Just So Stories

SCHOLASTIC AUSTRALIA

March 2026

ISBN: 9781761725302

ISBN-10: 1761725300

Hard to believe it’s 13 years since this lovely book was first published and this is a welcome new edition to replace your original, particularly with this updated and very striking cover [love the touch of gold and the hardcover has the most delightful feel to it, almost like silk].

Honestly, those of us who have been in the library for aeons know this book well and it will often be one of the first we pull out for our short-term loan shelf so that all our staff can get a crack at sharing it, particularly for the Smalls. In its utter simplicity it is both poignant and subtle with it’s two perspectives of the Great War.

Through the child’s eyes, her helping her mother to make ANZAC biscuits to send off to her father, is a tangible expression of their love for him and their faith that he will be safe. Through the father’s eyes, children can begin to understand the danger and hardships of those brave Aussies in the arena of war.

Phil Cummings worked magic with this one. It is deceptively minimalist in its text, as the scene at home in the kitchen echoes in some way the scene on the battlefield creating a connection between soldier and his family. The beautifully elegant illustrations from Owen Swan with their palette of sepia tonings for at home, conjure up the photographs of yesteryear, while the monochromatic style for the father’s warzone emphasises the dark days of those facing the terrible dangers of the First World War.

While neither text nor images attempts to hide the realities of war, it is not so graphic as to cause upset to the children but rather allows them to absorb the sadness and fear that both parties would experience in this situation. It is perfect for your Preps to around Year 3 – though, in saying that, I would easily use it with older readers as well, because of its easy entrée into meaningful and reflective conversations. Quite obviously, this is a 5 🪖🪖🪖🪖🪖rating for readers from Smalls upwards.

Twinkl activities

Some inexpensive teaching ideas here

TPT numerous files

From the lovely Dianne Wolfer ANZAC Activities for educators

Why not finish off your reading with making a batch – here’s Jackie French’s recipe, inherited from her grandmother.

Oldest known recipe for Anzac Biscuits, 1916

My grandmother Thelma Edwards née Shelfon makes excellent bikkies. Grandma made these in World War One to send them to soldiers overseas – they last for months. They were also sold to raise money for the soldiers ‘comforts’ like soap and pencils. She was still making Anzac biscuits until two years before she died.

Melt together:

Quarter of a lb (115 g) butter

1 tbsp golden syrup

2 tbsp boiling water

Add:

2 cups rolled oats

Half cup sugar

Half cup flour

1 small cup coconut

1 small teaspoon baking powder

Mix together and add melted ingredients, let stand for 30 minutes, place in small teaspoons on a greased slide, roll into small blobs, then press flat

Bake in a slow oven, about 150° C till golden brown, not too dark. (About 20 minutes)

Remove from the oven. Leave on slide till cool and crisp.

Not only are they historical, but they are also very moreish. #anzacday#anzacbiscuits#oldestrecipeforanzacbiscuits

***EDIT*** for best results, leave mixture overnight so that the oats absorb the butter. Also the mix keeps for a month in the fridge, or 6 months in the freezer, so I make it x 4 and keep it in a sealed container to bake fresh each week