Just So Stories

Harper Collins Australia

August 2023

• ISBN: 9780733342400
• ISBN 10: 073334240X
• Imprint: ABC Books AU
• RRP: $24.99

A couple of years ago, I had the great pleasure of being invited, in my role of teacher-librarian, to deliver a session for the SCBWI Bibliotherapy Symposium. Of course, providing books with specific purpose has been a natural part of my role for children, teachers and parents over the past 25 years, but it was that opportunity that spurred me into undertaking an actual course in bibliotherapy (which I’m slowly working my way through, as time permits).

This is one such book that is perfect to have in one’s literary medicine chest, and a very gentle way of discussing death with very young children. Little Ted is sad, because his pet goldfish, Swish, has died. His friends know they can’t fix that, but they also know they can show Little Ted that they care, and understand how sad he must be.

Hugs, photos, scrapbook, talking over memories and a little outdoor diversion are all ways that these friends hope will help Little Ted in his grief. And it does help. Little Ted is still sad when he goes to bed, but he has his Swish scrapbook of memories to help him, and he knows his friends will be back in the morning to help again. A final page sums up these strategies and a few more to help your Smalls with one of life’s very real challenges.

Playschool’s Mindfully Me program will be an absolute boon to parents and carers, educators and children themselves, as they negotiate some of the tough issues in modern life.

Join Zindzi and Matt for this special Play School as we take some time to slow down to delve in to mindfulness. Watch 9am Monday on ABC Kids and our iview app. Clickview subscribers will also find it on their platform.

You can find more information including extension ideas and educator notes on the ABC. Look out for other titles if you’ve not yet seen them. As someone who has not only experienced intense grief (as many of us have as adults), but had to make it bearable for my girl when we lost her mum, this is a very important book to keep in mind, or on shelf.

I highly recommend it to you for sharing with little humans from as young as kinder.