Just So Stories

Publisher: Magabala Books

Distributor: Hachette

Oct 14, 2025 | 9781922777775 | RRP $27.99

For many of our kiddos, the very idea of going far away from home to go to school is a strange concept. But then, so is a journey by dug-out canoe taking months to say goodbye to family and friends, before going to the big smoke for school.

How special for that dug-out canoe to be made by one’s grandfather, a master traditional canoe maker of his people and Country. Author Maree’s grandfather was that canoe maker and by telling the stories of him, and his daughters – her mum and aunties – she keeps the family history alive.

The story is simple enough as the narrator tells of their epic canoe journey but it is also moving, with a refrain that will speak to children of the connection First Nations peoples have to Country. And, the illustrations! Just divine! just look at that glorious cover art and it has sensational endpapers to boot!

There is a lovely rhythm to this narrative, which you will discover yourself when your first read it aloud, that is beautifully matched to the idea of that long canoe journey. I know it makes me long to be out on the water again, watching the waves and creatures and landscapes slip by.

A lovely book to start off your summer term and back-to-school, which could kickstart some discussions about why kiddos in remote areas need to leave to go to school, what that would be like, how it would make one feel and what advantages, differences and challenges there would be.

This book made for a wonderful springboard for me as well. With #2 heading into a teaching degree, I was deep-diving into short vids showcasing teaching in remote communities and what that offers teachers, but also how it empowers the students.

There are still many places where the kids do still need or want to go to big cities for higher education but, interestingly, with the emphasis growing on teaching jarjums on Country and with traditional learning, Elders and community involved the numbers of students staying at home is growing.

I wholeheartedly give this one a big 5 🛶🛶🛶🛶🛶rating for readers from Prep upwards.