Just So Stories

Harper Collins Australia

• ISBN: 9780733342257
• ISBN 10: 0733342256
• Imprint: ABC Books AU
• RRP: $19.99

I cannot begin to tell you how impatiently I have waited to post this review. When I was invited to write teaching notes for a new Katrina Nannestad book, I was absolutely thrilled. Then, when I read the manuscript for this beautiful, funny, poignant, life-affirming narrative, I realised how easy it would be to support such a wonderful book with accompanying activities, and really it just joy to do so.

Quite simply, this is one of my top picks of this year’s books. Katrina has drawn on family stories to create a journey into the past that will resonate with our readers, because the themes and concepts woven throughout are just as relevant today as they were seventy years ago.

Nettie Sweeney is the youngest of four girls, and lives in rural NSW with her widowed father and her Aunty Edith. Their farm bustles with guinea pigs, laughter, good-natured (mostly) banter, cows, girls, and the occasional snake.

Nettie is a bright child whom some might call precocious, and often lands herself in mischief, quite unintentionallly. Essentially though, she is a loving and vibrant little girl who yearns for a ‘real mother’. Never having known her own, she has conjured a mental picture of what her mother should be like, and when Dad comes home with his young bride, Alice, Nettie is instantly in love with her.

After years of carping and slaps from Aunty Edith, she is well and truly ready for Alice’s cuddles and giggles and fun. And for the most part this is what happens. At least, until a terrible tragedy befalls the family, and threatens to shatter the newly formed bonds they all have. I defy anyone to stay dry-eyed at this point.

Post-war Australia had its fair share of problems, even in the country, and the book explores issues of mental health arising from trauma, with several characters having been impacted by the conflict.

It also examines the delicate balance of a blended family, and most significantly, the loss of a baby, and the ensuing grief, as well as all the ups and downs of family life and friendships. I really don’t want to tell you so much about the plot, as I want you to have the joy of discovering it for yourself. But I can assure you, that while on one page I would be laughing aloud, on the next I could be wiping away tears. It is a rollercoaster of emotions throughout, but so sensitively written, that it will be a very fine addition to any bookshelf, and a book that will linger with you for quite some time.

I think it would suit so admirably a sustained read-aloud for upper primary children, who would no doubt, also be investigating Australia’s past and the country’s development and changes after the war, making it an excellent ‘read-around-your-topic’ title (even for older students).

In my libraries, I would add a caution that it might present triggers for some readers and certainly, it would be advisable, for a read-aloud that a teacher be aware of any potential distress it may cause some children. That being said, I think a teacher of any sensitivity would be able to navigate their class through the varying emotions with, arguably, more skill than anyone else. I would personally, excercise caution for readers younger than Year 6/7, and be very certain that any of those in lower grades, were astute and mature enough to deal with the traumas involved.

It is unusual in the sense, that the protagonist is so much younger than the intended audience, but you will realise very quickly, how well this works, given the delicate topics and themes, and makes for a wonderful opportunity to discuss more deeply with your learners, the art of characterisation.

For those of us, who are Boomers ourselves, whether we grew up in a country town or a city, there will be so much joy in reliving some of those good times we had as kids. We know that the ‘good old days’ are not necessarily that, but it is fun to nostalgically remember some of our happy childhood moments.

You might well gather, I’m giving this my highest recommendation (really, has Katrina EVER written anything less than wonderful??) ✮✮✮✮✮ Five stars all the way!