Just So Stories

Penguin Australia

October 2025

• ISBN: 9781761047411
• Imprint: Penguin
• RRP: $24.99

Slide through to see inside – you need to see how jam-packed this one is!

I feel like it’s been a long time since I’ve seen some of Marc Martin’s work. This thought occurred to me just last week as I shifted more old reviews to the new archive and came across my review of Max from 11 years ago!! Somehow I seem to have missed out on a swag of his books – cue sad face :'(.

Still, it is a delight to see this and I know that many readers are going to love this. It is absolutely crammed full of information but in such a format that it’s almost like a treasure hunt, finding each new nugget with its accompanying illustration.

It literally covers EVERYTHING from what clothes one would need to what do the humans there do for entertainment, to the many forms of transport used and onto wildlife including the extraordinary creatures. It also has a section on the natural wonders and the Antarctic Explorers – always fascinating to read about.

Then there’s the past to consider with fossils and meteorites plus a spread on climate change, the risk to all the life there and a poignant double spread on animals that went to the Antarctic and never returned. I would have guessed at dogs and possibly horses but not pig, cows and cats!

There have also been problems with introduced and very unwanted species such as flies, spiders and other insects along with seeds and grasses brought in by humans in clothing, goods and machinery – AND tourists!

This is a fascinating read that will have any curious child from around 7 up to any curious adult fully engaged for quite some time. I can’t rate it highly enough for both information and appeal. It makes a superb addition to a program of learning but also for that enjoyment of recreational reading we are always aiming to encourage. Definitely a 5 ❄️🐧🥶🐋🪨rating for this one!