Just So Stories

Random Reviews and Ramblings from Redcliffe

  • Our Flag, Our Story: The Torres Strait Island Flag – Bernard Namok Jnr/Thomas Mayo. Illustrated by Tori-Jay Mordey.

    Magabala Books May 2024 ISBN: 9781922613509 RRP: AUD$27.99, NZD$32.99 A few of my mob had commented earlier this year that we needed more First Nations titles about the Torres Strait Islands, and the Ancestors must have heard us because it was shortly afterward that this new title was announced. I was fortunate to create the…

  • Q&A with Carl Merrison

    Gaywambana! to Just So Stories Carl – I’m delighted to have you pop in for a visit. This blog has always been a proud supporter of First Nations creators given our own mob connections. Let’s just jump right on in. I always like to start at the beginning – makes more sense really don’t you…

  • Aboriginal String Games

    Did you play these as a child? My girls did and back then I had no idea they were an Aboriginal activity as well. I learned that later but have shared both the information and the how-to with kiddos in libraries for years. Learn how to play string games Many Aboriginal groups traditionally made patterns…

  • Just Like You/Bitjan Nhankuna Nhe – Natashia Curtin

    Walker Books Australia August 2024 ISBN13:9781760658069 Australia RRP:$25.99 New Zealand RRP:$27.99 I absolutely love this 💚 and, though it’s not due for release for another couple of weeks, it is perfect to share during this week of NAIDOC specials. Natashia Curtin grew up in Arnhem Land, Northern Territory, in a Yolngu community called Ramingining. As…

  • Circles of Life – Gregg Dreise

    Penguin Australia March 2024 Alphabet Song / Rap – Aboriginal Style by Gregg Dreise – YouTube Together Forever By Gregg Dreise (featuring Ed Owen-Jones) Stop Motion Lollies & Pens Animation. – YouTube My Culture and Me by Gregg Dreise – YouTube Kookoo Kookaburra Song Gregg Dreise – YouTube I Open the Door Promo ILF –…

  • Aunty Kim @ Lithgow Primary School

    Yes, this is my middle daughter revolutionising inclusive education at Lithgow Primary School – ❤️💛🖤 And here is the activity booklet she put together for her jarjums – free for you to use with yours.

  • Three Dresses – Wanda Gibson

    UQP April 2024 ISBN: 9780702266355 RRP: $26.99 As soon as I saw this book, I wanted to review it as I knew it would be both beautiful and poignant. I’ve not been to Hopevale or Woorabinda, only as far as Cairns, but I know people who have both been and worked there. I have though,…

  • Doubles Disaster: Ash Barty Tennis Camp Diaries #1 – Ash Barty, Jasmin McGaughey. Illustrated by Jade Goodwin.

    Harper Collins Australia July 2024 Your junior readers who have been gobbling up the Little Ash series are going to go nuts when they see this and realise that a whole new series, another step up the reading ladder, is happening! Ash is very excited that she’s been chosen to go to her first tennis…

  • Yirrkala Bark Petitions

    The Yirrkala Bark Petitions are a series of petitions from the Yolngu people to the Commonwealth government. They are seen as the first documents that joined Indigenous Lore with Commonwealth Law as the petitions are the first traditional documents to have been recognised by the Commonwealth Parliament. The Yolngu people are the people of Yirrkala…

  • NAIDOC 2024 Keep the Fire Burning! Blak, Loud and Proud!

    Gaywambana! Welcome to 2024 NAIDOC @ Just So Stories. As well as this curation of resources, a week of reviews of new First Nations titles and Q&As is ahead. Do make sure to check what’s happening in your local area. The Kid and I are all set to go to her local ATSICHS clinic’s special…