Just So Stories

 June 2024 | $ 24.99
ISBN: 9781486317233
Publisher: CSIRO Publishing

I’ve reviewed quite a few beautiful ‘ocean’ PBs, both fictional and narrative non-fiction, but not so many that focus on the ocean at night. This is just a stunning addition, crammed with absolutely glorious illustrations (and oh! those endpapers!), lyrical language and fascinating facts with which your Smalls will be intrigued.

Who can resist the thought of manta rays gliding through the night water like graceful acrobats? Or perhaps the giant whale shark, with her damaged fin, feasting on plankton? The dumbo octopus will give the kiddos a giggle with his name but they will also be fascinated with his looks, like no other octopus they’ve seen. The sperm whale using his sonar to capture a giant squid is an encounter that would be quite spectacular to see in real life.

Yet here we are, within the pages of this book, being able to witness the drama and thrills of the ocean depths when all above the surface is still and quiet. As well as the narrative, which is full of wonderful language that will be a true bonus to any learning wall and literacy session, there is extensive back matter with facts about each creature and a glossary.

It’s a joy from start to finish – as we know to expect from any CSIRO publication and yet another in my current theme of all things ‘sea’ to add to your units of work in HASS or Science especially.

Most definitely a gigantic whale-sized rating for this underwater treasure 🐋🐋🐋🐋🐋.