Just So Stories

Harper Collins Australia

October 2023

• ISBN: 9781922033093
• ISBN 10: 192203309X
• Imprint: HarperCollins AU
• RRP: $19.99

I really think the first adjective that comes to mind to describe this debut novel is ‘astonishing’, in all aspects. The setting is Cape Town, and, truthfully, I struggle to think of any kids’ books I’ve read with this location – although Nick Earls’ book New Boy certainly references South Africa.

The protagonist, Kip Boowit, is an outsider. At school, her crazy teacher, is no help in stopping any bullying and, in fact, is often a bully herself. It’s not because Kip is of mixed race, with a white mum and a black dad, because that’s quite common in their community. It’s more because, since her mother died, she and father living away up on their mountain in a reputedly haunted house, are considered weirder than weird by the whole community.

What Kip wants more than anything is a friend, [more than just the ghosts she always passes in the nearby forest], although having her father actually take notice of her would be great too. She certainly finds one, unusual as he is.

On her 12th birthday, as is the tradition, Kip’s Odd Thing happens, and it is an albatross, a long way from the sea, dropping an egg in a bottle into her hands. The creature that hatches from the egg is a little like a kitten, but then again not at all like a kitten. Buffel is small, furred and highly intelligent. No wonder, the most unscrupulous person in his vicinity decides to kidnap him.

In fact, Kip has discovered more than one friend when she realises her classmate Troy is willing to help her rescue Buffel, and when he introduces her to his grandfather, Grand Daddy Bristol, they form an unbeatable team.

That’s enough of plot. Let’s just say it’s complicated, fantastical and highly entertaining! Digging underneath the eccentric characters, and crazy circumstances, this is a great narrative exploring nuances of family and grief, bigotry and apartheid, friendship and loyalty, self-belief and initiative.

I really enjoyed it and read it quickly over two sessions. I can easily see middle to upper primary kids doing the same. Aside from its novelty value, there are some fun language aspects to explore, as well as some terrific opportunity for character profiling.

Do yourself a favour and get this on your order lists if you haven’t already done so. Highly recommended for kiddos from around 10 years upwards.