Just So Stories

Harper Collins Australia

September 2024

RRP: $10.99
New bubs see the world differently, and [these are] perfect for engaging their developing eyesight, strengthening their cognitive abilities and encouraging their gross motor skills.

#7 Classic Aussie Christmas

• ISBN: 9781460764534
• ISBN 10: 1460764536
• Imprint: HarperCollins AU

#8 Aussie Christmas Surprise

• ISBN: 9781460764541
• ISBN 10: 1460764544
• Imprint: HarperCollins AU

I hadn’t seen this series (I don’t often get board books) but I was so happy that Jess Black could send me these and let me in on the secret, to complete this year’s Christmas Countdown!

This is a brilliant concept and perfect for those brand new bubs in your circle. And as they listen to the reader’s voice and watch the finger pointing to the illustrations, their little active brains are not only soaking it all up but are more easily able to distinguish with the contrast. Absolutely terrific!

Aussie Christmas Surprise is a pattern-piece rhyming book with the reader invited to guess what’s inside each gift for the animals included. Possum, Kookaburra, Echidna, Blue-tongue, Kangaroo, Lorikeet and Wombat all love their presents -but we’d have to say that Wombat’s book to read aloud is the best!

Classic Aussie Christmas, as you would expect, follows the same structure but introduces Smallests to a different cast of animals and various iconic symbols of Christmas. Wombat, kookburra, bilby, fairy-wrens, numbat, and more explore the fun of Christmas with wreaths, stockings, Santa’s sleigh, the tree, lights and gingerbread – in fact, all the trimmings one might expect to see in many homes and shops.

These are really just adorable books. Small enough for little hands to hold as they get older and more aware, stories short enough to hold their attention span as it lengthens. What a treasure these will be for any tiny human in your vicinity.

Jess’ rhyme is beautifully cadenced and pleasant, and Julia Murray’s artwork is just the cutest!!! If your collection embraces EC or creche units, then these are great additions but obviously I would see them more as personal acquisitions for your favourite gudha (baby).

These little beauties get a full 5 🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄 rating from me! Gadhaang Gurwaldhaany dhurinya yiradhu!!