Just So Stories

Allen & Unwin

November 2023

ISBN:9781761180637

Publisher:A&U Children’s

Imprint:Albert Street Books

RRP: $24.99

Of course we have had a few wonderful picture books focusing on Lunar New Year over the years, many of them in constant rotation for this celebration. But how lovely is it to have an exciting new one that, to my mind, really encapsulates our Asian-Australian community, through the illustrations particularly. And, while personally I was quite happy about Year of the Rabbit (it’s a Warren thing!), despite being a Monkey, who could not be excited about the forthcoming Year of the Wood Dragon 🐉!!??

The small person who is the protagonist in this book is madly excited because the dragon is coming, and we are privy to all the preparations the family makes, against a backdrop of Sydney.

From the lanterns and decorations hung in this suburban bungalow to the delicious-sounding food including the dragon’s favourite dish, the fun with family – games, tea and incense and Chinese opera playing to the tradition of visiting family and friends, collecting red envelopes filled with lucky money, all is set in place before the grand excitement of the parade and the dancing lions and colourful dragon in the street, and finally! the arrival of the dragon – jiě jie/姐姐 – big sister! One little ‘rabbit’ brother, one big ‘dragon’ sister, the two are together for the family feast in the backyard, with the Hills hoist in view – such an Aussie icon.

The last page is just beautiful with its dragon (and gold rabbit) surrounded by LNY greetings in a variety of Asian tongues which many of your Smalls will recognise and be able to share with their peers. And glorious endpapers to make my heart sing!

I just love it from start to finish. Rebecca Lim’s reputation is, of course, stellar but here comes illustrator Cai Tse, herself a lion dancer of international standard, and with a debut graphic novel on this topic due out next year.

I know you might be thinking LNY is a long way off still, but you know it’s going to be upon us before we have time to catch our breath after Xmas so pre-order your copy now and be ready to share the wonderful, vibrant traditions with your readers.

Highly recommended for kiddos from Prep upwards, and particularly useful for those who are looking at celebrations around the world. Some useful teaching notes accompany this one.