Just So Stories

New South Books

Publisher: Albatros Media

Encyclopedia of Birds – Tomáš Tůma

9788000063508/ December 2022/AUD$29.99, NZD$34.99

Encyclopedia of Animals: Tomáš Tůma

9788000063522/1 November 2022/AUD$29.99, NZD$34.99

Encyclopedia of Plants, Fungi and Lichens – ​Tereza Němcová/Tomáš Pernický

9788000063515/1 December 2022/AUD$29.99, NZD$34.99

This delightful series (there are more it seems) appeals hugely to my inner nerdy child and, particularly so, because of the elegant illustrative styles so reminiscent of 50s/60s children’s books. That being said, I can say that they will also delight the young readers for whom they are intended.

Each volume covers over 100 different examples of the particular subject, with such big, beautiful illustrations, well-spaced, and each labelled clearly, as well as short, sharp paragraphs to describe each species. The books are HUGE! (like around A3 size) which will, no doubt, impress upon Smalls their very importance! I think we all know how they enjoy feeling superior clutching a very BIGLY book!

I’ve had a very enjoyable session leafing through them and even discovering facts of which I had no idea e.g. what exactly quinoa looks like growing, and that it was, and still is, a staple of the Inca people [not just a trendy thing then!] or that whales are related to giraffes – say what? These are the quirky snippets that will engage your readers and have them, repeating their new treasures of information ad nauseum.

Shelving them might present a challenge but it would certainly be worth the problem-solving [I’d probably stand them on my dust covers/top of shelves], but honestly, I don’t think that will be a major issue as they will be high rotation for borrowing. I’m giving them an enormous 5 🐋🌴🍄🦩📖 rating. I really think you need them all! and to look for more.