Just So Stories

Penguin Australia

March 2024

• ISBN: 9781761340550
• Imprint: Puffin
• RRP:$24.99

Alphabet Song / Rap – Aboriginal Style by Gregg Dreise – YouTube

Together Forever By Gregg Dreise (featuring Ed Owen-Jones) Stop Motion Lollies & Pens Animation. – YouTube

My Culture and Me by Gregg Dreise – YouTube

Kookoo Kookaburra Song Gregg Dreise – YouTube

I Open the Door Promo ILF – YouTube

Slow down, take a break from the hurly-burly of the packed curriculum, everyday life, or just the many aspects of contemporary society, both good and bad. Gather some materials with good intention, and reflect on all you have for which to be grateful. Then you and your jarjums will be ready to also paint Gabayindah Guroos – Thank You circles – as Uncle shows you, step-by-step, how to do so.

Gregg Dreise is just super-talented and, also, a genuinely wonderful and warm human. If you are lucky enough to have him visit your school, you will know this for yourself. In this gorgeous new offering, he takes us through components of traditional First Nations artwork, both techniques and symbolism.

Uncle takes the children looking for materials first, then steps them through each additional layer to a Thank You Circle painting, and through the process explains the connections for not only First Nations peoples but those we should all have. Regard for others including ancestors and future generations, respect for our natural world and the celebration of life, country and our connection to others.

It is a truly momentous and important book to share with your Smalls, from the youngest right up through to your older students. I would be encouraging them to not only paint their own Thank You circles but to also articulate the significance of each aspect of their artwork. Enjoy some sneak peeks at the book in the gallery, along with The Kid’s own circle painting she did when she was just a jarjum herself, in a workshop we did with our friend Wendy Rix. Highly recommended for all primary school kiddos plus higher up, particularly those interested in art techniques with a 5 🎨🎨🎨🎨🎨.