Just So Stories

Allen & Unwin

January 2024

ISBN: 9781761180156

Imprint: Allen & Unwin Children’s

RRP: $24.99

It’s difficult (for me at least) to realise that it’s now seven years since Idan burst into our libraries and classroom with the award-winning Do Not Lick This Book. This was a completely different interactive information book that blew away adults and kids alike with it’s unique approach.

Scientist-turned-author (with some other twists to that path) Idan now presents to young readers an excellent and easy-to-grasp guide to the brain: what it looks like, how it works, what it does, how to take care of it, in his own inimitable quirky way. Fun and facts once again blend into a vibrant excursion into the body’s ‘most mysterious organ’.

As is pointed out, there is still much scientists do not know about the brain and its workings, which makes it all the more fascinating. Just as fascinating is the author himself (I follow his SM and am often amused by his comments) and coming up shortly will be a Q&A with Idan – you won’t want to miss that.

I am in love with Christopher Nielsen’s illos and, as a matter of fact, when I first read the book thought to myself that they had a real 50s vibe to them (which obviously spoke to my childhood self). I was most gratified, therefore, to afterwards read some info on Christopher and discover his work is inspired by mid-century culture.

All in all, your kiddos are going to fall for this just as they have for the previous titles, all of which are just so fun as well as informational. They will certainly get a kick out of the brain itself narrating the text to them. Someone recently asked what makes for great ‘narrative non-fiction’ – Idan’s books surely fit that bill.

Highly recommended for readers from 4 upwards and naturally if you are doing a unit of inquiry around the human body, or exploring the brain (in terms of growth mindset, mental well-being and so on) it will be the perfect fit – just like your brain is, inside your skull. It’s a 5 🧠🧠🧠🧠🧠 rating from me and I’m looking forward to sharing it when I get back to some relief days.

Stay posted for a great Q&A coming up with Idan – tomorrow!!