Just So Stories

Hachette Australia

Aug 2024 | 9780734423085 | RRP $19.99

Imprint: Lothian Children’s Books

One thing we educators endeavour to instil in our Smalls is that, despite differences – whether race, colour, creed, culture etc – we all have commonalities. And for those little ones it is simple things that underline this concept. We all smile. We all play. We all eat, drink and sleep and so on. And the idea of other things we share – the sky, the sun, the moon and stars – are examples that children can easily grasp as being the same where ever you might be.

So while we might not all regard the Christmas Star/Star of Bethlehem in a religious sense, we can certainly talk to the point that all peoples around the world have stories and beliefs about stars. If you want to read more about the theories about the Christmas star try here or here (which could easily springboard to a fascinating unit of inquiry for older kiddos).

Certainly, this is a prime opportunity to talk about the significance of stars and light in other cultures and celebrations.

This book is very clearly set in Australia. One look at the charming illustrations will inform readers of that, and they will be happy to point out the clues as to different settings e.g. farm or city and different families with different compositions, cultures and abilities as well as exploring the different ways in which people celebrate.

The text is a pretty simple rhyming one from the PoV of the star which is quite a cute idea. There are teaching notes with quite a lot of the general ideas and I would think that perhaps a day to share the book and do some of the fun activities especially craft ideas would be a soothing way to spend some of the last days of 4th term. I’m giving it a 3 🎄🎄🎄 for kiddos from Prep to Year 3.