Just So Stories

Penguin Australia

August 2024

• ISBN: 9781761048968
• Imprint: Puffin
• RRP: $17.99

Just in time to kick off the animals PB extravaganza, everyone’s newest favourite sheep is back and as one would expect is front and centre in the spotlight. Our jumbuck is the host of a karaoke singing competition, rocking his new purple ‘do’ and looking sharp as a wolf’s tooth.

The entire cohort of animals wants in on this action. There’s a donkey wearing full work-out gear including leg warmers (who makes me think immediately of the recently departed fabulously flamboyant Richard Simmons *sad face*), Wanda is a cute bantam but just can’t get that whole melodic tunefulness happening. Polly the pig is sensational however, and looking pretty glitzy with her glitter and glam. There’s Gary the goat – as a singer, he’s an excellent break-dancer. And of course there’s Shaun, Shauna, Sheryl and Shane – Kevin’s own flock friends – doing an amazing baabaa-shop quartet routine.

Last of all is someone new – who has everyone entranced with his melodic singing and guitar playing. No doubt about it – that’s a winning routine and smile, but oh oh! When the winner races onto the stage, there’s a costume malfunction ….it’s WOLFIE!! in sheep’s clothing no less!

There is pandemonium until Kevin takes control of the situation and makes everyone listen. Turns out Wolfie has been kicked out of the pack for being too gentle and all he wants to do is sing Sing SING!! Kevin believes this story, so it appears that Wolfie’s now part of the flock. And it certainly seems as though he is now Kev’s bestie – that’s going to make for some interesting dinner conversations one would think. Can a wolf in sheep’s clothing fit in with the farmyard? Only time will tell.

It’s another fun story from one of our master storytellers, once again illustrated by her former pupil, Kate Isobel Scott. Is there anything Jacqueline can’t do? I think not! A great one to add to your shelves for your Smalls from around Kindy upwards. I’m giving it a wolfish 🐺🐺🐺🐺 rating, and looking forward to the next instalment.