Just So Stories

Rhiza Press/Wombat Books

May 2023

SKU: 9781761111181

$12.99

Here’s a quick one to promote a series that only recently came my way. As always Wombat books have hit a nail squarely on the head with Riz Chester.

She’s an ordinary kid, doesn’t do anything that’s remarkable, pretty average at school but she is observant. In fact, she’s super good (and quirky) with noticing things – the little details or aberrant behaviours that others usually miss.

For example, she notices that the cheese in the tuckshop sandwiches is different. She can tell her friends, the identical twins, apart though others can’t. She’s also really keen on mysteries and forensics.

So it stands to reason, that if something seems to be a mystery, Riz is keen to investigate. In the first book, which was the one I had, she notices that the money – notes, that is – looks ‘funny’. And when she and her mum talk to the police, she finds out what counterfeiting is and that there has been a spate of incidents involving ‘funny money’. The police can’t pinpoint the source and Riz’ mum can’t remember exactly where she got the notes.

But, of course, Riz can and enlists her friends to help her narrow down suspects and, in fact, to set up a sting operation. That could well lead to trouble – and it does! But all comes out well in the end and Riz learns a lesson about being cautious and is able to extend her forensic investigations via a proper scientific kit.

These are not only a lot of fun for young readers, especially those keen on the mystery aspect, but with the focus on girls and science, a great motivator as well.

Along with that, they are a perfect step up for those kiddos ready for extended narrative and chapter books with a little more oomph. Sometimes being a little bit weird can be a good thing! Tick some boxes with your kiddos from around Year 2 to Year 4 with these. Happy to give Riz & Co a 4 🕵️‍♀️🕵️‍♀️🕵️‍♀️🕵️‍♀️ rating.