Just So Stories

Harper Collins Australia

June 2026

• Imprint: HarperCollins AU
• ISBN: 9781460765036
• RRP: $24.99

She’s been leaping and twirling in our hearts for 20 years – which like so many of this year’s ‘big’ anniversary editions, seems utterly incredible. The wombats have their legitimate legions of fans but there is no doubt that there are just as many who love Josephine’s determination to break out of the stereotyped kangaroo mould, and her goal-setting to be a dancer – NOT just a bounder.

Like all dancers, practice is the key to reaching those goals, be it a solo or a lead or even just making it into the performance group. So Josephine with the added negativity from her family, does so well to overcome all the hurdles (easy for to leap over them really) and, by chance, to become the prima ballerina, inspiring a whole town to take up dance. [my girls well remember their days of practice before exams and end-of-year concerts which paid off with their successes in both, as do I with the added pressure of eisteddfod performances!].

Beautifully illustrated as always by Bruce Whatley – what a dynamic duo this pair have been! – it’s happy 20th anniversary to Josephine – a role model for all who have a special dream. It’s, of course, a leaping, twirling 5 🦘🩰🦘🩰🦘 for readers from Prep upwards.