Just So Stories

 Daisy Lane Publishing & Just Write For Kids Australia

ISBN: 9780645842722

RRP: $32.99

Contributors include: Bridget Acreman . Suzanne Barton . Melanie Corrigan . Kim de Haan . Michèle Dodd . Alisha Dyer . Naomi Eccles-Smith . Hannah Friend . Daniela Glyntzos . Imogen Hartland . Jacqui Hewlett . Carla Hoffenberg . Jennifer Horn . Lorraine & Jessica Miller . Rhonda Ooi . Rachael Robertson . Jeanette Stampone .

Congratulations to all of our contributors and all of the entrants who submitted their remarkable illustration and text pieces to Picture It! 2023! Check out our amazing Illustrator Portfolio Gallery!

What a stunning creation this is, and how exciting to see so much talent combined to produce something that will inspire your young readers to reach deeply into their own creativity and reflections on our beautiful country.

In fact, that is part of the purpose behind this wonderful anthology which combines lyrical language, stunning art and cultural insights: to ask the question of readers, “What’s in YOUR Australian heART?”. 

Spanning our continent and encouraging young people’s curiosity and sense of belonging, the pages move with fluidity from the depths of our sparkling oceans to red centre, from city scapes to untamed bush and from riotous colours to the charred black that follows bushfires. 

This affords so many directions when shared with children: lively discussions about living and belonging in whichever part of our country, and whatever diverse backgrounds, social or cultural we have, encouraging children to appreciate their environments and the people or nature around them, underlining the imperative to take time to listen to the voices of others and to share their own.

And, it goes without saying, that the breadth and depth of the various artistic techniques and styles will generate a slew of art sessions that will have valuable results for all involved.

It is a journey around the country that is both sensory and emotional, and there will also, I foresee, be much discussion around favourite pages and artwork.

 To further ‘value add’ to this evocative text, a percentage of sales benefits The Indigenous Literacy Foundation, an organisation that has long been included in my own personal portfolio of supported initiatives.

This is a veritable treasure chest of ideas and images from which to springboard whether in library, classroom or home and I would highly recommend it to you for young readers from around 5 upwards. Go to the website for more information on purchasing and also activities/downloads. It’s ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️ all the way!