Just So Stories

NMA

March 2024
ISBN: 9781636550725
Publisher: Red Comet Press
RRP: $40.00

I’ve seen some amazingly wonderful animal books this year, and this is another one. Admittedly, it has been waiting its turn in the PB tub for quite some time but it really is a stunning work of art. It’s one of those big books that kids will love (around A3 size) but it’s not chunky, so it doesn’t weigh a ton. In fact, it makes the perfect lap or lie-on-the-floor book.

Readers will stroll with great interest from page to page discovering creatures already lost to the world, those that are endangered and those who are threatened, along with the reasons for this. It includes animals of legend with the conjecture of ‘true or not true?’ e.g. the harpy which I knew to be a feature in ancient Greek stories but did not realise the Native Americans shared a belief in this same creature.

The design and layout is fantastic as is the information which is both engaging and succinct – easily accessible to even younger readers. But, for me, it is the illustrations that are the absolute stand-out – they are at once, subtle and intricate – and children will spend hours poring over them. If you have a keen budding zoologist in your circle, this will make a very much welcomed gift. I enthustiastically recommend it to your for readers from around 7 or 8 upwards with a 🐅🐺🐨🦏🐼 rating.

Read stories about animals that are no longer with us

Discover endangered animals at risk of extinction

Learn about organisations which aim to protect animal life

Find out about strategies for preserving biodiversity