Just So Stories

Pan Macmillan Australia

August 2024

Imprint: Pan Australia

ISBN: 9781761268267

RRP: $16.99

By coincidence the Ipswich StoryFest starts today [4/8] and it was at that kids lit festival, very early on in my teacher-librarian career (possibly around 1998?) that I first met Andy Griffiths and enjoyed the uproarious hilarity of his presentation [the exploding check out chick! 😂]. I’ve encountered him a few times since and every time he has his audience eating out of the palm of his hand. And in exactly that same way, he has his legion of kid fans completely hooked.

This start of a new series is, to my mind, Andy at his best. It is completely nonsensical and absurdist, full of action and adventure of the craziest sort possible. You and Me are the stars of this narrative (with Me narrating) and together they encounter such diverse oddballs as Johnny Knucklehead, a flying watch, a bull, numerous turtles, Plotty (a plot for every occasion) and more. Bill Hope’s illustrations are every bit as funny as Andy’s words so it’s a double delight!

It is complete and utter side-splitting nonsense which had me chuckling continually. Your kiddos from around 8 will love it and being heavily illustrated, means that the text is broken up really well, making it accessible for those readers who are not particularly strong or fluent.

It would make a fantastic First Chapter Friday offering or a terrific serial read as well. You’ll find a preview here. Of course, you’ll have to be quick to grab it off the shelf because it won’t take long for the word to spread and it will be in constant demand.

I’m so happy to see Andy back in top form and with more to come – a huge 5 😂😂😂😂😂!