Just So Stories

Hachette Australia

Imprint: Lothian Children’s Books

Mar 26, 2025 | 9780734421791 | RRP $24.99

I believe many of you will have experienced or know children with mixed cultural heritage, just as I have. Not just as an educator of many years, nor even the fact that I taught at many schools with vibrantly diverse communities. Even growing up in Sydney way back when, while we had loads of immigrant families, we also had many who were families with parents from two different cultures or countries.

And it is always so lovely to encourage those kiddos from such backgrounds to share their differences and explore their cultures, and share within their group. Our Mother Tongue days and culture expos were always a highlight of my PYP schools in particular.

This gentle and very beautiful picture book provides an introduction to such conversations, as this little person compares her two grandmothers. While the one from the East is of the Dragon, and is a fierce warrior and maker of delicious dumplings, the one from the West is a graceful and artistic healer who bakes bread. Despite their differences, both love, teach, protect, give and hug in equal measure.

With stunning illustrations from Freda Chiu that are both fluid and strong simultaneously [and oh yes, those endpapers!!], this is a terrifically good debut picture book from Jacinta Liu, who has taken her inspiration from her own family background, and the strong women who have shaped her life.

There are many books spanning especially MG to YA, that explore the dilemma of identity and straddling two cultures, and not so many for younger readers, so it is very pleasing to see this one which will encourage Smalls to celebrate their duality.

Of course, I could mention Harmony Day, and certainly many schools will make sure that is one very inclusive and happy event, but it’s my belief we should take every opportunity we can to celebrate our diversity in Australia [lest we should end up like the horror unfolding overseas].

I would suggest that this is eminently appropriate from children as young as Prep and I would certainly share it, particularly to stimulate conversations, with older kiddos. I’m giving it a 5 🐉🦢🐉🦢💗. Watch out for the Q&A coming up soonish with Jacinta Liu.

🌎