Just So Stories

Affirm Press

Imprint: Little Book Press

October 2024

ISBN 9781923141155

RRP: $24.99

If this isn’t the cutest introduction to the world of mini-beasts!!! When Tania had talked about this one during its inception, I knew it was going to be fun but I had no clue that it was going to be as adorable as this! When I also found out that Lucinda Gifford was to be the illustrator, I did know that meant her always fun and quirky style would make it something even more special, and now just look!

Spiders in trees and very busy bees. Shiny bugs and spiny bugs. With long legs and short legs, whether they’re buzzy or fuzzy wuzzy this is a gorgeous way for any Small to learn about just some of the insects they will see around them.

It is fun and colourful, full of humour with that deliciously bouncy rhythm that makes it pure joy to read aloud. The final page with its wonderful catalogue of insects including, without doubt, the only attractive cockroach I’ve ever seen, shares some commonly seen species such as daddy long legs and bee, along with some not so usual like the spiny leaf insect and the wooly aphid.

It truly is learning made fun and while there are a few books about bugs pitched at older children, this is one that aims squarely at your youngest readers. Tinies from toddler upwards will love the clever cadence and cheerful colour of it as well as the humorously expressive bugs themselves.

It’s an all round winner I say! Most emphatically a 5 🐛🕷️🦋🐞🦗! Well done Tania and Lucinda!