Just So Stories

Bloomsbury

October 2023

ISBN	9781526660619
Imprint	Bloomsbury Children’s Books

This morning (Sunday 10/12/23) The Kid and I went to the city by train to an event, and as we crossed over the Brisbane river and I looked back to the Coronation Drive/Riverside expressway I noticed something.

In some places, there are gaps between the rocky banks of the river and the road above – not a very big gap, but big enough for someone’s sleeping bag and a few items. Not enough room to sit up, or indeed, even to sit outside, but clearly for some – somewhere to sleep. I can’t imagine it really. It’s been hot AF but what about when it’s been cold and wet during the winter? What about the rats that must surely scavenge along there, as they do with all Brisbane waterways?

Like so many other locations in this ‘lucky country’, we have a huge proportion of homeless people, both in Brisbane and here in Redcliffe. They live in their cars, in shop doorways, on the jetty and in tents down among scrub not ten minutes walk from here.

I think The Kid and I are in a precarious position, as rents rise and finding new places is difficult (our third place in just a few years with over $100 a week more in rent) but how much more difficult, confronting and dangerous for those sleeping rough? And, indeed, what about those who are displaced and refugees from their countries because of warfare, famine and persecution?

When Himself writes, the world listens. And when he asked the question [via the platform formerly known as Twitter] ‘What reminds you of warmth?’, the world not only listened but responded.

They answered with many different and redolent observations that have become this profound and impactful book. These various responses on objects, feelings and situations, which will resound with many of us, have also been illustrated by some of the world’s best and brightest artists, and with a particularly stunning (and readily identifiable!) cover from Oliver Jeffers.

Neil’s intention was to bring this issue of refugees – the displacement of persons and flight from conflict – to a greater attention by the world at large – and, significantly, to provide attention and donations/funds to the UN Refugee Agency. Many will be familar with this organisation if they/you mark Refugee Week in your school or library (a calendar event that has always been explored in mine).

Whether it’s steaming jacket potatoes, crackling fires, cosy blankets, hot buttered toast, candlelight or my mum’s vintage eiderdown, we all have our own iconic ‘warmth’ memory or thought.

I waited for this patiently, as the first copy sent to me went astray (it’s entirely likely someone knew what was in the package and coveted it for themself!), but when it arrived today, I could not wait to share it with you.

Is it a Christmas book, as befits my current daily postings? Of course it is, because essentially it is about giving, peace and goodwill to all humanity.

Go gently one and all, into this festive season. For some it is not that at all. While times are tough for everyone, for some they are unbearable – do what you can, however you can, when you can. It doesn’t need my endorsement, but naturally I give it my highest praise. Do yourself and your loved ones a favour, and buy copies for the whole mob.