Magabala Books
Hachette
April 2025 | 9781922777751 | RRP $27.99
Have you ever seen a Gregg Dreise book less than spectacular? Yeah, nor me – and this one is another must-have resource for your collection.
Gregg’s take on creating new and vibrant narratives based on old Dreaming tales is always both impressive and a fun learning journey for Smalls. I shared this one with Preps just before the holidays. They loved it and also had lots to offer about inclusiveness and being different. They completely ‘got it’ which I think says a lot. If even our youngest kiddos can understand the meaning behind, it will definitely be a success with older ones. This also has teaching notes to support that.
It takes the creation stories of the Murray Cod, Yellowbelly Carp (aka Golden Perch) and the Murray-Darling basin – that vitally important aspect of our geography – and puts them into words that explore the concept of not just accepting differences but celebrating them. It also encourages readers to take mistakes as a point of learning and moving forward to better outcomes.
The Goodoo and Thuggai peoples looked very different to the Murri people. And they were not just different physically but also in their natures and behaviours. The Murri did not like them. In fact, they feared them because they were so different – and yet, they were essentially peaceful and harmless people.
Actions and attitudes started to boil over into fighting. It came to a point where tClever Man,Biamme, along with the wise Ancestral Beings had to step in to stop the hate, and to teach them all that differences make up our world and all are part of the Dreaming.
Another wonderful and meaningful story to share with your kiddos from the Smallest right up to Year 6. I believe there is are depths to explore around those themes of differences which will be aided by the supporting notes.
Another fabulous title from Gregg. I, and many friends, have had the pleasure of Gregg visiting our schools and have witnessed the warmth, talent and generosity of this wonderful human. Make a point of not only ensuring you hae all his titles but also look towards a school visit- you definitely won’t regret it. For now this gets a 5 fishy 🐟🐟🐟🐟🐟 rating.
Just So Stories 
Leave a comment