Just So Stories

Hachette

January 2025

Imprint: Lothian Books

Jan 29, 2025 | 9780734423061 | RRP $24.99

The travesty over on the other side of the world has filled so many of us with utter disbelief, shock, horror and very real trepidation, because we know that we have certain elements who think in exactly the same way, have the same agenda and are determined to lie their way into positions of power. Here in Queensland, there has already been a despicable move in this direction, with the pause to prevent new trans patients under the age of 18 from accessing hormone therapies in the state’s public health system.

I have many gender diverse friends, and, in fact, have always done so for my entire adult life. It has just been an acceptance, in the same way one person might have blues eyes, another has red hair – it’s just who they are. I also have quite a few friends with children, young adults, who are part of the LGBTQ community.

Had I been asked a few months ago, I would have said that Australia has come a long way in our acceptance and understanding of gender diversity and fluidity, but with the very obvious rise in acts of intolerance, hate speech and actions, and even those in power with a bigoted agenda, I have real concerns for the inclusivity which we, the majority, have embraced.

Poet and artist, Rae White, themself non-binary transgender, has created a gentle introduction for younger children to help them understand the differences and confusions that many children experience, when it comes to defining their gender.

Sometimes Jem wants to wear dresses, sometimes they want to wear old jeans, sometimes they feel like a girl and other times they feel like a boy. When their PE teacher says the world is black and white, and can’t be changed – the sky and sea are blue, the grass and trees are green, Jem knows that’s not so.

Jem sees the evening sky blazing pink and orange and the autumn trees full of golden and brown leaves. Luckily, Jem’s mum is a very wise and understanding mother. She lets Jem know that they can choose their own colours and be their own self. And she also reminds Jem, that no matter what, they are loved, just as they are.

It’s a powerful and pertinent message for the parlous times in which we live. Rae White has expressed it without undue drama or didacticism, and Summer Macon’s illustrations are joyful and as colourful as rainbows themselves.

Now more than ever, we MUST be guiding our youngsters to a place of acceptance and tolerance. I cannot underline that enough so I trust that this important book will find its place on your shelves, in your classrooms and libraries to be shared with your Smalls from around 5 years upwards. And thank you Hachette for my cutie rainbow pencil, eraser and colour-in sheet extras!!

I give it a 5 🌈🏳️‍🌈🌈🏳️‍🌈🌈 rating.

PS: I’m certainly glad our SLS family are a great example of being inclusive – no matter disability or gender or belief or cultures.