Just So Stories

Simon & Schuster

Publisher: Affirm Press

RRP: LIST PRICE: AU$ 19.99 / NZ$ 24.

Geez, it’s tricky being human, isn’t it?
You have so many things to learn, like: tying your shoelaces, learning the alphabet and eating noodles.
Here’s another thing to add to your list:

ISBN13: 9781923293175

September 2025

Wow. Being human is tricky, don’t you think?
There are so many things to learn, like: riding a bike, reading hard words and doing the monkey bars.

Here’s another thing to add to your list:….

ISBN13: 9781923293182

November 2025

It doesn’t seem all that long ago that Zanni was asking a bunch of us what values/attributes we thought were important to teach children, and here we are already with the first two books published.

Given the state of the world and the absolutely daily shocks of how truly despicable some humans can be, it’s more important than ever that we empower our children and young people with the values that will make the world a better place.

Each book is essentially a primer to use as a teaching tool or for children to self-teach about the value. Starting off with a definition, then how it might feel to oneself, what kind of actions could one take, a little scenario and then an appropriate few pages of follow-ups e.g. the Confidence title has a section on Words for Wobbly Days and that it’s ok to make mistakes. Lastly there’s a wrap-up to consider what has been learned.

Zanni has used some easily accessible language and at no time does any of this sound didactic or forced. I feel that kiddos will respond really well to the format. And Kim Drane’s illustrations totally seal the deal. They are lively and cartoonish enough to ‘lighten’ the seriousness of the concepts being taught.

These would be excellent classroom resources as well a must-have for your school guidance officer/counsellor, particularly if your school includes a program of the sort that encourages these values as so many are doing. And, of course, also very much appropriate for home learning whether formal or informal. Look out for the next titles in the series coming early next year (Integrity and Inclusion).

These really are a valuable addition to any collection – I would say that it would be remiss of anyone to leave them out…. and they fully deserve a 5 🫂🫂🫂🫂🫂rating for readers from Prep through to upper primary.