Just So Stories

Harper Collins Australia

October 2025

• ISBN: 9781460765197
• ISBN 10: 1460765192
• Imprint: HarperCollins AU
• List Price: 24.99 AUD

A new Jackie French is always a moment for celebration. When I’m invited to write supporting notes for one, I’m even more excited. This new one follows on from The Fire Wombat and The Turtle and the Flood in the sense that it continues to tell a story based on fact and related to a natural disaster.

We are a land of many natural disasters and drought it is a recurring calamity that affects everyone and everything, no matter in which part of the country we live. Joseph is a regular visitor to Jackie’s place and this is his story – well, the parts unknown have been conjectured but you get the idea.

Joseph is a young kangaroo buck who has the innate good sense to leave his mob during a dreadful drought because he is sure there is water in the distance, and is determined to find it. Find it, he does and also, another mob.

Kangaroos being as they are, there is suspicion of a newcomer, a reluctant acceptance, and, eventually, a tussle for dominance as Joseph becomes the boss of the mob. Jackie’s part in Joseph’s rescue at one point forms a pivotal moment in the narrative and leads to the ongoing tale (tail?) of this ‘roo, who now regularly appears at Jackie’s home in the valley.

Young readers will be enthralled by this narrative non-fiction, told with its antropomorphic aspects, and they will love sharing any stories they have of similar situations, as well as any encounters with kangaroos. Danny Snell’s always evocative illustrations which subtly, through colour changes, and the palette used convey much of the background learning to be had, are a joy. Joseph and his determination, decision-making and dominance are boldly enhanced with these.

Another great title to add to your store of Australian Animals/Natural Disasters/Australia as well as just simply to share for the sake of the story and for some proximal learning. Obviously, as always, it’s a 5 🦘🦘🦘🦘🦘 rating.