Just So Stories

Harper Collins Australia

June 2026

• Imprint: HarperCollins AU
• ISBN: 9781460767146
• RRP: $24.99

What wonderfully exuberant rhyming romp this one is! Filled with Andrew Joyner’s unmistakable art with some whacky inventions and gadgets and just one of many fathers doing extraordinary yet ordinary stuff with their kiddos.

This one just happens to be rather a Caractacus Potts or perhaps a Wallace with his wildly improbable but ever so useful inventions for the everyday. Making the impossible possible is this dad’s specialty and clearly being a boffin is a big plus for regular household needs as well as making for some wild adventures such as flying to space or investigating jungles. I know I would appreciate one of those auto-watering cans for a start!

Andrew’s illustrations are filled with the sort of detail that will have the Smalls poring over each page time and again. Maddy Mara’s rhyme is spot on and rolls off the tongue with pleasant rhythm and is humorous as well as sweet.

Altogether it is a truly joyful romp with a father and child combo who are definitely out of the ordinary – really, aren’t they all? Definitely an inventive 🤖🤖🤖🤖🤖rating for this bundle of fun.