Just So Stories

Hardie Grant Publishing

August 2023

ISBN: 9781761212239
ISBN-10: 1761212230

Imprint: Bright Light

RRP: $22.99

#sorrywrongasian.

In case you missed the Twitter (remember that?) avalanche of 2021, the whole issue of being an ‘interchangeable Asian‘ and microaggression was highlighted when a slew of reports of ‘mistaken Asian identity’ was reported by Asian-Americans across the country.

This particular form of racism is not confined to America however. Zewlan was inspired to put a spotlight on this issue by two separate, but personal, incidents.

Firstly, she was continually confused with another Asian/Australian writer (and trust me, they really don’t look ANYTHING alike).

Secondly, her own little son came home from his new school, saying he was finding it impossible to tell two little girls apart – and yes, both were Asian.

But when Reuben starts to really consider things, he realises that he can tell Esmé and Eunwoo apart – for a variety of reasons – even if they do both have the same hair, are short and wearing identical school uniforms. It is a relatively simple text with a big, but subtle, message that encourages readers, and everyone else, to really stop and notice other people, without lumping them into a race or colour category. Peter Cheong’s illustrations are buzzing with life and expression, and complement the text perfectly. The funny twist in the tail, will greatly appeal to your Littles, and is a very clever conclusion.

We know, only too well, that racism is alive and ugly in Australia – events of recent weeks have underlined this, much of it perpetuated and fuelled by people who ought to know better *grrrrrrr* – and it’s not always overt.

This is a terrific book to share with Smalls to generate a conversation about how we can become better friends and kinder humans. Most definitely endorsed for kiddos from Prep to about Year 3.