Just So Stories

Harper Collins Australia

August 2025

• ISBN: 9781460759721
• ISBN 10: 1460759729
• Imprint: HarperCollins Australia
• RRP: $24.99

Hmm, I don’t know why but I never saw the #1 Barney Gumnut [gives the HC crew the side-eye] which was surely some kind of oversight? Regardless, this is my first meeting with Barney and his friends and, honestly, I’m in love with them all.

There’s Barney – as you might guess, he’s the koala – and then there’s Hoppity, Edith, Robert, Charles and Wilfred [can you guess which is which? Major hint: Hoppity is easiest to pick] and together they are preparing for their bush Christmas.

Edith asks ‘What does Christmas actually mean?’, which would be a great question to pose to your kiddos in these last few days of school as their excitment over holidays and Xmas grows. So, collectively, they come up with some wonderful insights about Christmas including, of course, the more tangible aspects like presents and feasts!

Then they each prepare for their joint celebration, busily making and wrapping, baking and decorating. When the huge moon rises on Christmas Eve, all is ready and they camp out under the night sky after toasting their marshmallows.

Up in the morning, opening presents filled with surprises and love, and sitting down to their wonderful Xmas spread. This is such a delight! Tamsin’s words are sweet and insightful and her illustrations are just divine (and those beautiful gum blossom endpapers!! *heart melt*). I really like the landscape format of this and the cover design with some shiny accents is the icing on the Xmas cake really.

I do hope I see more of Barney & Co because they are just a charming bunch of bush critters, imbued with good natured warmth and sharing spirits. I am sure readers will also take them to their hearts and be inspired to adopt their positive qualities. It’s a pleasure to give this a eucalyptus-scented 5🐨🐨🐨🐨🐨 rating for readers from toddler upwards.