Just So Stories

Wombat Books

August 2024

9781925563740

$26.99

I’ve often mentioned here the prevalence of anxiety in children, some of them very young, but it’s also fair to point out that there have always been Smalls who have been scared of one thing or another. I know, I was none too thrilled with the dark when I was a kid, and that whole thing when your feet hang over the edge of the bed – who knows what might grab you from below?

So there are lots of reasons for kiddos to feel scared. They are not all scared of everything like Minnie May but most definitely, if I ask who is afraid of something in any given classroom – pretty much every hand goes up (there’s always some with bravado in the face of a crowd!).

What can possibly make Minnie May feel braver? What will boost her confidence? Why Ziggy can! Ziggy shows her that shadows can be fun and playmates. It’s a simple premise but written with heart and the illustrations are a perfect demonstration of how a top illustrator can enhance the author’s intention.

This is a great book from one of our leading authors and one that will fit perfectly in your classroom or library collection, provoking rich and fruitful discussions. I give it a 4 👤👤👤👤 rating.