Just So Stories

Walker Books Australia

May 2026

ISBN13:9781529520682

Australia RRP:$27.99

New Zealand RRP:$29.99

Anna’s books are always a symphony – the most recent I had seen was the beautiful Between last year – but a mere glimpse of the internals of this new one will re-affirm that notion.

And this winsome, evocative and almost wordless new title not only reiterates Anna’s skills in this genre but is a perfect book to pair with the recent The Night Tiger from Sherryl Clark, because finding the dark daunting, and the struggle to best those feelings overwhelming is so very common.

While one small girl gathers up her toys and drawings and wards off creeping shadows with her night light, in a parallel dimension a careful turtle is the Dream Keeper, who mixes up a dream to deliver it to someone who needs its comfort and courage, come what may.

No storm, no shadows will deter the turtle and even when his dream lantern dulls, his friends come to his aid and on with the journey he goes. The light of that special dream is delivered to exactly the right child at exactly the right moment.

Rightly described as ‘luminous and emotive’ this is not only a book for young readers, many of whom will make connections with its theme but is also a superb example in visual literacy for older students and for – techniques for your art students – just look at the interplay between light and shadow! Exquisite! And what a wonderful springboard into rich discussions about our emotions, fears and worries and how even seemingly small amounts of courage can help us overcome these.

Many of your kiddos will greatly benefit from this one, no matter what their own personal concern might be. Quite obviously a dreamy 5 💭💤🛌😴🤔rating for this slice of gentle glimmers.