Just So Stories

Scholastic Australia

November 2025

ISBN: 9781761723780

RRP: $19.99

I know I say this a lot – but these anniversary editions!! they remind me just how long I’ve been a teacher-librarian. Don’t get me wrong – that’s a good thing but sometimes it seems like only yesterday when a particular book first came my way.

In 2004 I arrived at Fraser Coast Anglican College, as the new Library Manager, but spent 4th term filling in as an English teacher until the new year. When January came around, I not only had a literal mountain of books waiting for me that had not been accessioned or catalogued but, as is my wont, was quickly ordering new releases for both primary and secondary.

And is always our priority in such circumstances as soon as the shortlist is announced we set about making sure we’ve got those titles, and quickly ordering those we don’t.

This was one that immediately was a hit with our lower school kiddos and I can remember how excited they were for Mutt Dog’s rescue from the streets. It really is such a heart-warming story, and it goes without saying that, as always, Stephen’s illustrations are just a perfect foil for his narratives.

I love the way he tells the back story of Mutt Dog [check that link for the website] and, as is so often the case, that element of truth makes the story just soar. The vibe of authenticity is obvious and the reader just knows there is that basis in fact, and loves it all the more.

I think there would be a few of us who have had a Mutt Dog – ours was called Sara, a very scruffy bitzer terrier rescue, but she was a good little dog and loved by all. Once again, this is one of those books that will spark so many rich conversations and your kiddos will love to share their dog stories, especially if they too have rescue dogs. And what a great opportunity to talk about that aspect – adopting a dog that needs a home, as well as the responsibilities of pet ownership.

I’ve always loved this book, as have countless others, and it’s definitely no surprise to see it get a special anniversary edition to be loved by yet another generation. It gets a very scruffy rough-and-tumble 5 🐕🐕🐕🐕🐕 rating. You must surely need to update your copy as I have no doubt it would be well-loved by now.