Just So Stories

UQ Press

February 2024

ISBN: 9780702266218

RRP: $16.99

I did have to wait a while to get my hands on this one, but thank you UQP for allowing me to do so at last 🙏. Not only because Peter is a ‘local’, and I’ve had the good fortune to meet with him, but because his books are always outstanding! (and then there’s the additional fillip that he is a teacher-librarian!).

His books are always gentle, thoughtful and timely, and this one is no exception. It only took me two nights to read, and that is always an indication of how utterly engaged I am with the narrative.

Leo and Ralph are the most endearing characters and readers will definitely fall in love with them both. Leo is a little bit different and finds it hard – no, impossible – to make friends, despite the good advice on doing so from his well-intentioned parents and his extremely affable and sociable younger sister, Peg.

After struggling with this difficulty, Leo finds a solution at the end of his Prep year. Ralph arrives via an escaped white balloon one day, and together they are a perfect match for each other. They are both hugely interested in space, they like to invent games, and they are a comfort for each other. They are still the very best of mates when Leo’s family move to a rather remote country town, as Leo is about to start Year 4. And Ralph is left behind.

Leo’s parents are relieved and hope that at his new school, Leo will find real friends – not just one imaginary one. They don’t know that Leo and Ralph have a pact. After a week in the new place, Ralph will arrive – and be kept a secret. But in a way that surprises even himself, little by little Leo becomes less reliant on Ralph. He makes a very real friend, he enjoys his new teacher and he discovers a purpose for his passion in space. This is a story that will resonate with many readers and, by its very nature, not put them off with any kind of didactism [which I’m finding all too common in some MG novels of late].

After so long reviewing books [and I think I’ve made this point before] it always surprises me that there are (seemingly independent) trends in various genres. In recent weeks, I’ve read at least four, perhaps five, MG novels all focused on children finding friendships difficult, mostly because of their individual differences.

Most have been handled beautifully and sensitively – only a couple have missed the mark IMO (with respect to appeal to their intended audience). This is not one that missed it. Peter has absolutely nailed the right tone for this one (again!). It is neither saccharine, nor patronising and it certainly shows a deep understanding of the feelings of anxiety and sadness that some children experience.

This will hit the sweet spot perfectly for your readers from around 8 years upwards, and kiddos will find Leo and Ralph’s friendship warm and needful, and completely understandable. It may also empower some children to move forward in their own forging of relationships with peers.

I would highly recommend it to you, and think it would make a superb shared serial read for kiddos from around Year 3 upwards.