Just So Stories

It was quite a curious thing that on Friday, I chose two books from my review shelf to share with a Year 1 class I was taking, and they both complemented each other so perfectly. One I chose because I knew how well it is always received, the other because the title made me giggle. And how serendipitous that both these delightful books were sharing the same message.

Edward the Emu 35th Anniversary- Sheena Knowles/Rod Clement

Harper Collins Australia

July 2023

• ISBN: 9781460764084
• ISBN 10: 1460764080
• Imprint: HarperCollins AU
• RRP: $22.99

Since the first reading so many years ago, we have all delighted in Edward’s dilemma as he tried so desperately to be someone/something else. For those who don’t know – and I find that hard to believe – Edward feels that he is overlooked as an emu in the zoo. He truly believes that the other animals are more exciting and more appealing to the zoo visitors. So, in turn, he attempts to ‘become’ a seal….a lion…a snake…….until he chances to overhear a patron comment on the emu being his favourite animal, whereupon Edward rushes back to his own enclosure and – lo! – meets Edwina, the new emu on the block (and of course, the future main character in another book).

Edward’s self-revelation, of course, is that being oneself is the only way to have true joy in life. Sheena Knowle’s clever rhythmic rhymes have children bouncing and laughing throughout, and they absolutely delight in Rod Clement’s (so unmistakable) and expressive illustrations. If you – or your kiddos – are new to Edward’s charms, this is the perfect time to add this endearing emu to your collection.

Business Chickens – Jess McGeachin

Penguin Australia

July 2023

• ISBN: 9780143779179
• Imprint: Penguin
• RRP: $24.99

Utterly hilarious, this is another book that will encourage your young ‘uns to explore their own individuality, what makes them special, and where their strengths lie. Following one’s dreams is often a hard leap but if we can persuade our kiddos that sometimes taking a step back to re-evaluate might just be the right way forward, we are doing them a great service. Apparently (who knew?) most chickens are excellent at business – prompt, efficient and focused.

However, Fran is an exception. She doesn’t dress like a business chicken, she doesn’t act like one either, and she certainly doesn’t fit in with the others. When Fran gets ‘laid off’ (and it made me smile that one bright little button, worked what that expression meant) it might seem to be a problem, but Fran takes the rejection as a positive, and turns what were seen as her liabilities into the assets they actually are. It’s quirky and fun, and the kids absolutely loved it.

…To Thine Own Self be True

Both these fun books provide us with the perfect intro to talking up our children’s self-belief and self-assurance. My little people loved both of them and we had some wonderful conversation about both, as we talked about what each of us is good at, and also how we might translate our talents into the way we want to live – and at the same time, had lots of laughs along the way.

I would urge you to get both into your collection, and into the hands of your kiddos and your classroom teachers. Both wonderful books for our eager learners!