Just So Stories

Scholastic Australia

July 2025

• ISBN : 9781761524639
• Imprint : Scholastic Press
• RRP: $19.99

This second title from Gregg Dreise for this year’s NAIDOC showcase, is essentially a complete departure from his usual style both textually and artistically. While it is still easy to recognise his deft hand, this is no updated Dreaming story with lots of very discernible First Nations art iconography.

This is a beautiful different bedtime story with a warming look at the loving relationship between a little girl and her Dad. When the child can’t think what the best part of her day is, she is asked about her wishes for when she’s grown up. As she articulates them, she realises that the best part of the day is her father arriving home. AAll the things she wants to do and be when grown, are exactly what her Dad does with her when he gets home. That in itself is a sweet look at children wanting to emulate the positives of their parent.

What I particularly love about this one is that Dad does look Aboriginal while the child is much fairer and has blonde hair. This a lovely reiteration of the theme from the first reviewed book for this NAIDOC week, Nan, Why Don’t I Look Like You? .

This makes it not only a terrific book for young First Nations jarjums who are not as dark-skinned as others in their family to see themselves reflected, but also paves the way for a discussion with your non-Indigenous kiddos about this fact and they ‘why’ behind those differences. Gregg’s work is always a big hit with me and this one is no different.

It’s early but it won’t be long before Fathers Day rolls around so it would also be a good one to keep in mind for then. It gets a 5 ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️ rating from me for Smalls from toddlers upwards.