Just So Stories

Hardie Grant Australia

September 2025

ISBN:9781761215193

Price:AU$26.99, NZ$29.99

Series:Claris

Publisher:Hardie Grant Children’s Publishing

I absolutely adore Megan Hess’ books! Though I’ve only had two for review, I’ve bought every one of her fashion titles I could get my hands on for my libraries. I can assure you that my fashionista and arty girls went mad for them.

And Claris the Mouse’s fame is legendary! just look at that stat of 1 million books in print! add to that Hardie Grant’s exquisite design and styling and you have yourself a gem of a book. What a beauty to add to a Santa stocking this one would be!

In this new adventure Claris hears two pieces of terrible news. First an extremely valuable Fabergé egg has been stolen – with a left behind clue of a tuft of white fur. But secondly, her favourite Rose Bakery is going to have to close down, because the baker can no longer afford the rent. NO! Quelle horreur! She would miss the baker and his delicious pastries, which she shares with her friend, Monsieur, dreadfully.

There’s only thing for it. She and Monsieur must track down the thief and then they can give the reward to the baker. In the usual rhyming narrative, Claris and Monsieur are quick to spot a telltale tuft of white fur and follow that fur to the eventual discovery of – oh no!! Yes, someone Claris knows only too well.

It’s another fun and very beautiful romp through Paris with Megan’s exquisite illustrations taking front and centre – and absolutely divine endpapers!. Your little girls will delight in this one especially, whether for your collection or for someone in your own circle.

It gets a very très chic 5🐁🐁🐁🐁🐁rating for kiddos from around Prep to Year 2 or 3.