Just So Stories

Harper Collins Australia

March 2024

• ISBN: 9780733343018
• ISBN 10: 0733343015
• Imprint: ABC Books AU
• RRP: $24.99

Being your miimi (mother) is the most precious gift life can give.

When you were born you opened my heart as wide as the ocean.

Every new Melissa Greenwood book I see I love, and think – they can’t possibly get any more beautiful. And yet, here we are – and what a perfect gift in time for Mother’s Day this would be, for any mum no matter how old her child.

Melissa has expressed the bond between mother and child in a poetic text which again incorporates words from her own traditional language, and the entire text is written in both English and Language in the back matter.

As Melissa’s heritage is Gumbaynggir, her matriarchal lineage with her special acknowledgement of both her mum and nan, along with her being raised on Bundjalung and Gumbaynggir Country – and of course, now with her own children – she is eminently well-placed to share the special connection between mother and baby.

Each of Melissa’s books is like a love letter to her own and other children, sharing the wealth of First Nations culture and a love of Country and nature. I’m in love with the colour palette Melissa has used in this new one from palest lemon to shades of apricot and pink to deep cerise – magnificent!

You really need the entire series and I, for one, hope Melissa has ideas for more as this is such a beautiful way to embed First Nations art and culture with your Smalls.

Highly recommended for kiddos from babes in arms upwards.

Stolen Generations survivor and daughter find healing through art business