Just So Stories

Hachette

JUL 26, 2023 | 9780734422538 | RRP $24.99

Imprint: Lothian Children’s Books

Perhaps because I have almost always been in schools with kiddos of diverse cultural backgrounds, where that has simply been a matter of course, I cannot recall a single instance of children asking questions of others with different skin tones or hair etc. That does not mean there were not other issues on which to challenge or ask questions, simply that racially different appearances were not considered a reason for these. But certainly, it could very easily happen in other places.

To my mind however, this book offers a much broader slant on acceptance, not just from others but from self, using that point of different appearance as the focal point, and we know, as educators, that leading conversation through literature is a key learning strategy which will lead to entrenched positive attitudes and values.

Lupe’s classmates are curious about her different skin, hair and eyes and where she comes from. In the illustrations her class appears to be very homogeneously Anglo, so when she asks her mum the question “What am I?”, her mother elucidates: Lupe is a daughter. She is a big sister. She is a friend. She is smart. She is fearless. She is funny. She is beautiful. She is enough. And thereafter, Lupe knows that when anyone asks what she is, she has the perfect answer – I am Lupe.

I love that author Sela is a Tongan Australian, as I don’t think I have read or reviewed a book from a Pasifika author before this, so that’s a very exciting first for me. Continuing the diversity, Singaporean illustrator, Yani, has created a gentle and loving feel to this book with a beautiful palette of predominantly blue/aqua/green/yellow, which for me certainly, echo those gorgeous islands which are our near neighbours.

Love this sweet and warm book and it will make a wonderful addition to your collection, encouraging discussions about cultural differences, self-belief and family love. Recommended for little peeps from around 4 years upwards.

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