Just So Stories

Fremantle Press

October 2026

ISBN: 9781760995577

RRP: $34.99

Some readers will recall that a while back I had the hilarious pleasure of meeting James F2F for the first time and it was on that occasion that we were privy to seeing the first glimpses of this absolutely amazing book. In fact, my copy arrived just a few days after that event and I have been happily trawling my way through it since, savouring each new excerpt.

Let me just say this first. What an astonishing piece of work this is – the long hours, days, months that have gone into the research, the artwork and the design concept simply blow my mind. And after hearing James speak about it, even more so.

We know that so many kiddos are fascinated with the idea of space travel. Those of us who grew up in the 60s had our own view of the world events that were the ‘space race’ and were thrilled at the ‘giant leap for mankind’ especially. But that’s not to say that today’s crop of young ‘uns are any less excited when they read of the advances made in space stations, astronauts and the new discoveries still being made.

This wonderful book is a catalogue of the early creatures who brought the idea of travelling in space to life, from humble and small fruit flies to rats to monkeys to humans – and just about everything inbetween all of those. And it becomes quite clear that James is not just relating the information about each of these space pioneers, willing or unwilling participants, but is paying homage to them, particularly those who did not return.

The glorious foreword which purports to be from James’ earlier creation, (Dr) Stella Phant kicks off this cavalcade of space superstars beginning with the explanation and reasoning behind sending animals to space in the first place. Throughout Stella explains each section from the classification of animals to modern space research, from scientific nomenclature to the definition of space to the highly entertaining Stella’s Totally True Story Time.

It’s probably fair to say that even younger readers can suggest that monkeys were sent into space, possibly they’d also know about rats, dogs and maybe even the odd cat but do they know about the mealworms? [the Fluffbutts consider that a complete waste of their favourite treat] the frogs – and indeed, the frog spawn! ‘- the Japanese quail eggs and so many others? There were certainly plenty of which I was completely ignorant and I found it all quite fascinating – and, yes, also a little sad for those who didn’t return.

That, in fact, goes right back to Laika for me. While I was only a toddler when Laika was launched, her story was re-told many times throughout the 60s as first Yuri Gargarin and then Valentina Tereshkova [when Russian names became daily mentions!] took their grand adventures. [Point of order – and how long was it before another woman astronaut went to space? Answer: 19 years and another Russian woman! Sally Ride, first USA femal astronaut was 51 years later!].

From start to finish this is both fascinating and entertaining and I foresee that it will spark plenty of conversations. If it were me, I would have at least two copies with one being ‘not for loan’ in the library because I can foresee plenty of ‘huddles’ over the book as they turn pages and exclaim over the various amazing revelations.

James’ artwork is utterly superlative! The man is a complete nutcase [you know I mean that in the nicest possible way, James!] but is most definitely, one of our greatest talents in the Oz kids lit creatives sphere. I cannot praise this highly enough but it’s out of this world brilliant [had to be done! sorry, not sorry] -it’s a stellar 5 🚀🪐🌕🌑☄️rating from me for curious and enthusiastic readers from about Year 3 upwards.

PS. My Dead Bunny illustrated by James, is not only still one of my favourite books to share with kiddos and a definite no-fail stand-by for relief teaching but with Halloween just around the corner, it’s a perfect kooky spooky share book! – get your hands on that one too!