Just So Stories

Walker Books

February 2024

ISBN13:9781760657451

Australia RRP:$16.99

New Zealand RRP:$18.99

Truth be told, I do already know how to avoid being eaten by sharks. That’s why it’s The Kid who surfs, not me! So the opening page of this hilarious book of wisdom completely resonates with me.

There is one absolute sure-fire method to avoid being eaten by sharks. Don’t go in the ocean. When you enter the ocean, you are in the shark’s domain. If a shark plonked itself down next to you on your sofa and started eating your Twisties, then it would be in yours.

I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve ranted that at news bulletins talking about shark nets, man-eating sharks and other hyperbole (Ok, so I’ve never said the bit about the Twisties, but you get it!).

This is like an ‘enquire within’ book of random facts, liberally laced with riotous ribaldry and narrative nonsense. I particularly enjoyed the chapter regarding the idiocy of flat-earthers [please enjoy this dose of Flat-Earth ridicule after, for more laughs).

If you are lining up a lesson or two on idioms, then please take note of Chapter 3: How to Translate Parent-Speak – see how many the kiddos know or can contribute to their own list.

I also very much enjoyed John’s description of moving to Australia and it’s inherent dangers (I was at one time, married to a man who had immigrated from Yorkshire with his parents – wonder if they were on the same boat?). And the wild illustrations from Chrissie Krebs are pure icing on the cake … What a great package this is!

All in all, your kiddos from around Year 4 upwards will love this. It has the same flavour of fun facts, twisted with absurdity as such offerings as Horrible Histories or Wacky but True. Get it on your shelves quickly – and then watch it fly off on high rotation!