Just So Stories

Walker Books Australia

Imprint: Gecko Press

ISBN13:9781776575961

Australia RRP:$17.99

New Zealand RRP:$19.99

I read this last night, cosy in bed, and was absolutely giggling all the way through. This is the most hilarious take on the biblical Christmas Story ever, with the entire episode from ‘winged creatures’ appearing with blazing lights to finding an empty hay-filled manger and superior camels, re-told from the PoV of a small flock of fairly dim sheep.

Now I’m not one to stereotype, but as anyone would realise [we all read The Sheep-Pig surely? or at least watched the Babe movie] sheep are not the sharpest of animals. And this particular bunch are even more woolly-headed than most.

When they are woken up by what appears to be floodlights and realise their shepherds have gone, there is great consternation. They know they’re not allowed to go anywhere without the shepherds and they’re not allowed past the rocks at all – but what to do? They have to find the shepherds. And then the sheep with the snuffly nose (who is made to sleep at a distance away from everysheep else for fear of germs) reveals that there were glad tidings broadcast while sheep were snoozing. A baby has been born! A very special baby! Well, that’s it – they’re off to find their shepherds AND the special baby.

It is a hilarious misadventure of the best kind, in which each sheep, all of them with very quirky personalities, plays some kind of pivotal role. Both text and the hugely funny illustrations make for some real LOL moments.

What I’d really like to do now, is see this acted out by kids, who always make the regular nativity story seem so funny with their earnest awkwardness anyway [I really wish I could show you the video of the Grace Preppies re-enacting the Nativity story from last week!! Gold!]. This is pure joy from start to finish, and like my long-time favourite The Worst Kids in the World/The Best Christmas Pageant Ever gives us all a fresh look at one of the most-told stories ever.

This pair of German creators are new to me but apparently have produced other terrific works. I would love to see more. I’m giving this, with no sheepishness at all a big 5 🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄 rating.