Just So Stories

CSIRO Publishing

 February 2024 | $ 29.99
ISBN: 9781486316892

This new book from Stephanie Owen Reeder is every bit as sensational as the titular creatures! She has taken a very original approach to this factoid smorgasbord, by categorising animals aligned with each of the five (basic) senses. Check out the list of contents below to see what I mean.

This is going to be a huge success with both kiddos, adults (and awards judges IMO) with it’s stunning design, layout, illustrations (they are magnificent, Cher Hart!), all of these individual components put together in a variety of spreads, that will engage the most jaded reader.

The information is fascinating, as well as, often humourous or quirky with some great ‘sensational fact’ call-outs e.g., “Brushtail possums make around 18 different sounds, including screeches grunts, growls and hisses that would be right at home in a horror movie.” [BTW I can personally vouch for that as we generally have at least one neighbourhood brushtail here in Reddy].

Despite my busy chore-filled day, I’ve spent a goodly amount of time today meandering from page to page, animal to animal, diagram to diagram, and have absolutely loved everything I’ve read and seen. My inner nerdy kid has revelled in the factual and my aesthetic has loved the artwork and style.

The back-matter has several pages of glossary which is extremely useful as Stephanie does not shy away from using scientific or subject-specific language e.g., olfactory, tympanum and cacophony.

What a treasure trove this is! It will be a valued resource for any unit of work on native animals, the environment or the senses, and I very definitely predict that it will be front and centre in accolades for 2024 informational texts.

This is a brilliant book in all senses (see what I did there?) and I would suggest strongly that it is a must for your collection, both for pure interest and enjoyment and as a curriculum support resource. The teaching notes will be a valued addition. For those lucky enough to be in Canberra, there is a book launch on 24th February at the lovely Book Cow, Kingston, with both Stephanie and Cher in attendance. I truly wish I could be there!

Highly recommended for readers from around ten years upwards.