Just So Stories

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 developed a real following.

Hazel has now settled into her new school, and along with her friend Laura, busily makes her pretend video tutorials, especially when she’s a little anxious, but both are also very busy with their school play. Hazel is not particularly confident with her friendship skills, especially when snarky Camila is being quite nasty to her – and to Laura. Things are unsettled at home as well, with her special neighbour friend, Veronica, having gone to a retirement place and new people moving in next door.

When Laura confides to Hazel that her pregnant mum is very unwell, both girls believe it to be a secret, but it bothers Hazel very much, as she sees the worry and upset the situation is causing her friend. Knowing when to keep a secret, and the best way to help a friend in need are, undoubtedly, tricky aspects of a friendship to navigate and many young readers will be able to make connections here.

With another slant on friendship, Hazel realises that her new neighbours may not be so bad after all, and when she helps them, as well as Laura, the friendship parameters are slowly becoming easier to recognise.

Essentially, this is another sweet story from this author and one which will make a terrific read for those newly proficient readers as well as an excellent class read-aloud for little peeps from Kindy to about Year 2. I heartily recommend it for readers from around 6 years upwards.