Just So Stories

Fremantle Press

October 2025

ISBN 9781760995096

RRP: AU $24.99/ NZ$30/ US $17.95

A happy-go-lucky sort of doggo book from Sally Morgan with definite echoes of Hairy Maclary and his gang, as Skippy Gillespie slips out of his yard in the dead of night to go rummage in the rubbish for his bone. Boofa Boy Jones spots him going past and off he goes to investigate.

There is a lot of rhyming action happening as the two pooches romp to the dump and then scatter the smelly garbage with determination and delight. When the bone is unearthed – oops! Boofa Boy snatches and the chase is on! This is a bit of fun with some solid talking points for feelings, sharing and friendships. Kiddos will love spotting the Easter eggs of other animals edging into the illustrations which are vibrant and very evocative of a midnight mission.

It is a bit of a departure (for me, at least) from Sally Morgan’s more usual style but there is no doubt that your Smalls from around 3-6 will enjoy it immensely. I’m giving it a 4 🐕🐕🐕🐕rating – sit back and wait for all those dog stories to follow once you’ve read it aloud!.