Walker Books Australia
June 2025
ISBN13:9781760657703
Australia RRP:$24.99
New Zealand RRP:$27.99
From Queensland avian residents to those of NSW – and Sydney, my home town. My love of penguins is well documented and there have been many fabulous penguin moments (Bicheno!), reviews, news stories and chuckles. Recently, I commented to one of my author friends that I often identify as Penguinese, which she found amusing.
This absolutely gorgeous picture book is based on a true story and will delight not only your kiddo readers but any adults who stumble upon it. I love Sue Whiting’s text describing Sidney’s insatiable curiosity which often leads him into picklish situations, including the most dramatic, that of being swept from the harbour’s waters in a storm and ending up in a stormwater drain. It is full of vivacity with wonderful verb groups and descriptive language that will be a gift to your teaching program.
And then there’s the superb Liz Anelli illustrations (and endpapers!) which completely won my heart as they reveal the world’s most glorious harbour [yep, I’m parochial but you know it’s true] so beautifully that even those readers who might never see it in real life, will completely get how beautiful and scenic it is.
The spread of the bird’s eye map-style view!!
And the pages that show the turbulent storm – perfect!! – so full of the wildness of a typical sudden Sydney squall – ferries rocking, waves leaping, umbrellas inverting and almost being blown off one’s feet.
Like many young children, Sidney is not naughty in any sense but he is often unaware of the consequences of actions – and that applies to more than just kiddos, don’t you think? It’s a good opportunity to talk about not just taking risks which we encourage, but also being thoughtful, and gauging potential problems in doing so.
From first to last page, this is just purely captivating. Without a moment’s hesitation it’s a 5 🐧🐧🐧🐧🐧 rating.
Just So Stories 
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