Just So Stories

Riveted Press

August 2025

Distributed by Simon & Schuster

ISBN13: 9781764007115

RRP: AU$ 12.99 / NZ$ 14.99

I’m quite sure that your young readers, those who are just starting to gobble up chapter books, will have really enjoyed the first Lexie Moon adventure. This is a great series for those kiddos just hitting their straps with their sustained reading and combines lots of good concepts like friends and family, problem solving, STEM, humour and drama. And the sprinkling of illustrations throughout and that terrific cover art make it very appealing.

Lexie has joined the school Stargazing Club, though she’s pretty disappointed to find out there will be no actual stargazing. After all, no one can see stars in the day time, can they? Or can they? Leave it to Lexie to come up with an invention, with Grandpa her trusty inventor colleague, that will actually do this, and just in time for the big Space Day event.

But oh oh! that nasty villain Gizmo Lightfingers has slipped out of custody somehow and, no doubt, will be looking for more inventions to steal so that he can gain some leverage of power for himself. And that’s just what happens.

What would happen if the sun was turned off completely? This one would make a great springboard to those questions around why the sun is so important and ties in beautifully with those early years studies of Day/Night in Science.

Along the way there’s another good dose of humour and problem solving as well as some good concepts of kindness, sharing and family values. Kids from around 7 years upwards will enjoy it immensely. It’s a 4 ⭐⭐⭐⭐for this one.