Just So Stories

Allen & Unwin

August 2023

ISBN:9781761180392

Publisher:A&U Children’s

Imprint: Albert Street Books

RRP: $19.99

Most folks know I/we don’t really do Xmas in a traditional kind of way. Ever since we lost The Kid’s mum, it really has lost more and more appeal each year, even when K was still quite Small. So now we do it in our own style and we’re happy with that.

So why should Santa be any different? When Rudolph tries to help out by washing Santa’s suit, there’s a big of a hiccup when the red suit becomes pink. Can Santa still be himself without being dressed in red and white? Can he accept change? Will it make any difference to who he is really? Will children be upset? What about the elves?

Readers will have the fun of discovering that none of it makes a difference. Everyone can just be themselves without having to wear certain colours or look a particular way.

This happy and vibrant book is all about inclusivity of the best kind as well as a great nod to rolling with changes, and that it’s ok to make mistakes. It’s not preachy or didactic, but it is certainly empowering for all young readers.

The jolly rhyming text is super fun and will make for very happy read-alouds and Ben Whitehouse’s humorous illustrations – especially the elves – will have Littles in peals of laughter.

If you are looking for a stocking-stuffer that is a departure from the sparkly red and green tinselly kind, this would be a superb choice! I would highly recommend it for kiddos from around 3 years upwards.