Just So Stories

Two delightful little board books for your Smallest of Smalls from Fremantle Press today. SO cute!!!

Kep Barna: Water Creatures [#2 Noongar First Words series} – Jayden Boundry/Tyrown Waigana

February 2026

ISBN: 9781760995591

RRP: AU$16.99/NZ$21.00/US$12.95

Once again your Smalls can learn some new words in Noongar accompanied by their English counterparts, this time of a variety of our aquatic animals. Some lovely examples such as kooboolong the motorbike frog [synchronicity that I had only just read about this frog elsewhere], biya-beda-mokiny the octopus, boodalang the pelican, maali the black swan and maamoong the whale to name a few, all accompanied once again by Tyrown’s gorgeous illos.

Jayden is a Wadjak Balardong Noongar and Badimaya Yamatji teacher and cultural consultant so this is an early start to language, both traditional and English, that is grounded in knowledge and expertise. The QR code in the back links to an online pronunciation guide, which I know is something that many educators fret about – they are nervous about making mistakes (not just about pronunciation, but also inclusion of First Nations material/teaching). I also particularly Tyrown’s cartoon renditions of both himself and Jayden 🧔🏾.

I LoveThe earlier title was Land Animals and this one obviously makes for a great companion title. Once again this is a delightful little book for a tiny person in your life, whether they are First Nations or not and it’s a moorditj (pronounced moor-ditch, meaning wonderful or excellent) 5 🐋🦆🦈🐙🐸 rating from me.

I Love Me – Sally Morgan & Ambelin Kwaymullina

January 2026

ISBN: 9781760996277

RRP: $19.99

Look at the riotously colourful and joyful colours in this little beauty! This is an ideal little book to encourage your Smallest to brim over with self-confidence.

In just the same way as the Stronger Smarter initiative empowers children to be confident, strong and proud give them the headstart right from babyhood with two of Australia’s most respected First Nations creators – mother and daughter team, Sally Morgan and Ambelin Kwaymullina – who are both so wonderfully talented.

Using the 3 Rs that work so well with Smallest of Smalls – Rhythm, Rhyme and Repetition – this is a text that will literally have the kiddos bouncing, chanting and clapping along with it.

I love me happy.

I love me sad.

I love me small and quiet and large and loud.

And I love, love, love me when I’m proud.

Put this one on your list for your EEC or for little ones in your circle. It’s definitely a bouncy and happy 5 ❤️💜💙💚💛rating for babies upwards to 3ish.