Just So Stories

CSIRO Publishing

August 2023

ISBN: 9781486317820

RRP: $27.99

Ok, so technically, this is not about penguins per se, following up my last two posts, but given the title it was the obvious choice as next cab off the rank – or penguin off the floe, as the case may be.

This is actually one of those informational books that nerdy younger self me loved, and still does, as do so many kiddos. The Q&A format is always appealing, don’t you think?

So what to expect from this grab-bag of quirky facts? Well, for a start you can find out why rabbits eat their own poo. Not your thing? I assure you, that your Smalls will love it – nothing like being grossed out to get their attention!

Speaking in the general direction of rear ends, what about the bombardier beetle who sprays stinky, burning liquid from its tush as a protective measure -(hmmmm, maybe not liquid but certainly the stinky warning sounds familiar from some of my classes).

Or that baffling question of whether birds pee or poo?? Don’t worry, it’s not all about excrement. There are some super fascinating facts stuffed into one volume. Some may be familiar (even if only partially) to readers: Why should male spiders be cautious around their females? What creature is the champion of migratory habits? Why does rain smell? Is coral an animal or a plant?

But some, I suspect, will be quite revelatory for most, such as if birds have dialects (me: imagines a bird with a Brummy accent and a flat cap) or do octopuses dream? Each topic is sumptuously illustrated with colour photographs and highly appealing formatting.

The variety and high-interest choices remind me very much of that old favourite Wacky but True (anyone? kiddos in my libraries would go nuts for that mag!). A fabulous choice for your collection, but equally a top purchase for a curious child, especially those who love the oddities of nature.

Most definitely recommended for avid naturalists from around 8 years old.

Oh! and what do penguins and our late monarch, HM Queen Elizabeth II have in common? A little trick of rocking back and forth gently on their feet – [penguins also have a few other tricks up their feathers].