Just So Stories

Penguin Australia

October 2023

• ISBN: 9781761048937
• Imprint: Puffin

RRP: $12.99

I am pretty sure everyone is aware already that Jacqueline is one of my favourite authors, as well as a favourite friend/wonderful human. She is also pretty prolific with her creativity – witness that just in the last two months I’ve reviewed the latest Alice-Miranda MG novel as well as picture book The Daring Tale of Gloria the Great, and now here comes the latest in the hugely popular series, Willa and Woof.

This terrific set of titles is pitched perfectly for your newly independent readers and will have strong appeal to all genders, with very relatable plot lines with which younger readers can connect as they revolve around family, friends, school, neighbourhoods and the ups and downs of daily life.

In this new instalment Tae’s dad, Mark, has written, and is directing the school play which has lots of scope for all to be involved with a theme of the ocean and a great whale rescue. Willa is extremely glad she gets to play a grey nurse shark rather than a mermaid -ugh! all that glitter and bling is just not her style.

But new kid Rory seems intent on taking away her BFF Tae, and even her best-old-friend Frank seems to be getting far too cosy with Mrs Best. Willa does her best to put these worries out of her mind, and is glad to be able to welcome new neighbours, including Hudson who is a little different but a great hugger, his big brother Brandon and parents.

When Rory abandons the school play and Hudson goes missing, it’s time for Willa, Woof and Tae to spring into action, in their always reliable problem-solving manner. Once again your Smalls will cheer for these guys as their essential kindness and regard for others provides an exemplar that will, hopefully, become a pattern for life for our young readers. Jacqueline’s special note about Hudson and his family, will reinforce this and IMO, is a must read to share with your Smalls if you read this aloud.

Always my highest recommendation, this is perfect for your kiddos from able Year 1s to Year 3s.