Just So Stories

Random Reviews and Ramblings from Redcliffe

First Knowledges Ceremony: All Our Yesterdays for Today – Wesley Enoch. Georgia Curran.

Thames & Hudson August 20265ISBN: 9781760764074 RRP: $26.99 What is ceremony for many of us is not the same as Ceremony for our First Nations people. And while there are plenty of us who understand the purpose and meaning of some of these ceremonies, there are still just as many who are not only ignorant…

December 10, 2025
Dreaming: Welcome to our Country- Adam Goodes/Ellie Laing. Illustrated by David Hardy.

Allen & Unwin September 2025 ISBN:9781761065095 Publisher:A&U Children’s Imprint:A & U Children To be honest, I know this series doesn’t need any talking up. The previous books and the enthusiasm with which they’ve been received speaks for them far more eloquently than I can. But just in case you’ve been incommunicado for some time, let…

November 27, 2025
Picture Book Month Bonus: Howzat Pat! #3 & #4 – Pat Cummins & Dave Hartley and Serena Geddes.

HOWZAT indeed!!!!! With splendiferous timing after yesterday’s absolutely spectacular knock by Travis Head, it’s lucky I’ve just read the next two in this cracking series. I was delighted to write the supporting resources for the first two and loved the whole vibe of this series, and these continue in that same vein. With less than…

November 23, 2025
My Dream Holiday – Ash Barty. Jasmin McGaughey. Jade Goodwin.

Harper Collins Australia You may or may not have heard the current furore instigated by The Society of Authors UK over ‘celebrity-authored’ books and that’s hardly surprising. I have seen many books that I know very well have not been written by the person named as author, with there is nary a mention of the…

November 9, 2025
My Story, Our Country: a First Nations Family History – Ryhia Dank

Harper Collins Australia October 2025 When I read this, I immediately sent a text to a dear friend, a committed First Nations ally who always strives to teach her class with solid embedded cultural perspectives, that if she only buys one new book to explain Aboriginality, this is the one. I was so impressed with…

November 9, 2025
How Big is Love? – Carl Merrison and Hakea Hustler. Illustrated by Jade Goodwin.

Hachette Australia Imprint: Lothian Children’s Books Aug 26, 2025 | 9780734420176 | RRP $24.99 Three of my favourite First Nations creators have produced this gorgeous picture book which would make a beautiful gift for a small person in your family or friendship circle especially. Of course, it would also be eminently suited to an EC setting or home. Small…

November 2, 2025
Animals on Country: Let’s look after the animals with Uncle Kuu – Victor Steffensen. Illustrated by Sandra Steffensen.

Allen & Unwin September 2025 ISBN:9781761181566 Publisher:A&U Children’s Imprint:A & U Children RRP: $24.99 Teaching notes available The continuing upswell in First Nations titles is so pleasing and, let’s face it, not before time. As a minority fringe continues to attempt to cause as much division as it can, and certainly global ugliness is on…

November 1, 2025
Krstel Kicks to Win: Kimberley Kickers #2 – Carl Merrison & Hakea Hustler. Illustrated by Samantha Campbell

Harper Collins Australia July 2025 Last year I had the pleasure of not just reviewing the first in this series – Jy Goes for Gold – but also writing teaching notes for it. Back then I predicted that this would prove a real winner with the kiddos and that’s true enough. Don’t think for one…

October 15, 2025
Indigenous Literacy Day

It gives me such enormous pleasure to be able to showcase four new books from ILF to celebrate Indigenous Literacy Day – and if you’ve missed it on your calendar, don’t despair! Just schedule your own event when you can – I know only too well how hard it can be fitting everything into our…

September 3, 2025
Goodnight Daddy – Gregg Dreise

Scholastic Australia July 2025 This second title from Gregg Dreise for this year’s NAIDOC showcase, is essentially a complete departure from his usual style both textually and artistically. While it is still easy to recognise his deft hand, this is no updated Dreaming story with lots of very discernible First Nations art iconography. This is…

July 12, 2025