Just So Stories

• ISBN : 9781761528972
• Publisher : SCHOLASTIC AUSTRALIA PTY LTD
• Imprint : Scholastic Australia
• March 2026
• RRP: $19.99

The Buntings have done it again with an uproariously look at ‘what if…’ when a child is fed up with having to use their manners, or being kind to everyone and taking turns, smiling sweetly and, as for sharing – phooey!

What if….one salty kid could transform into a salty, snapping toothy SHARK! That would put an end to being nice all the time, wouldn’t it?

Just imagine gliding through the depths of the ocean surrounded by all the other fish and their……..well, bodily functions. Never mind, what about when one gets hungry? There’s plenty of food just swimming about and after all, with those sharp teeth, it would be easy. Ahhh, but eating one’s neighbours would be a bit sketchy wouldn’t it?

And it’s very easy to get exactly what you want just by smiling……without saying please. And after a while, those night light creepy fish get even creepier….and then when you lose a tooth or two, where’s the Tooth Fairy?? What??!! If you have seen this pair’s work previously (and honestly, who hasn’t?) you will know it’s not just funny but it has a subtle level that astute children will discern and which will lead to many profitable conversations, whether in the classroom, library or home.

You may well introduce the term idiom and ‘the grass isn’t always greener on the other side of the fence…’ and perhaps tweak that to fit the narrative a little – perhaps the seagrass isn’t greener on the other side of the reef?

It’s a lot of fun with the always easily recognisable comic illustrations from Philip, with a well-paced rhythmic cadence, [unlike some I see…] and some pause for thought, that would be super useful in any circle time. Happily and enthusiastically recommended for readers from 4 upwards with a 🦈🦈🦈🦈🦈rating.