Just So Stories

Publisher: CSIRO Publishing

November 2024

ISBN: 9781486318155

$ 24.99

Sometimes, despite all my good intentions, some books just linger for months tucked away in one of the several tubs/boxes I have for review books. I do have regular re-shuffles, and there are those books that just don’t make the cut for me, and so are moved on to appreciative recipients. But there are some that I think – yes, I do want to review that one and put it back, where, sometimes, it continues to be overlooked.

In my defense, if you saw how many parcels I get per week, it would not surprise you to know that some get ‘hidden’ (lately, it’s averaging around 10 parcels a week, and today it was one parcel containing 12 books!).

But this was one that I knew I wanted to read and review and so finally, I have unearthed it and into it. Who doesn’t love a bit of armchair travel? I have no desire to go overseas these days, despite many friends doing so. But I love watching the photos that others share, and I know many kiddos are likewise intrigued by fabulous faraway places.

Jevita and Jess together have created a book that is a symphony of the senses. While the text is poetic and beautifully descriptive, the illustrations bring these fantastic locations to life for the reader.

But, as one expects with a CSIRO Publishing title, this is not merely about the aesthetics. Each of the landscapes or natural wonders showcased is listed in the backmatter with location and short details. They include some of our own delights such as the Great Barrier Reef, but there are also marvels from exotic farflung places like the aurora borealis and gigantic crystal caverns that are like something from a fairytale. And there is also a glossary for any tricky or unfamiliar words.

Of course, if you are doing some classwork that involves natural features or geography you could certainly enhance it with this, but I would more inclined to share it, purely for the sake of beauty, curiosity and wondering. I happily give it a 5 🌏🌏🌏🌏🌏rating for readers from around Year 1 up to end of primary.