Just So Stories

Harper Collins Australia

Imprint: Allen & Unwin

• ISBN: 9781460764572
• ISBN 10: 1460764579
• RRP: $16.99

I would be seriously surprised if anyone had missed the charming trilogy now at its conclusion. What a credit it is to this debut author, Tina Strachan, to start off with such a crackerjack set of books! For me, there’s the added bonus of meeting Tina and adding her to my circle of kids lit friends – not to mention the quote in the front pages of this last book! That was definitely a smile-making surprise.

And the final is as terrific as the first as Neeka navigates a week without her besties and trying (mostly) to make a new friend. I love that Neeka is as fallible as the rest of us. She makes mistakes, she is sometimes selfish and while she is absolutely passionate about animals and Wilder Zoo, she can be neglectful of other important aspects of life.

There is no doubt in my mind that MG kiddos will enjoy her adventures all the more because they recognise her flaws as well as her strengths, and will easily make connections with her, as well as her friends.

While Hudson and Rumi are away on holidays, Neeka feels she’s in for a long week without her mates helping her in the zoo as usual. She’s also feeling the pressure of the video she’s meant to be putting together for Vet Nurses’ Appreciation Day. When her Dad’s old friend comes to town with his daughter, who is just Neeka’s age, it’s an opportunity for Neeka to make a new friend and, just maybe, get some help with that video – given Miranda is, apparently, a computer whiz.

But it seems like one thing after another is putting this potential friendship on a very uneven keel, and it really seems like the whole thing is going to flounder. Neeka needs to dig deep to find the resilience to try again, to discover new ways of reaching out to somebody who doesn’t necessarily see things the way she does and, most importantly of all, how to apologise authentically and make amends. Now that’s a great lesson for anyone, let alone your sparring budding Queen Bees.

I’m sorry to see Neeka and Wilder Zoo gang come to an end, but I foresee great things ahead for Tina and can’t wait to see what she comes up with next. I must also make note again of the talented Max Hamilton’s contribution with her fabulous illos, which bring the entire cast to life brilliantly.

It’s a wild 5 🐨🐨🐨🐨🐨rating, and a fond farewell to Neeka for readers from around 8 years upwards.