included with the English name for each specimen. [This has been verified and checked by Jamil Tye].

Each double spread has a full page illustration/s of the wee beastie with accompanying general description (and often anecdote) with various information sub-sections such as: Where to look, When to look, Similar species and Habitat help -because this is not just about searching and identifying insects, but also protecting and encouraging their vital part in our ecosystems.

I can honestly see kids loving this, and Georgia’s illustrations are not just informative but truly charming. If you have a kiddo in your circle who is as interested in mini-wildlife as my girl was, it would make a fabulous gift but, certainly, it makes for a great addition to either library or classroom shelves.

Highly recommended for kiddos from around 9 years upwards.