Just So Stories

Thames & Hudson Australia Pty Ltd

 3rd June 2025

ISBN: 9781760764920

ISBN-10: 1760764922

RRP: $26.00

As you might expect, if you are familiar with our story, grief after the loss of her mother was an enormous obstacle for The Kid and I both ten years ago. At least I had, at my fingertips, a range of titles that I could share with her as we talked through our feelings and sadness. In my bibliotherapy presentation I have said:

I went into my first library in 1997 ………….. and my first professional experience with bibliotherapy was to find a book that might help a child who had lost a much loved family member. I have no doubt you can all relate to this scenario. In those days without the internet it was a question of searching by other means but I did come across these two titles and all these years later would still use them without
hesitation.

And indeed I did so, when it came to our own most tragic loss. But over the 25+ years of librarianship I have acquired more titles to have at hand for times such as these, when a class teacher or guidance officer or school psychologist might be in need of one. This one is a stand out title to add to that list. German-born illustrator, Michael Streich, now lives in the glorious Blue Mountains. His work is both simple and complex at the same time. Just take a look at some of his more adult – and topical – illustrations.

When a small boy discovers his much loved bird has died during the night, his sense of loss is profound, as one might imagine. After the bird’s burial, he begins to wonder what happens after death and gets varying opinions from his family members.

But all of these, despite their contrasts, help him to process the loss of his pet and, gradually, come to terms with it, little by little. I can completely relate to his ‘I learned to carry the sadness…..Some days it was heavy. And some days it was almost gone‘. Ten years later after losing my girl, it is exactly the same for me.

It’s a beautiful book with exactly the right balance of sadness, poignancy and hope. That last image of the colourful memories flying overhead is magical. After all, for all of us it’s those that sustain us in our bereavements.

Last time we spoke on this topic, The Kid commented she doesn’t believe in Heaven [that could well have been the negative impact of the Catholic school]. As a Buddhist, I would have once said neither do I, but now – not the winged angels, white robes, halos and harps sort – but somehow I know I will see my girl again one day. The alternative is unbearable.

In the meantime, The Kid and I watch our colourful memories fly around us pretty much on a daily basis. As adults, we’ve all lost someone, but even a great number of your kiddos will have also, whether family member, friend, or pet, and this book will gently encourage them to share their own memories and feelings, and in doing so, feel supported.

I couldn’t love this book more. Without a doubt it’s a 5 🐦🐦🐦🐦🐦 rating for readers from Prep upwards.