Just So Stories

Hardie Grant Australia

October 2023

ISBN: 9781741177923

RRP: $24.99

You would be hard-pressed to find a more sparkling author/illustrator than the ever-elegant, super-stylish, tremendously-talented Tania McCartney, and, therefore, how utterly appropriate that this beautiful new Plume story is just as sparkly as its creator.

I have been in love with Plume since first meeting, having a definite penchant for penguins (possibly because my shape resembles one!) and, certainly, being entranced with Tania’s illustrations, which are both stunning and so expressive.

I have shared all three of the first in this series with kiddos from Prep to Year 6, all of whom have adored this little guy and his travels equally. Now our favourite galloping gourmand is off to explore the Christmas traditions around the world, something with which kiddos are always fascinated. As a matter of fact, my extended teaching prac at the end of the first year of my pre-service degree, I chose to write my unit of work for Year 3 on Christmas Around the World (with great success), so this darling book completely won my heart and evoked such happy memories for me.

Plume has ventured around the world in search of interesting customs, foods and festivals, and, most importantly, understanding and embracing other cultures, and in doing so, he encourages our Smalls to be adventurous and similarly welcoming of differences.

We live in such a multi-cultural country, and even more than that, the world is becoming so much smaller in many ways given technology and travel. Yet, at times, it seems our views are becoming narrower and more exclusionary, and I fear for our kiddos growing up in such societal confines.

As educators and creators, it is our privilege to be able to expand the world to our little people, and Tania’s passion for doing this is one of the traits I most love about her. She has proven over and over again her commitment to promoting cross-cultural understanding and acceptance, and for this, I always applaud her.

Of course, Christmas in the South Pole is a whirlwind of excitement, presents, wrapping and tinsel, just as it is anywhere else. [We know those penguins can be very excitable.] But there is a definite problem when Ava, of the Albatross Express, arrives with calamitous news. Santa’s workshop is in disarray, and production has come to a standstill, due to sickness (Covid? no one is safe really). How on earth can the children all receive their gifts on time?

But Plume springs into action with the help of his friends, and, thank goodness, as even Father Christmas himself falls victim to the lurgy, and Christmas is saved – not just for the penguins of Antarctica but the children all over the world – no matter, their traditions or gift givers. And along the way, they all discover the true meaning of Christmas – love – that’s all it comes down to, let’s all remember that.

So very much to rejoice in with this. Tania’s glorious illustrations are always such a joy, but her skill with turning little titbits of information into intriguing gems is also joyous. More than that, she writes and illustrates what kiddos want to see and hear, and I have never shared one of her books, without much acclaim and appreciation from the Smalls. Please, if you have missed out on this series, then do yourself and your readers a favour and put them on order.

Check out these sneak pics – and wait for it – as teaching notes for the entire series are on their way (written by yours truly, and will be shared as soon as I have the ‘official’ version).

You already know what I’m going to say. My highest recommendation for this and the entire series. Also, Tania – just saying, merch of crocheted Plume toys would go gang-busters (mine will be the first order!).