Just So Stories

Marg Gibbs

October 2024

ISBN 978 0 6451309 8 0 (pbk)

RRP: $28.00

Bookish local and writer, Marg Gibbs [I say local because Mapleton is close enough for us to regard as part of our piece of SE Qld] has called upon family and friends to put together an anthology that reflects not only the Gibbs’ family festivities but also a very Australian slant on Xmas.

A poem in which a goanna wreaks havoc with breakfast eggs is one example and one about cherries is another [is it really Xmas without cherries? I think not!]. Down Under expresses much that will resonate with other Aussie families including dive bombing into a pool, a surfboard present along with bright green crocodile shorts. I found the reference to cheddar cheese particularly amusing!

The artwork has been contributed by a couple of creator friends as well as the assortment of grandchildren. If you’re looking for something just a little different to share with the kiddos, then why not try out some home-grown poetry and have them write some themselves? I’d suggest for kiddos from around year 3 upwards and it’s a 🎄🎄🎄 rating. You can purchase a copy here.

Grandma decorates the tables
With bonbons of red and gold
Victoria cuts watermelon
In chunky pieces, bold.

Rachael slices cheddar cheese
Tim drinks a beer
Pop and Grandad Bob
Toast a Christmas cheer

[Excerpt from Down Under]