Just So Stories

Hachette Australia

Imprint: Lothian Children’s Books

Mar 31, 2026 | 9780734423399 | RRP $24.99

Next in this fantastic series tracing the history of a significant landmark comes this absolutely fabulous book. It is every bit as engaging, informative and stylishly composed as Tubowgule…and moves from Sydney to Melbourne. Once again creators Melissa and Dylan have combined their talents into a stunning book, and as always, the Hachette finishing touches make this a stand-out.

Even non-Melbournites like myself, know Flinders St Station, not just from books and general knowledge but from being there and admiring its grace and presence. But, like most others I’ll guarantee, my knowledge of the traditional owners of that land was minimal, although admittedly perhaps Victorians may know more about their own state history (though very likely not the First Nations precedents).

That part of this history, in which the Kulin nation is robbed of its land after the first pretence at a treaty, I found very disturbing though, frankly, not surprising knowing the colonial attitudes and duplicity as we now do. It didn’t take long at all for the Kulin nation to be pushed right out of their own Country and the colonial takeover moved from occupancy to fish market to the country’s first train line and eventually the Flinder St Station we know today.

The timeline in the back pages outlines some significant points in the Kulin nation’s struggle after colonisation and it is at least gratifying to know that the now empty ballroom space atop the station has become a place for culture, art and community events and exhibitions.

I’m planning to take The Kid to Melbourne on a trip and this will certainly be one of the many places we will visit. We’ll meet you under the clocks!

This is a magnificent addition to your collection from the HASS point of view as well as the Cross-Cultural Perspectives and embedding First Nations culture and history into your daily teaching and learning. It’s a mighty 5 🪃🪃🪃🪃🪃rating for this and I am really looking forward to more in this series.