Just So Stories

SCHOLASTIC AUSTRALIA PTY LTD

October 2023

ISBN: 9781760264567
ISBN-10: 1760264563

RRP: $15.99

If you have readers who have been enjoying the Wylah series (and other First Nations contemporary narratives), then this new series is going to be a sure-fire winner. Nerra is a young girl with a strong connection to her culture and Country. She is especially close to her great-grandmother, Nana Mirrin, who gives her a very mysterious but beautiful wooden box, which cannot be opened, along with a lovely shell bracelet to wear in her memory.

Nana Mirrin tells Nerra, the box will open at the right time, and following Nana’s passing, after the period of Sorry Business, Nerra, is surprised when the box does indeed open, revealing a collection of clearly special artefacts. The constant rain her district has been experiencing has continued all throughout the days of Sorry Business, and everyone is very weary with it, especially Nerra, so the box revealing its secret is a very welcome diversion.

Nerra is strangely drawn to the clapsticks, which glow red and reveal patterns and colours at her touch. To her great astonishment, and bewilderment, she is transported back in time to the Dreaming where a terrible calamity has created chaos in the balance of Country and the Dreaming itself.

Nerra has been called to help the Keeper of the Clean Sand and Clear Water, and Cleverman, Bobbinary, right the situation and restore the balance. The narrative draws on traditional stories of the Boonwurrung people of coastal Melbourne, which is Tasma Walton’s own mob. This series is her inspiration to provide understanding and knowledge to young readers of their Country and Mob, with strong Aboriginal heroes and adventures with the Creation Beings.

Being (in my opinion) rather less dense than other similar series, this will be highly suitable for those kiddos who might struggle with lengthier and more complex texts, whilst still providing them with a lively fantasy/adventure focused on traditional First Nations Culture. The illustrations throughout add to the high-level interest, and I can easily foresee this making a great shared read-aloud, with subsequent innovations on Dreaming stories, and artwork inspired by the heroes, setting and dramatic incidents.

I recommend it highly to you for readers from around Year 4 upwards.