Just So Stories

Walker Books Australia

August 2026

ISBN13:9781760658076

Australia RRP:$25.99

New Zealand RRP:$27.99

Isn’t it a joy when you pick up a picture book in which the text and illustrations are exactly right? From the adorable endpapers and right throughout, this gentle and very pertinent rhyming text, both Smalls and Not-So-Smalls will love both the book and its intention.

It doesn’t take much to persuade young readers that we are all one human race, that differences are to be expected and accepted, even if we don’t agree on everything. Of course, that’s not to say that there is evil in the world and that some people want to tear things down, break things up, destroy all that’s wonderful but that’s not what we are talking about here.

This is about looking around us and understanding that this glorious diverse country of ours, and its inhabitants are all just humans, each with their own quirks and ideas. Whether we are rich or poor, white or brown, tall or short, old or young -regardless of all the multitude of differences that this wild wonderful population embraces. Every one deserves to feel that they belong somewhere, no one should be left out. And as part of this whole wide country of humans, we never need to feel alone.

Do you ever feel alone?
Stranded like a washed-up stone?
Look around and soon you’ll see
you’re part of a community.

All each of us needs to do is reach out, take part, talk to someone, play a game with another, help somewhere or look around. There are so many opportunities for us to come together and sure, sometimes, it takes a little courage to reach out, if one is shy or feels uncertain but that’s where someone else’s antenna will pick up a vibe and they will offer the connection.

Our little people need to understand this. It is, in fact, vital for them. We are seeing too many adults who have been ‘left out’ or isolated and for some of those, life is incredibly hard. Let’s do what we can to raise a generation of carers, sharers and well-farers!

Zanni’s rhyming is spot on – beautifully cadenced and gently persuasive and Tony’s illustrations – so rich in details! – will keep your Smalls poring over each page many, many times to spot each tiny new discovery. This is honestly one of the loveliest picture books I’ve seen this year and while the message is overt, it is not in the least didactic. I love it and it’s a 5 🧑‍🧑‍🧒‍🧒🧑‍🧑‍🧒‍🧒🌏🧑‍🧑‍🧒‍🧒🧑‍🧑‍🧒‍🧒rating for readers of all ages from EC upwards.