Just So Stories

Allen & Unwin

June 2024

ISBN:9781761180798

Publisher:A&U Children’s

Imprint:Albert Street Books

RRP: $16.99

I know there will be many excited readers to see that Wylah is back in her third adventure. This series has taken off and it is really pleasing to see.

I recall 25 years ago in my first library having an audit done by what was then the Indigenous unit with EQ. They were primarily checking books for accuracy or misinformation, adding annotations etc but one of the deficiencies we both noticed was the scarcity of First Nations narratives.

We held some Dreaming stories of course and some PBs like the Dick Roughsey titles but precious little else. It has been so wonderful over the past decade in particular to see the upswing in beautiful First Nations kids lit and this series really speaks to me because of its stand-out differences. Whilst it draws on traditional lore and stories, it combines a potpourri of other ideas and concepts including sci-fi/speculative fiction and fantasy.

Wylah is now confirmed as the Koorie Warrior and is learning to harness the power of Kae Kae, the boomerang but this is just the start for her. The ruthless Dragon Army still hold her family and friends captive and they have also seized the Guardians. Jayden, the son of her main adversary, is still transformed as a Yara-ma-yha-who and he, along with his dragon Aperior, ride by the side of Wylah and Pippy.

Together they are determined to break the hold of Livingstone and his vile cronies. Just as they think they have made a breakthrough and rescued the tribe and the Guardians, there is another attack – one that Wylah barely survives. How can they now help the other tribes under attack and also defeat Annabel, the Protector of the Dragon Army, whose power seems extraordinary?

Wylah must call upon all the Ancestors to help her defeat the enemies and rescue not only the other tribes, but also the bush creatures who are being used mercilessly by the invaders. It’s another tense and dramatic quest and readers will lap it up. Plentifully illustrated again, to break up the text, these are perfect books to encourage not-so-strong or keen readers to take a step up to a new level.

Highly recommended again for readers from around 10 years upwards. And I just have to share these gorgeous photos from last year’s Book Week. Mundaang Guwu… Many thanks to Tidda Tea Dolls and Miss Kirralee for allowing me to share them!