Just So Stories

Distributed by Simon & Schuster

Imprint: Larrikin House

2021

• ISBN13: 9781922503503
• LIST PRICE: AU$ 19.99 / NZ$ 22.99

I know it’s not ‘new’ but it’s new to me. I hadn’t seen it previously and, very kindly, author Jacinta Froud sent me this copy (as well as a couple of others which I’ll post after my Xmas/NY break).

Pets are notorious for their creating a shambles of Christmas trees and festive arrangements. Strangely, though I’ve had pets with attitude [my 2nd daughter says they match me! –rude!] and we currently live with the Demon Spawn aka as Whiskers who is quite the wrecker, of furniture especially, I’ve never had an animal trash a Xmas tree. It’s probably why I find the antics of other people’s crazies in this so hysterical.

I’ve not owned a Corgi but I do know they can be quite mischievous and rambunctious, and it appears that Eddie the Wonder Dog is no exception. His usual antics are of the search-and-destroy style – washing, toilet paper, shoes and slippers – you get the idea. But when he steals the jingly angel from the top of the tree, all bell – I mean, hell! – breaks loose.

Eddie’s mad dash with the jingles he can’t shake off see him collect tinsel and reindeer horns, glitter and baubles as he crash-tackles everything and everybody in his path. By the time he is captured and taken to the vet, he’s a sight worthy of being in the display windows of a department store.

But the crowning glory (well, not exactly) is the deposit he leaves under the salvaged tree as a ‘present’ for his family on Christmas morning. Kids will roar laughing at this madcap mayhem, and be full of their own outrageous stories of their pets’ misdeeds. It’s a rollicking rhyme from Jacinta, with some wacky cartoon illustrations from Gabriella and will surely be a hit with Smalls from around kinder upwards! I give it a jolly 4 🎄🎄🎄🎄 rating.