Just So Stories

Allen & Unwin

October 2023

ISBN: 9781761180316

Publisher: A&U Children’s

Imprint: A & U Children

RRP: $19.99

When footy season is over, my TV viewing drops dramatically I have to say. And the accompanying stream of texts and posts to fellow fans likewise. I’m a Sydney girl, even though I’ve been in Queensland, on and off, for almost forty years. I grew up in Hurstville, heartland of the St George district, and went to St George Girls High School, so I guess you can tell which is my favourite page in this fun book for little footy fans.

All that being said, growing up, the Rabbitohs 🐇were pretty much ‘our’ sworn enemies, but when the NRL started slashing original teams from the comp and the Bunnies fought back with all their might and main, they moved up to second place in my favoured team list (and of course, there is the whole Warren aspect). And what a force to be reckoned with they can be! Oldest club in the league, and the most successful overall with 21 premierships stowed away, and a long, rich history with some of the most well-known players and coaches of all time.

So for all the Bunnies 🐇fans, here’s a real tribute to your team, as well as being an excellent narrative exemplifying diversity, resilience, teamwork, self-belief and strength in unity.

A fluffle of Bunnies play at the park.

They sprint and they tackle from dawn until dark,

They always train hard, but it’s never enough . . .

the other teams are just bigger and stronger. It’s tough!

Any book that begins with a ‘fluffle of bunnies’ collective has won my heart already. With cute rhyming text, the Bunnies are pretty despondent about their losing streak and when Crow, the wise one, advises them to diversify their team a bit, they’re still not really sure about the idea. But when they are joined by Alex (the croc), Cody (the goanna) and Trell (the roo), the team’s fortunes turn around.

From wooden-spooner to winners, it’s a great little tail 😉 for Littles from around 4 years upwards, and Gregg’s cartoonish illustrations give Alex’ text a fillip that kiddos will enjoy. I can see many giving their full attention to some artwork of their favourite teams and players in similar vein. I give it a big 🐇🐇🐇🐇🐇 rating!