Just So Stories

Hachette

JUL 31, 2024 | 9780734421548 | RRP $19.99

The kiddos with whom I shared Backyard Footy last year absolutely loved it, and we had some very energetic discussion about favourite teams and players. Many of the same children had also loved My Deadly Boots, when I had read it to them.

For all your readers who love tennis, and especially look up to players like Ash Barty, this one will really hit the sweet spot.

Carl Merrison‘s passion for community and empowering kiddos through their natural love of sport, play and mates shines with exuberance in his books, and Samantha Campbell’s illustrations capture the essence of the outback Kimberley community perfectly. I particularly like the small details such as a lizard on the chain-link fence or native birds in trees, and your readers will also enjoy spotting these.

The township might not have an actual tennis court, but that doesn’t stop these energetic jarjums as once again they hop fences and move from one spot to another, collecting friends and equipment as they go, with Mum as instructor and coach, with lots of enthusiasm and improvisation.

I for one am looking forward very much to the next instalment in this exciting series and I’m giving this one a big serve 5 🎾🎾🎾🎾🎾 rating.