Just So Stories

Harper Collins Australia

September 2025

• ISBN: 9780733343865
• ISBN 10: 0733343864
• Imprint: ABC Books AU
• RRP: $15.99

Continuing the impromptu ‘cat’ theme is this deliciously funny new title from Judith Rossell, which will be perfect for your newly independent readers.

These are two cats that are the very epitome of their species. They are self-indulgent, wilful, cheeky, devious, greedy and utterly hilarious in their conniving antics. One of their favourite activities is being couch potatoes and watching TV, favourite programs being cooking (yummy!), cartoons (hahahah!) and dogs (grrrrrrrrr!).

When they see an ad for a cat food called Fancy Fish, they are besides themselves. No more dry, boring Kitty-Bits for this pair. Spud is the mastermind behind the plan to get themselves their own supply of Fancy Fish. Simple, she says! We just order it online and so she does. They sit back and wait and just like that, their delivery arrives.

There’s just one little problem. This is not a case of Fancy Fish catfood. It’s a case with a fish tank containing one very Fancy Fish. It’s a very BOSSY and DEMANDING Fancy Fish, a super-annoying opera singer who mistakes Spud and Snowball for his new butlers.

One contretemps after another ensues as the hapless cats scurry around trying to pacify El Fancy Fish and satisfy his constant orders. Eventually, they realise the only solution to the problem is to return the unwanted goods. So much for getting their teeth into some delicious Fancy Fish – it’s back to Kitty-Bits for this couple of furry rascals.

Each chapter is short and to the point, there is plenty of dynamic font styling and plentiful illustrations, including comic-book type framing. Until the next one comes along – and I feel sure there will be more – you could have some great fun with your kiddos and some creative writing, using similar styles to write a new adventure – or catastrophe! – for these funny felines.

Not only would it be great for those burgeoning confident readers but it would make a really fun read-aloud/serial read for any Smalls from around Prep upwards. Definitely a 5 😹😹😹😹😹rating for this furry delight!