Just So Stories

Ford St Publishing

September 2023

ISBN: 9781922696359

RRP: $19.99

I have always loved those English books that explored ‘Through Time’ e.g. A Street Through Time – the history nerd in me just revels in the minutiae from days gone by to the present.

While this book doesn’t cover 12, 000 years as such, it does begin just prior to European colonisation, reflecting firstly on the life the traditional owners of the land would have enjoyed, and then moving decade by decade through the establishment of the [ fictional but typical] town to the present day.

The authors have exemplary credentials for this project with Isolde being a historian, researcher for the ‘Places’ part of Events and Places and a published historical novelist, and Robyn, a First Nations teacher who delivers the Diploma and HSC program in Aboriginal Studies for TAFE, as well as being actively involved in First Nations committees and Community.

Robyn’s beautiful and poignant poem which introduces the town, describes the way of life for her people and foretells the change that is about to impact their future, and in itself will offer up much food for thought and discussion in any classroom.

There will be much to explore in each of the highly detailed illustrations which accompany the factual information on each snapshot in time. Interspersed thoughout the decades’ descriptions are excerpts from journals, contemporary books and newspapers. Louise’s illustrations are both evocative and fascinating and will provide great enjoyment as well as learning.

There is also a page dedicated to remembrances from older Australians describing growing up in such a town. Both singular occasions, such as the Queen’s Visit, regular happenings liks the local Show or fateful disasters like bushfires, are covered, providing a completely comprehensive insight into the development and happenings of just such an archetypal small rural town and its inhabitants.

It is exactly the sort of book that not only appeals to me, but also to many children who are fascinated by such details of places and peoples. Further to that, it is a perfect resource to accompany any curriculum studies for HASS in particular and would sit so well with resources such as My Place. I’m currently working on some teaching notes for a novel and this is going to be absolutely perfect to include in a list of related reading titles.

I suggest this is a must have for any library or classroom collection. For primary teachers in particular, if your library does not run to it, buy a personal copy – you won’t regret it!! Highly recommended for readers from around Year 4 upwards. Some excellent teacher notes will be extremely useful. Check out the (in progress) website for the book.

Time-travelling through a country town (with Trove)