Just So Stories

Random Reviews and Ramblings from Redcliffe

  • My Country – Sally Morgan and Ezekiel Kwaymullina

    Fremantle Press January 2026 ISBN: 9781760996260 $19.99 GST This great favourite of many which has been in its original format and a board book, is now in a sweet-sized smaller hardback edition, just perfect for little hands who are beginning to enjoy their books. This is exactly the right size for toddlers especially to hold, turn the…

  • Beach Buddies – Helen Milroy

    A First Nations picture book of Australian sea creatures Fremantle Press June 2026 ISBN: 9781760997052 RRP: AU$19.99/NZ$24.00/US$14.95 Pre-order now from your usual suppliers This is just the cutest introduction to marine animals ever – and your little readers will love it. Who could resist that puffed-up blowfish on the cover for a start? As I am…

  • For Little Jarjums

    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…

  • Going for Pippies – Wilaaran Laurie. Illustrated by Tori-Jay Mordey.

    Publisher: Magabala Books Distributor: Hachette Australia Sep 2025 | 9781922864147 | RRP $27.99 And last, but not least, in this round of beautiful First Nations titles is yet again a family story, including grandparent, by the sea although wayyyyy over this side of the country, in northern NSW. This family is having a mob day out to collect and…

  • Going Fishing with Nana – Frances and Lindsay Haji-Ali. Karen Briggs.

    Publisher: Magabala Books Distributor: Hachette Oct 14, 2025 | 9781922864048 | RRP $27.99 We’re staying with the sea, long trips and grandparents for this one with the setting switched to the far north of the Kimberley region, and a little place called Wyndham. When the authors lived in Broome, there were regular visits to Wyndham with their children, to…

  • giwang: Weather & Wildlife on Wiradjuri Country – Belinda Bridge. Illustrated by Peta-Joy Williams.

    New South Books Publisher: Aboriginal Studies Press November 2025 9781922752031 AUD $24.95, NZD $29.99 I acknowledge the Gubbi Gubbi, the traditional custodians of the land on which I live and write, and pay my respects to elders past and present – Redcliffe, Australia. I also acknowledge and pay my respects to all the First Nations…

  • 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…

  • 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…

  • 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…

  • 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…