Just So Stories

Hachette Australia

May 2025

ISBN: 9780734422187 | RRP $24.99

Of course, this one is included in this week’s Reconciliation Week titles because, let’s face it, Tony Armstrong has become one of the most recognisable First Nations faces in the country over the past few years.

George the Wizard, Tony’s first picture book was pretty commercial but I thought passable in its intent and themes. To be honest, I don’t think this one is nowhere near as good as that earlier title which is disappointing, though it is – without a doubt – as commercially attractive [let’s face it, there will be many adults who buy it on the strength of Tony being attractive!].

I certainly can see what the intention is as it’s a story about self-belief and acceptance. Maggie the dragon is the best flyer in the kingdom so she is detailed to fly the outer edges and patrol those borders. But she really does get quite lonely and would love to make some new friends. When a huge storm is on the way, she knows she must warn the inhabitants but how can she get close enough without terrifying them all? Especially when she gets her usual fiery hiccups, as always when she’s nervous. Luckily, George the Wizard and his good friend, Harriet, are always helpful.

I can also appreciate that this is a First Nations collaboration that moves away from traditional illustrative styles and narratives. Emma Sjaan Beukers brings a lot of excitement to her illustrations, of which this is the second offering, and the very vibrancy of them has great appeal to young readers. Like the earlier book it has a wildly colourful presentation, with lots of dynamic fonts, speech bubbles and call outs which make it very accessible and appealing for readers who are not so strong, or indeed, not so engaged. And, once again, it showcases a diversity of characters in the magical kingdom, and that’s a plus.

Essentially, I think the concept of this series is a terrific one, I just feel that the execution in this one falls short of the first. I have no doubt that Tony is capable of more than this, for me, rather pedestrian narrative and I’m looking forward to seeing the next title. I’m giving this one a 3 🐉🐉🐉 rating.