Just So Stories

Walker Books Australia

June 2025

ISBN13:9781760657444

Australia RRP:$26.99

New Zealand RRP:$28.99

Dee White is one of the most skilled creators I know – and, happily, I can call her my friend as well. Her talent, which ranges across dramatic middle grade novels to humorous narrative non-fiction, instructional primers for teachers and parents, magazine articles and readers right through to YA, is always inspirational.

In this jewel of a book, she introduces young readers not only to one of Australia’s most iconic artists, but to the little-known story behind one of his most famous paintings.

I would say that, pretty much, it’s un-Australian not to recognise the name Tom Roberts and to know at least one of his paintings. The Englishman who was probably the first to recognise the quality of light and colour, and the uniqueness of the Australian landscape went on to become one of the foremost of the Heidelberg School, alongside such other greats as Arthur Streeton and Frederick McCubbin. While it took some time for his career, and name, to gain traction, today there would be very few who would not recognise either name or one of his works.

Shearing the Rams was painted in 1890, and captures the very essence of the outback shearing sheds of the period – a place where no woman or girl was to be seen! Yet, when Roberts visited the Bourne family at Corowa, sketching ideas of landscape, dust, light, and figures it was young Susie Bourne who most captured his imagination, and became the face of the tarboy in the famous painting.

Dee skilfully manages to convey all of this background information in an engaging narrative which is accompanied by the most beautiful illustrations, echoing that en plein air style that Roberts and his compadres made famous. All kudos to Sarah Anthony for these which are a perfect match for the text.

Having seen the original in the NGV and being awed by the incredible life and detail exuding from it, it is fascinating to learn this piece of backstory about its creation, I have to say. You can expect to see this on awards lists in the coming year for both reasons.

I think that many children will be fascinated by this story as well. The reflection that someone shy and quiet, a girl in a time when females were not encouraged to be outspoken or forward, could be immortalised in such a way is, in itself, an incredible thought. Definitely, it foreshadowed the imminent changes in social structure that were already on their way at that time.

While it is certainly pitched at your younger readers, there is no doubt in my mind [and after endless collation of material for senior art students over the years] that it would also make for a lovely interlude to share with your upper school artists. Released today, it is my distinct pleasure to review it now and very enthusiastically give it a 5 🎨🖼️🎨🖌️🎨 rating for readers from around year 2 upwards.

Following a very successful launch of the book at the Corowa Museum, author Dee White was also able to pay her respects to Susie in a very special and meaningful visit to the Corowa cemetery.