Just So Stories

Penguin Australia

October 2024

• ISBN: 9781761341786
• Imprint: Puffin
• $19.99

Christmas is coming and the excitement and the sparkle is building! Emma Memma and Elvin Melvin are ready to show little readers all the beautiful twinkling lights around their town. Once the sun goes down it’s time to twirl and dance their way from one set of lights to another, right throughout the neighbourhood.

They find their way to BB Butterfly’s tree which is filled with shining lights. They hop on the Butterfly bus and keep going seeing illuminated reindeer and Xmas trees and even a light-up snowman. All the way up the hill they go, passing the curious kangaroos as they do. They are going to see their good friend Waffles the Wombat who lives quite a long way out of town.

Emma Memma is surprised that Waffles has no strings of lights , in fact no elecric lights at all, but he soon explains that out in the nature park, the festive season is always sparkling, in the night sky.

Once again Emma Memma and Elvin Melvin share significant words in sign language and once again, there is a sweet message for Smalls. Sparkling electric lights are fun and yes, very beautiful, but there are other lights that don’t cost anything and are equally stunning. Christmas isn’t about the trappings, it’s about what’s in our hearts. I love the Emma Memma books and the way they encourage our Smalls to be authentic and empathic. I’m taking this one to share with a prep class this week and I think they will like it very much. I also think your own Small will be the same – whether as a class, for your collection or a gift. Share the joy and do some twirling! I give it a 🎄🎄🎄🎄 rating for kiddos from toddler upwards.

Edit: yes!! the Preppies loved the story and loved learning the signs – and were all keen to go home and teach their families!