Just! facts for kids

The Just! series is a collection of funny short story books. They were written by Australian children's author Andy Griffiths. The amazing drawings were done by Terry Denton.

These books are based on funny things that happened in Andy Griffiths' own childhood. The main character is a pre-teen who loves to play pranks and make mischief. He often tries to avoid chores or going to school with his clever (and sometimes silly) plans.

There are nine books in the series. The first one, Just Tricking!, came out in Australia in 1997. It was later called Just Kidding in North America. There was even a Canadian animated series called What's with Andy? (2001-2007) that was inspired by these books.

Meet the Creators

Andy Griffiths: The Author

Andy Griffiths started writing when he was in fifth grade. He bought a typewriter and made his own magazine. He sold it at school for a very small price! He kept writing for his high school magazine too.

Later, he studied English at university and wrote songs for his rock band. He then became a teacher. Before the "Just!" series, he started publishing other funny books.

Terry Denton: The Illustrator

Terry Denton is the artist who brings Andy's stories to life. He studied architecture for a short time. Then he explored animation, theater, painting, and cartooning. His drawings are known for being playful, colorful, and very funny.

Terry has won many awards for his work. He realized he wanted to write and illustrate back in 1983.

A Creative Team

Andy Griffiths and Terry Denton work together in a special studio. It's behind Andy's house and is full of cool gadgets, toys, and books. It even has a swimming pool and a bowling alley! It sounds like a kid's dream bedroom.

They push each other to be even sillier and more creative. Both Andy and Terry believe that books can be just as fun as video games. They think books offer a unique experience that lets each child use their own imagination.

In 2008, Andy Griffiths won six children's choice awards for his book Just Shocking!. He was the first Australian author to achieve this!

The "Just!" Style

Andy Griffiths wanted his books to be exciting for modern kids. He felt that some children's books were a bit old-fashioned. He wanted his stories to reflect his love for rock and roll, comedy, and pop culture.

His books are great for kids aged 7 to 10 who are moving from picture books to longer stories. They use "child-safe humor" with lots of silly puns. They also have fewer pictures than books for younger children.

The stories in books like Just Tricking! often show everyday situations for school-aged kids. For example, they explore how kids try to avoid going to school. They also show the funny battles between parents and children.

The Books in the Series

Just Tricking!

This book was released in 1997. It's also known as Just Joking! or Just Kidding!.

The book starts with a "Tricking Test." It asks funny questions like if you've ever played dead to skip school. Or if you've left banana skins on footpaths! No matter your score, the book promises you'll love it.

Just Annoying!

Released in 1998, this book is full of annoying antics. A review from Publishers Weekly mentioned that Terry Denton's drawings fill every page. They include jokes, flip-book animations, and other silly things.

Just Stupid!

This book came out in 1999. It's the third book in the "Just!" series. It has many silly short stories. You'll read about things like fixing snail shells or riding in a baby pram. The book won a BILBY Award in 2000 for Younger Readers.

Just Crazy!

Released in 2000, this book is also called Just Wacky!. Like the first book, it has a "Crazy Test." It asks if you see a crazy maniac in the mirror. Or if you ever want to take off your clothes and cover yourself in mud!

Just Three for Free!

This book was also released in 2000. It contains three stories: "Playing Dead," "In The Shower With Andy," and "Runaway Pram."

Just Disgusting!

This book came out in 2002. The test for this book asks if readers pick their nose. Or if they wear the same underwear two days in a row. It also asks if they wee in swimming pools, among other gross things!

Just Shocking!

Released in 2007, this book came after a short break in the series. It asks if you wish you could drive a monster truck. Or if watching videos of accidents is funny to you.

Just Macbeth!

This book, released in 2009, is a bit different. It's a funny version of Macbeth by William Shakespeare. Andy Griffiths was asked to adapt Macbeth for younger readers.

This book is part story and part play script. It has stage directions and lines for characters. Instead of acts and scenes, it uses book chapters. It was even performed on stage by Bell Shakespeare!

Just Doomed!

The latest book in the series, Just Doomed!, was released in 2012. The "Doomed Test" asks about superstitious things. For example, have you ever broken a mirror? Or walked under a ladder? Or opened an umbrella inside?

Images for kids

• 

  Author of the "Just!" series, Andy Griffiths