Just So Stories

Harper Collins Australia

June 2026

• Imprint: HarperCollins AU
• ISBN: 9781460765654
• RRP: $24.99

I know that not every child is as lucky as I was. I had two great fathers essentially. My Father Bear until my parents divorced when I was 14 but even apart, they were both loving parents and my dad never stopped being my biggest fan.

Then a couple of years later there was my step-father Ecky (Eric actually) who became another great supportive male in my life. Both of them were outstanding grandfathers for my girls and even made it to great-grandfatherhood. Sadly, we lost them both way too young. In addition to these two fine men, I had my Uncle Tedward who was also a caring, funny and gentle father figure – also greatly missed.

This book puts me very much in mind of them both as this one is really all about that. Fathers who are there for you – no matter what. It’s another rhyming book with some lively and interesting illustrations from Kate Moon – which the info tells me are digitally hand-painted. They do appear to have texture despite them obviously being digitally created so that intrigued me. And it’s terrific to see a range of ethnic and ability diversity shown. Sarah Ayoub’s rhyme does not have the same easy cadence as some others I’ve just read in this batch of dad books but certainly has some flow that will appeal to young readers, especially when read aloud.

Every day is special with you, Dad.

When we’re together, it makes me glad.

I love all the moments that I have with you

and I can count on you in all I do.

It is sad to think that some children don’t have such a loving and supportive father [we know this first-hand as The Kid’s is not such a one] but hopefully, like K, they will have significant lighthouse males who take on a proxy father role. She is lucky to have several and a grandpa as well [thanks Mr Surfer, we love you]! This one is a 4 👨‍🍼👨‍🍼👨‍🍼👨‍🍼from me for this one for readers from Prep to around year 2/3.