Just So Stories

Bloomsbury Australia

October 2025

ISBN	9781526685957
Imprint	Bloomsbury Children’s Books

RRP: $17.99

Most people would know that I’m very wary of books by ‘celebrity’ authors but I am always willing to take a punt when a) I know that it is the person themselves that has written it (or that their collaborator/ghost writer is clearly identified) b) I know already that they are a creative mind, and very likely to have put together a good narrative.

Both true in this case. I have a great admiration for Hugh Bonneville in all his roles and in his persona and given he describes this book as semi-autobiographical I was keen to read it.

It was an easy and enjoyable read over two sittings, and not only great for a little light relief from my other rather intense read, but leaps out as a terrific shared read choice to springboard important discussions about friendship – what it is, what it can mean. All of that very apt given the other reviews today which I chose because of this very theme.

This is the first in a series with #2 already in the works and I foresee it will be very popular. Rory is a very ordinary boy who lives with parents and older (annoying) sister. He doesn’t have any outstanding talents but he is, essentially, kind and thoughtful. What becomes more apparent is his ability to defuse situations that might erupt in nastiness, especially to do with bullying, and, also his ready acceptance of ‘differences’.

When the circus kids are in town and start at Rory’s school, a whole new episode in friendship unfolds, particularly with Evie and Donna, the juvenile elephant. Rory & Co’s support of each other, and a lonely old woman makes for a really heart-warming story, which kids will enjoy reading independently but would also make a terrific serial read-aloud. It is lightly illustrated and the gallery of characters is particularly fun.

There are moments of pure hilarity and Rory’s ongoing battles with his older sister will resonate with many kiddos, but it is his essential kindness that shines through in this and that makes for really happy feel-good warm fuzzy reading. I’m giving it a jumbo 5 🐘🐘🐘🐘🐘 rating.