Just So Stories

Walker Books

May 2025

ISBN13:9781760659790

Australia RRP:$27.99

New Zealand RRP:$29.99

Two acclaimed creators collaborating? Of course, it was bound to be sensational. And it is all that and more.

According to Frog, Mayfly will be eaten up by the world, but what will it matter if she only lives for one day in any case. And it’s true that the world is especially huge for a small insect, but Mayfly has no intention of wasting her day.

As she flits from one exciting discovery to another – art gallery or cake shop – she is closely followed by a small girl who is also exploring the wide world. And while Mayfly finds a fellow mayfly with whom to celebrate, small June finds her grandparents and the reader begins to grasp the concept of not only the circle of life, but of making the most of every opportunity.

Michael Speechley’s illustrations are bursting with subtle references, and puns on ‘day/days’ and these could lead to a lot of interesting and fun discussions and wordplay. Shirley Marr has certainly demonstrated her skill in crafting not only memorable MG novels but now turns her hand to a picture book that resonates with philosophy and inspiration.

Readers will be invited to explore the many possibilities of making the most of our lives and relishing what life has to offer us, if only we take the time to stop and look. I love this and it is easy to see it will be a hit with award judges as well readers. It certainly would fit my bill as a sophisticated picture book that can be used with readers of any ages – including adults! Why not introduce it at your next staff meeting? Text, illustrations, design (fabulous endpapers! and the portrait orientation!!) and binding make this a complete package. I look forward with anticipation to this pair’s next collaboration Where the Heart Is. It can’t be anything less than a 5 📅📅📅📅📅rating.