Just So Stories

Penguin Australia

December 2023

• ISBN: 9781761049415
• Imprint: Puffin
• RRP: $16.99

We know when the season changes in Brisbane. The jacarandas are blooming and the local cricketers are back in the parks and ovals. Of course, there’s a few other matches on TV as well *wink* and, altogether, we know that spring is here, summer is on its way, cicadas will be shrilling, and it’s time to start thinking about Christmas.

Bluey has been, without a doubt, one of our greatest Brisbane success stories, and I’m sure I speak for many, when I say we can be justifiably proud of the way this small heeler pup and her family have taken the world by storm.

The Bluey cricket episode was a corker in more ways than one, causing a flurry of news articles and commentaries, as well as prompting many to recall fond memories of backyard and Xmas Day family matches of the past. [it made me think of 30 years ago and playing rubbish bin cricket with my first class and the maths game we invented based on cricket which was strenuously contested at ‘free time’].

There’s a nod to our great cricketers, and how they rose to the top, in this relatively simple story, but essentially it’s about what makes cricket the ‘noble game’ (or should!) and, as always, revolves around strong family values and community connections.

I understand that the American audiences get rather confused about cricket references in Bluey, and having been there, and seeing that their TV and news is so very parochial, I can understand that, but perhaps Bluey will finally convince them to give another bat-and-ball game a good try-out.

As for me, I’m waiting on continued scores in the World Cup, and certainly know that Boxing Day is not the same unless you are sprawled replete as a freshly-fed boa constrictor, while the ceiling fan whirrs lazily above, watching the match play out, so looking forward to the Australia v Pakistan Test.

This is a great book to pop in a Xmas stocking and do check out the Bluey cricket set (so cute!) which would be a great addition to a present. And of course, add the fun new Bluey colouring book to keep that heeler joy going (and the kiddos quiet while you watch the game!). After all, Christmas in Australia equals cricket AND beach, sometimes at the same time!

Enjoy your own family backyard season! Recommended for all the Bluey fans from around 4 years upwards.

Ex-Test star left ‘bawling his eyes out’ as popular kids TV show’s cricket ep stuns fans

‘Everyone just bleeds into it’: Special detail that went into making ‘that’ Bluey episode

Bluey’s cricket episode: why did it leave Australians in tears and Americans puzzled?

Bluey’s ‘Cricket’ episode perfectly captures the spirit of the game

‘That’s cricket, kid’: what Bluey can teach us about the spirit of the game

Bluey: at the Beach: a colouring book

Penguin Australia

November 2023

• ISBN: 9781761343100
• Imprint: Puffin