Just So Stories

Exisle Publishing/EK Books

September 2023

ISBN: 9781922539465

$24.99

The 60s revolution was certainly an eye-opener for many, and some of us are old enough to remember it (to which my groaning knees will attest!).

That being so, this was terrifically good fun to read as a feisty Grandma, still with a finely-tuned social conscience, recounts her experiences of fighting for equal rights against the ‘dinosaurs’.

Clearly, this is one heroic woman to be able to survive the onslaught of the large, tyrannical beasts that tried to keep females in their caves, tending to the fire, the cooking and the offspring.

Slowly, Maggie ,the youngster begins to burn with the righteous flame as well, and is ready to take up the banners and keep fighting the injustices – because, sadly, there are still so many.

This a humorous look at the battle for women’s rights, with some hilarious cartoon-style illustrations to highlight the actions of those feminists who fought the good fight.

I love the subtle allusion to Dr Margaret Mead [controversial she may have been, but still a leading feminist and scientist of her time} with the two main characters being, respectively, Maggie and Dr Margaret,the paleontologist. And I also appreciate that there is no blame-game. The primitive cavemen are not cast as the bad guys, it is simply a reflection of the society as it was, with an anonymous ‘they’ as those who perpetuate the inequalities.

Catch them young I say! This is a fabulous book to share with Smalls from Prep upwards to discuss the roles all people can take on in contemporary society, and the notion of equality for all.

I would happily share this with Upper Primary as a provocation to further discussion, particularly those who are looking at Democracy and government. Dare I say, that some of these older students will have seen the new Barbie movie and be able to offer some commentary on the masculine/feminine roles from that viewpoint.

Highly recommended for readers from around 4 years upwards – get your order in now!