Just So Stories

Penguin Australia

March 2024

• ISBN: 9781761048951
• Imprint: Puffin
• RRP: $17.99

It would be fair to say that I’ve been waiting for this one for some time. Since I knew it was on the way, I was keen to see it, but then (as can happen) delivery of the actual book was problematic but at last it is here. HUZZAH!! And, of course, it is terrific.

I am so impressed that the marvellous Jacqueline has proved to be so versatile and that her picture books are the equal of any of her JF or MG books. (is this like a triple-threat in the entertainment world?). This one is even more exciting as illustrator Kate is a former student of Jacqueline’s – how amazeballs is that?

And isn’t it funny or apt, that only yesterday The Kid and I were likening people to sheep, in the sense that so many will just follow without any real thought or reasoning. So it’s a good thing, that Kevin can help Smalls work out that it’s not only OK to be different, and walk your own path, but can often turn out to be a real benefit to those around you.

Kevin is different. He doesn’t amble around with the rest of the flock, mindlessly munching grass and clover, he doesn’t like to be shorn – he’d rather be styled and groomed, thank you very much.

After a bit of self-doubt, Kevin comes to the conclusion that he should just roll with his need to be different. And so he takes up hobbies (love that he watches Ewe-tube while he’s knitting) and of all the pastimes he tries out and takes up, it is his kung fu skills that save the day, when a sneaky wolf comes along one night looking for an easy dinner.

That does it for the rest of his crew. Now they all want to take up hobbies and pretty soon it’s an all-dancing, all-crocheting, all-exciting flock, and Kevin can zen out, knowing that being different is cool.

Your Smalls will not only love the humour (and Kate’s expressive illustrations) but will appreciate the theme of accepting differences – and, taking a chance, to try out something different. Jacqueline’s jolly rhyming text is well done with a totally relaxed scansion that flows beautifully. (You already know my views on doggerel!).

Even without it being Jacqueline’s, I’d be giving this a huge recommendation for your kiddos from Prep and easily up to Year 3. And, one last thing, Kevin was also my Father Bear’s name – so clearly this is one exceptional sheep indeed! Ewe really need to get it on your orders list now! A big 5 🐑🐑🐑🐑🐑 from me.