Just So Stories

Penguin Australia

May 2023

• ISBN: 9781761046506
• Imprint: Puffin
• RRP: $24.99

Anyone who has taught or worked with children will probably agree that we can never have enough books about friendship, and in particular, how to be a good friend. Once I probably would have said this is most true of the younger grades but realistically, more and more, I see kids in all grades who simply do not know how to successfully interact in a friendship.

In this sense, this is an important addition to your shelves. But, more than that, it is just so sweet and, dare I say, pretty that it is a delight to both read and look at. Gabriel Evans is a successful artist and writer, and no doubt you will have seen his work already -whether as author/illustrator or simply illustrator. His artwork, particularly characters, is quirky, immediately recognisable and endearing, and George is no exception to this.

George is a happy little soul who loves living in his little beach house but there is one thing missing – a friend. He really, truly wants a special friend of his own. So when he finds a sweet little fish in a rockpool one day, he is enraptured to have a buddy at last – albeit one who can’t actually talk back to him. That’s ok, because George can talk enough for both of them, and even names his new friend…. Claude – ‘because that’s what friends do‘. George goes to bed thoroughly overjoyed knowing he has finally achieved his goal

.But when he rushes out the next morning for more fun with Claude – oh no! – disaster!! the tide has come in, and Claude is no longer in the rockpool, but out to sea with a teeming mass of ocean life.

Some quick thinking on George’s part and he is off to ‘rescue’ Claude – ‘because that’s what friends do‘. The rescue doesn’t pan out in the way that George has envisaged but that’s ok, because what friends do is work out what makes their friend happiest, and in this case the result is a friend bonanza for George.

Gabriel’s illustrations are just a joy to behold, and readers will not only enjoy George’s antics but love these. Some inspired artwork would be a terrific follow-up – particularly in my locality where we also live beside the ocean, and enjoy so many of its wondrous inhabitants.

Most importantly, it opens up easy lines of conversation with your kiddos about what friendship looks like and how we can make sure we are being a good friend. Highly recommended for your Smalls from Prep to around Year 3 (or whereever you see the need!).