Just So Stories

Wombat Books

March 2025

9781761111662

RRP: $19.99

When you’re in cyclone prep/watch mode as I was a few days ago (at time of writing), you really need to read ‘light’. Whiskers (aka Demon Spawn) who was none too thrilled about being kept completely confined to barracks for fear the wild winds would whisker her right away, was determined to make me aware she was being discomfited. I got into bed, she followed immediately. I opened the book, she started booping the book and my hand repeatedly. It took me a little while to get past this first page.

This is our introduction to Skippy Blackfeet, a tiny black cat (just like Whiskers), who lives in the cemetery because it is dead quiet [sorry, not sorry!] and the people scurrying and the traffic racketing and the general hubbub out in the town is very overwhelming for this little feline. Though, living this solitary life is not just lonely – it’s hungry-making too.

When May thinks she is lost in the cemetery, she discovers the little cat, and both overcome their unease to comfort each other. May has found herself an emotional support animal, and Skippy Blackfeet has found himself a name, a family, a home and plenty of food and love. What more could a little stray want?

These first three stories: Hello Skippy Blackfeet, Trip Ups and Trips Out, Fireworks and Thunderstorms will have your Smalls wanting more. They are a perfect level and length for those readers who are becoming confident and fluent with chapter books and the delightful coloured illustrations from Jennifer Horn add much to the pleasure of reading.

I get a lot of ‘messsage’ books – many of which are so pointed that it’s a turn-off and, to my mind, do little to advance a ’cause’ or promote understanding. These stories about May and Skippy are subtle, but with enough contextual clues for readers to recognise certain indicators of May’s neuro-diversity, and the huge difference this little furry companion makes to her confidence and well-being.

In fact, they are purr-fect for either an independent reader or as a read-aloud, children both ND or NT will greatly enjoy and connect with these simple, everyday adventures. Happily giving this a 5 😺😺😺😺😺 rating for kiddos from around 6 or 7 upwards.