Just So Stories

Harper Collins Australia

October 2023

• ISBN: 9780008509934
• ISBN 10: 000850993X
• Imprint: HarperCollins GB
• RRP:$19.99

Honestly, when have you ever read anything less than wonderful by Michael Rosen? Exactly! This is a really fun update on the traditional fairy tale, that will sit beautifully with a unit of work on fractured fairytales or innovations on traditional stories, as well as being just plain fun to read.

Little Red Riding Hood is growing up, and while she was, naturally, quite frightened of the Wolf that ate her granny, she knows he’s been sorted and she has nothing to fear going to Grandma’s now – or does she?

Accompanied by her trusty steed and friend, Pebbles, off she goes through the woods, where the trees sing their lovely song and reassure her. But she does keep getting glimpses of – could that be a wolf? No, all good – rabbits, ducks, sheep – no wolves.

Well, except for that one that keeps lingering in the background – albeit, staying well away from LRRH. I especially got a chuckle out of the BBW scooting past an unknowing LRRH – where did he get that scooter (Hint: check the imprint page). David Melling’s illustrations are colourful and cheerful with just enough visual clues to have your Smalls jumping up and down with their guesses. They will also very much enjoy identifying all the contemporary differences in these illustrations to those they have seen before. And, in addition, a very good intro into discussion of fears, being observant, imagination (over-active or otherwise) and being safe.

It would go without saying that I give this a huge thumbs up and highly recommend it for your kiddos from around 4 years upwards.