Just So Stories

Harper Collins Australia

October 2023

• ISBN: 9780063060906
• ISBN 10: 0063060906
• Imprint: HarperCollins US
• RRP: $29.99

I really think this is one of the ‘prettiest’ picture books I’ve seen this year. I actually received it months ago but it was far too early to post a review so I’ve had it sitting in drafts for yonks! So then I decided I should save it for Picture Book Month and here it is. Kwame Alexander needs no introduction but I was not familiar with Deanna Nikaido’s poetry. On the other hand, I fell in love with Melissa Sweet’s illustrative style when I reviewed Some Writer, and her playful and vibrant artwork in this is just magnificent.

Young readers are firstly invited to simply pay attention, but then to listen, look, feel and discover the poetry that surrounds them. I have regularly undertaken units of work focussed on poetry, both back in my classroom days but extensively throughout my years of library. I find that most kiddos are surprised at just how much they enjoy it – especially when you encourage them to be creative and move away from the old structure and rhyming patterns.

This would be the perfect springboard to do this and paired with illustration in the same style, would make a sensational display for either classroom or library. Why not encourage your kiddos to write some free verse based on similar sensations and create collage to accompany it? It’s a great one to show to your art students also.

As a small bonus, I also love that the dust jacket is mirrored on the actual binding – so often that is not the case – and if, like me, you generally remove dust jackets before covering a library book, it makes a whole heap of difference.

Highly recommended for your kiddos of all ages – smallest through to biggest.