Just So Stories

Scholastic Australia

September 2024

• Publisher: SCHOLASTIC LTD UK
• Imprint: Alison Green Books
• ISBN: 9780702329432
• RRP: $26.99

Pesto is the biggest penguin the Melbourne aquarium has ever had — and he’s just a chick

As the news about Pesto, the ‘chunky monkey’ penguin chick hits our news reports [first shared with me by The Kid] it’s perfect timing to write up my review for this new collaboration between Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler.

This is the creative pair that the Sunday Times describes as ‘the Lennon and McCartney of children’s publishing’. And how exciting it is to have another simply gorgeous book from them, to share with our Smalls.

One and all they will love this story of a plucky little gentoo penguin (just like Pesto) who doesn’t want to stay in the zoo with all his aunts. He yearns to live with the rest of his kind at the Pole his aunt has described. So one night he sneaks out of the zoo and sets off on his big adventure.

It’s a long way firstly to the sea, but then to find the cold waters he knows will be the polar seas. But oops!! he’s come to the wrong pole!! What to do now? Luckily a friendly polar bear and a kind tern are ready to help.

And off he goes, following the tern southwards. Along the way he sees whales, flying fish, swordfish, tropical islands, colourful parrots, container ships and giant turtles but as the waters get warmer, so Jonty gets tireder.

With great good fortune the tern spots a boat and Jonty is rescued by a very surprised crew who wonder at a penguin being so far from home. Just as well they are heading to Antarctica too!

Jonty’s triumphant arrival at the South Pole and his meeting not only his own kind, but other penguins like the small Adélie and the tall Emperor breeds, will definitely have your kiddos cheering at his success.

The back matter has some interesting information about birds including the Arctic tern and penguins, which children will find most interesting. Naturally, it goes without saying that this rhyming narrative and the super illustrations are another triumph for this pair of creators, and a title that will add to your collection of the duo’s work.

What a terrific opportunity to do a focus on them and their body of work paired with some nature study! Of course, it gets a 5 🐧🐧🐧🐧🐧 rating from me. Waddle quickly to grab your copy! I reckon these two could write an illustrated rhyming shopping list and it would be a hit!