Just So Stories

Harper Collins Australia

October 2023

• ISBN: 9780063205338
• ISBN 10: 0063205335
• Imprint: HarperCollins US
• RRP: $24.99

Another one I’ve been saving with anticipation for this month! We have come to expect sheer lyrical text accompanied by stunning illustrations, along with the cross-cultural themes, from Joanna Ho’s picture books.

This one continues with a wonderful exploration of rich traditions, language and customs. Beginning with herself, six children of Chinese, Tongan, Persian, Diné [Navajo], Nahuatl [Mexico], or Akan [Ghana] descent introduce themselves, their names and provide a glimpse of their own unique culture.

As someone who has taught in many multi-cultural settings including right in the heart of Canberra’s embassy district, I have had much experience with unfamiliar names and have developed a reasonable knack of getting pronunciation correct.

Of course, there are times when it’s not so easy, and I always make very sure I have got it right by confirming with the child. As Joanna writes “Anything less / is not / me.” It definitely helps that I have an ear for languages. That being said, it is still extremely important and the most salient point of this text. And that along with the backmatter helps readers, who are given the name, pronunciation, meaning and a little background of the culture, some sense of the importance of understanding others.

It is particularly pleasing to see Tonga included (presumably by virtue of the fact, that it alone of the Pacific island nations, has always held its own governance) as here in Reddy, we have many Tongan families and I regularly have children with traditional names in my classes. These are always, to my ear, so melodic and redolent with meaning.

As well as Joanna’s beautiful text, the illustrations from Vietnamese Khoa Le are absolutely sensational, and worthy of close examination for both artistic techniques and cultural references.

At this juncture in world and domestic history, I would suggest that a greater understanding of others, particularly those marginalised by virtue of culture, is of paramount importance in our educating our kiddos.

Highly recommended for your collection, and particularly of course, for HASS or other cultural studies and events such as Harmony Day. I would think that readers from Prep (with a little unpacking) upwards would be best suited.