Just So Stories

Journey to the Earth’s Core, with flaps

Harper Collins Australia

September 2023

• ISBN: 9781474998710
• ISBN 10: 1474998712
• Imprint: Usborne GB
• RRP: $19.99

We are all familiar with the high quality of Usborne’s books, particularly the informational titles and this one will have enormous appeal to your Smalls who are budding geologists.

It is a sturdy, large-sized board book so will withstand much handling, particularly as each double spread features numerous lift-the-flaps. Young readers will learn about mining, caves, the layers of the earth and what might be found there, fossils, water, minerals, the structure of the earth and the core and what people of the past thought.

For example, in ancient Rome, Vulcan working away in his forge underground, sometimes sent sparks flying out the top of mountains. Of course,that’s the root of the world volcano. Then there’s the ancient Japanese myth which maintained that a giant catfish lived under the ground, and its swimming caused the earth to tremble. And let’s not think about the whole flat earth theory, which belongs in the past well and truly (no matter what some might think!).

This would not only make a superb addition to your collection of non-fiction for younger students, but would be a wonderful stocking stuffer for a Small of your acquaintance – and exactly the sort of book that might give parentals a small respite on a busy Xmas Day. Recommended for your young ‘uns from around 6 upwards.