Just So Stories

Scholastic Australia

November 2024

ISBN: 9781761521621

RRP: $19.99

I am a protector. Always watching, guarding … and shielding. Bowerbird’s nest is full. These fine eggs, whole and smooth … the perfect three! But will they hatch?

We all fell in love with Bowerbird Blues, and now here is the mate, making a perfect pair. Aura Parker’s lyrical and evocative text is matched by her, once again, superlative illustrations. And of course, now there are many shades of green to match Mama Bowerbird.

Watching over her precious eggs until they hatch, readers will adore seeking out the many details surrounding mother and babies. Then, they will gleefully follow the chicks’ early days as they start hopping around having fun with all the other birds in the bush, until they are ready to spring their tiny wings and take off.

Underlying the feathers and eggshells, it is a beautiful expression of maternal love, and our need as mums/surrogate mums to protect our young, and help them reach their full potential.

It’s a glorious panopoly of Australian native birds [which, naturally, speaks to the bird nerd in me], as well as a tribute to motherhood. Once again, there is a ‘scavenger hunt’ aspect (front and back) with readers challenged to find various insects and birds throughout the pages, which they will love to do – no doubt, even as you read aloud!

The entirety is a triumph of design and styling and I have every confidence that this will be, like its predecessor, firmly on award lists in the coming year. I have been waiting eagerly to see this for months and it is most definitely no disappointment. Congratulations, Aura Parker, for another superb book that will fly high! Of course a 5 💚💚💚💚💚 for this beauty – and prepare yourself to fall in love again! Watch some of Aura’s creativity here.