Just So Stories

Random Reviews and Ramblings from Redcliffe

  • Q&A Alison Page and Dr Paul Memmott

    Welcome to Just So Stories, Alison and Paul, and thank you for sharing some time with my blog readers. Congratulations on the new book, Design and Building on Country! I know the series began with Songlines, which I have not yet seen personally, though it looks terrific and is on my list. How did your…

  • Afloat – Kirli Saunders/Freya Blackwood

    Hardie Grant October 2024 Imprint: Hardie Grant Children’s Publishing/Little Hare ISBN:9781760505899 Price:AU$24.99, NZ$27.99Page When two award-winning creators join forces we can expect astonishing results, and here is the proof of that. Roam the water with me. We are here to learn.Here to spin wisdom, to grow … Gunai woman, Kirli Saunders, uses the traditional practice…

  • Design & Building on Country – Alison Page & Paul Memmott. Illustrations by Blak Douglas.

    Thames & Hudson September 2024 ISBN: 9781760763565 RRPP: $26.99 Back when I was teaching in my PYP school in Canberra, over ten years ago now, my Year 4s were doing a unit of inquiry focused on Technology and, of course, I was to partner their unit in the library. To me it was an obvious choice…

  • Stand Proud – Nicho Hynes with Marlee Silva. Illustrated by Blak Douglas.

    Penguin Australia October 2024 So as someone said recently ‘I know you’re an NRL girl…’. Yes I am, I grew up in Hurstville and went to St George Girls High School and I’ve been a Dragons supporter since I first went to a footy game, aged around 7. But you know, it’s right next door…

  • Yarn Quest series – Brooke Scobie. Illustrated by Jade Goodwin

    Penguin July 2024 RRP: $12.99 Yarn Quest 1: The Search for the Story Realm ISBN: 9781761345227 So This is an exciting new series that has evolved from a highly-successful First Nations led children’s podcast, incorporating stories written by the Awesome Black team. Author Brooke Scobie is, herself, a queer, auDHD, First Nations author, and this has…

  • Days of Warmth – Gregg Dreise

    Penguin Australia August 2024 Anything from Gregg is always a guaranteed delight and this new board book is just the sweetest thing, full of warmth and comfort. It is both a tender story of family love and security, and an introduction to learning the days of the week, names for family members and various emotions.…

  • 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…