Just So Stories

Hardback | October 2025 | $ 26.99
ISBN: 9781486314904
Publisher: CSIRO Publishing

With splendid synchronicity, I had both Dogs with Jobs and this charming new CSIRO Publishing title to review and schedule together! Huzzah! I love it when a plan comes together – even by happenstance. And doubly fortuitous because Bear is one of the Dogs with Jobs mentioned in that book! How cool is that?

Kids will love finding out about Bear, the Koolie working dog, who like all of his breed, is much too exuberant for the average home and family. These pups need a proper job to keep them busy and fully engaged.

And I love that Bear’s story begins properly right here on the Sunshine Coast with the Detection Dogs for Conservation program headed up by author, vet, and Director of the unit, Dr Romane Christescu. Bear is one of the team of dogs working in finding, rescuing and helping with native animals. Co-author Nic Gill, became a conservation dog handler after meeting Romane and her dogs and now works with her own dogs in Tasmania.

The Black Summer fires of 2019/2020 [who could forget the trauma, the devastation and the ongoing impact?] became Bear’s call to arms as he successfully helped locate injured koalas, including joeys, who would very likely have perished without intervention.

I know that kiddos will just adore this story. Not only because they all love dog stories, but also because they are thrilled by brave animals – and, naturally, as I’ve said elsewhere will be falling over themselves to share tales of their own wonder dogs!

As we know, the books from CSIRO Publishing don’t just stop at the narrative – there is useful backmatter including a double spread of information from Romane plus koala facts. Sylvia Morris’ illustrations are always a delight and these are no exception – and yes! love those endpapers.

All in all, it’s another quality publication and a great addition to your UoI on Australian Animals, Community Helpers, Conservation or just talking bushfires, natural disasters, animals and rescues – and of course, clever pooches.

It’s a thoroughly unreserved 5 🐕🐨🔥🐨🐕rating for this very excellent narrative non-fiction offering.

More on koalas, animal support, and the Sunshine Coast for locals: Help grow fresh food for koalas in need   Turn your old linen into lasting change