Just So Stories

New South Books

Bushel & Peck

9781638191285 / July 2024 / AUD$49.99, NZD$57.99

This is likely the last of my animal books for this year (but you never know!) and what a beauty it is too. While it is an absolute treasure chest of interesting, relevant information with the addition of quite quirky quick facts, it is the inclusion of the fabulous vintage zoological illustrations that set it apart from others of its kind.

There are over 150 species described including: American Bison, Astor Markhor, Black Wildebeest, Bighorn Sheep, Wild Water Buffalo, Alpine Ibex, Vampire Bat, Fruit Bat and more. I’m pretty sure our kiddos will enjoy these plus the very different look at some of our native mammalia.

I think that reading the author’s bio gives you all the gen you need to know re the detail and diligence that has been brought to this one. Lindy Mattice has always had a deep love for animals. When she was just seven years old, her family joined a wildlife rehabilitation organisation where Lindy spent countless hours caring for young, orphaned animals who were eventually released back into the wild. She also worked with a local group as a pet detective helping train dogs to search for lost pets. She was a member of the FFA (Future Farmers of America) organisation where she competed on the horse judging team and showed sheep.

Kiddos from as young as 8 up to lower secondary would thoroughly enjoy poring over this one, and it would certainly keep them engaged [anyone need some quiet time?]. This gets a big mixed mammal 5 rating 🐮🦇🦘🦛🐘, especially for your budding zoologists.