Just So Stories

NLA

November 2023

ISBN: 9781922507617

RRP: $24.99

What a lovely lead into Christmas in Australia this new book is! Inspired by the now well-known Tarrington Hay Bale Art Comp, initiated in 2009 by Lutheran pastor,  Colin Huf in his bid to promote the tiny township, this picture book juxtaposes traditional European style Christmas icons with our very Australian scenario.

Pamela Jones’ text is simplicity itself as Ayla ticks off her list all the necessaries for a first-rate festive season. And Lucia’s illustrations are, as always, gently evocative and expressive, with the cutest endpapers as well.

The reality of a hot, dry summer – and drought – is pretty much a given for us here in the antipodes, so it would seem that Ayla’s wish for a snowman, the last item on her list, might be impossible. But there is more than one way to create a Frosty, and the creativity of her family surprises the little girl. After all, we all try to make wishes come true at Christmas don’t we?

The final double spread with a selection of photographs and informational snippets about Christmas in Australia from the earliest days of colonisation will provide fodder for much rich discussion, and extension activities. Already, I am considering what might be substituted for (miniature) haybales in the classroom or library for a grand haybale art extravaganza.

I think any readers from Prep upwards would enjoy this both for story, and for the conversations that might follow. Certainly they will be able to make many connections: decorating, trees, ceiling fans, heat, cooking with Grandma, architecture, country landscape, fridge contents and [one to which I can completely relate] a gingerbread house that resembles a demolition zone .

I’m giving this a huge 5 (Christmas) stars 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 and then scouring my craft ideas for possible haybale substitions (those heavier cardboard tubes, cut up by a friendly hand person methinks!)

The photos below courtesy of the wonderful Alison Reynolds who recently passed through Tarrington.