Just So Stories

Harper Collins Australia

ISBN: 9780008531652
ISBN-10: 000853165X

This is essentially a quite simple book, but it is also one that is packed with layers to absorb and reflect upon, as it examines the concept of love across a wide spectrum of diverse people.

Using what is generally known as a call-and-response technique, the first statement is relayed “I love you because…”, and the response is given “Because I love you…”

I love you because you tell the best stories.
Because I love you, my best story is you.

The big reasons and the small, they are all here as are the many variations of relationships for whom the love is important. There are gender, ability, age and race diversities covered in these joyful illustrations. Given Jessica‘s success in rendering the sympathetic and evocative artwork for the Julian books, it is no surprise that these are also handled in a sensitive and powerful way, that underlines that love is love, no matter who is involved.

I would suggest that in these times of right-wing, bigoted conservatives doing all they can to disrupt the rights of everyone to live their own lives, without harming others, that books such as this one are essential. Your little ones will have no trouble at all both engaging with and empathising with the theme throughout. Highly recommended for Smalls from about preschool/kindy upwards.