Just So Stories

Riveted Press

Distributed by Simon & Schuster

March 2026

ISBN13: 9781764256704

RRP: $AU22.99 / NZ$ 26.99

I could have actually written this review 3 months ago because I was lucky enough to be able to write teaching notes for this absolutely gorgeous book back in December. I was thrilled when Jayne contacted me and I was able to read this exciting and fresh middle grade fantasy/adventure, the first in a trilogy, not least because Jayne is a local Sunshine Coast writer.

Now that I see the book IRL I am even more impressed with its style and design, the cover from Tamlyn Teow is, once again, sensational (she really is SO good) and this hardback edition with touches of gloss and texture just screams quality. As for the adventure itself, magical realism at its best is how I’ve just described it in my article for the forthcoming Caloundra Chronicle.

Jayne tells me that as a child, growing up and being home-schooled on K’gari (aka Fraser Island) she loved the old-style classic fairy tales and mystic adventures but was also enthralled by the bush, our native animals and that pervading sense of Australian-ness. She has brought those all together in this fabulous narrative.

Eva Feather has moved with her mother and two sisters to the little town of Farwood – a town like many other little country places in Australia but with many secrets. Eva’s secret is that her father has been infected by the Gripps, a mysterious condition affecting many, which causes a person to transform into an animal – in the instance of her dad, an owl.

Eva is already sprouting some feathers. She is desperate to rescue her father from being permanently trapped in owl form as well as to stop her own transformation. To add to the drama, there are the Hunters who roam looking for those who are Gripps-affected and effectively isolating them and banishing them.

Eva loves their new little weird and quirky house and she also likes Farwood very much but she is pretty much an outsider and friendless until she meets new boy, Harvey. Harvey also has secrets but he quickly becomes Eva’s staunchest ally and her partner in her mission to find the mysterious and long-hidden book that will reveal answers to help not only the girl and her family but all those who are in the grip of the Gripps.

Bringing themes of loyalty and friendship, resilience, persistence, the prejudices fomented by ignorance, class/wealth division and suspicion and identity this is a narrative that will fully engage young readers from around Year 4 to Year 7 who will not only eat up this one but eagerly await the next instalment. It is a fantastic debut and one that holds such promise for a new career as a successful children’s writer – all congrats to Jayne and Riveted Press for this 5 🦉🦉🦉🦉🦉newcomer.

What a sensational afternoon yesterday (7th) – Jayne’s launch at the amazing new Caloundra libary (where I had a guided tour earlier in the year, to write an article for the Caloundra Chronicle – go see it if you can!). So beautifully organised with crafts and activities for the children, gorgeous bookmarks (some with owl charms if you were lucky – I was!), yummy cupcakes and sugar cookies which were some of the cutest I’ve seen. Jayne’s family and friends, and many bookish friends – new and first-time-meeting – were in attendance. Terrific way to spend a Saturday afternoon!!