Just So Stories

Picture Book – full colour
Published – M J Gibbs, 2025
Illustrated by – Sandra Severgnini$28.00
Ages – 3-7 years
Teachers Notes available from the author – m.j.gibbs@bigpond.com

It’s always a pleasure to review for ‘local’ creators. Author Marg Gibbs as well as illustrator Sandra Severgnini, I have been fortunate to meet. Both are Sunshine Coast/Hinterland based which certainly makes them local to my mind.

This is a lovely book to share with your Smalls with its themes of collaboration, care of the environment, nature/natural treasures and friendship.

One small girl is searching for a shell with a hole so she can make a necklace, but as she goes along the beach she is confronted not just by natural finds but lots of rubbish: plastic cutlery, one-use coffee cups, bottle tops, bread tags, even a Lego man! She starts to pick up the junk in her bucket but soon realises that this is a mission that requires help. Can she find anyone who might join her in the task?

She gets a few knock-backs but finally, yes! And before too long, many buckets are filled with junk. And to top off the satisfaction of a job well done, Cassie finds her special shell as well.

It’s not just a great story of cooperation, care and community, some interactive aspects will have children fully engaged. The front end papers have all the various bits of rubbish illustrated, and invite children to find these throughout the pages. And the back endpapers have a maze to help Cassie find her shell. What fun!

There is also some useful information in the backmatter on ways kids can help protect the beach environment and resources such as organisations. I’ve mentioned before our local schools here in Redcliffe who are part of the Eco Marine Warriors programme which is another avenue for young people to become more proactive in care of the oceans and our shores. After all, we’re Queensland and we have the very best in beaches!

Marg has crafted a simple but eloquent text in which you will also find some interesting vocabulary to explore with your kiddos and, as always, Sandra’s illustrations are just fabulous. I always love her attention to detail! and love the tiny extras like the soldier crab making a 🫶 with its claws – super cute!!

I think this is a marvellous addition to a collection, particularly of course for those who are near beaches and aim to have their kiddos become enthused and committed to protecting those. It’s a sandy-toes 4 🐚🐚🐚🐚 rating from me for readers anywhere from EC upwards to mid-primary.