Just So Stories

Allen & Unwin

April 2023

ISBN:9781761180057

Publisher:A&U Children’s

Imprint:A & U Children

RRP: $17.99

I’m so remorseful that I didn’t get to this one sooner (one of the books that was shunted into a box during the great house move) because it is just wonderful! I love this intro from the publisher…A fascinating tale filled with falsehoods, fortitude and friendship (and just the right number of green jellybabies. Who could possibly resist a lead-in like that?

The narrator introduces us to the world of Hallow (and proceeds throughout in the Epistolary-First Person mode), and provides not only the recount but much humour often of the sarcastic or dark kind, loved by many of us (not just me, I promise you!).

And in Hallow we meet, firstly, Flax the minch-wiggin (yes, you did read that correctly), followed by the Pup, a Spellhound, huge and black, and then Felicia – properly, Queen Felicia.

Hallow is a land of secrets, but so is the Floating Forest of which both Flax and the Pup are normally inhabitants. There is a lot to explore in this one, and I really try not to retell the story if possible, but I want to give you some idea about the plot. By virtue of having been passed the sword by her Grandfather (after many long generations of previous minch-wiggins), Flax is now the Destroyer-of-Dragons-and-Protector-of-her-People, albeit very reluctantly. Pup’s parents are under attack (by a dragon it would seem) and tell him he must RUN!! And then there’s Queen Felicia, who is a virtual prisoner, both physically and mentally, by her overbearing Aunt Delilah (gotta love the apt naming!). When these three collide in the grounds of the palace, Pup basically dragging Flax in pursuit of his dragon-napped parents, Flax trying to keep the Floating Forest safe, and Felicia just trying to get some peace and freedom, the fun fully unfolds.

It’s a non-stop action adventure, dodging the perils of an environment unfamiliar to all e.g. automobiles, not to mention Pup-nappers, and all the while edging closer to the danger of dragons. The surprise of not just a ancient heirloom sword, but a talking and transformative sword provides some of the funniest moments in a fantasy which is completely and utterly threaded with hilarity.

Our heroes are pretty inept in a sense, and reluctant comrades, but during the course of their quest, form a bond that is both unbreakable and unbeatable. It is the sort of fantasy in which children (and some of us adults) revel, being full of fun, a heinous villain, the wrongly accused and unjustly treated who are rescued and restored, wonderful new creatures, and the righteous triumph of a band of completely disparate parties coming together to overthrow evil.

I loved it on every level and your kiddos will as well. Lian’s beautiful language and witty humour, plus her ability to create just the right amount of tension and mystery, once again prevails. There are twists and turns to delight everyone at the most unexpected moments. And I have to add that Sally Soweol Han’s illustrations just add the right, subtle enhancement to the text. I absolutely adore this book, and repeat, am sorry it took me so long, but am very much looking forward to the next instalment. (How wonderful that this the start of a new series,which already looks set to be a firm favourite.) Also, I look forward to having my own resident minch-wiggin – just saying *grin*. Do check out Lian Tanner’s fab website and share with your readers.

Highest recommendation goes to this one for your readers from ten years upwards.