Just So Stories

Hachette Australia

SEP 26, 2023 | 9781444973501 | RRP $22.99

IMPRINT: Hodder Children’s Books

I’ve absolutely adored Cressida Cowell’s previous series – along with millions of others – but this newest one is just so crackerjack that I really think it is my favourite so far.

This is the second instalment in this firecracker fantasy/adventure which centres on the O’Hero-Smith family, a blended family navigating their way into ‘step-‘ relationships, as they discover their magical lineage (which was known to some but not to others), attempt to find a lost father and, basically, save the Universe.

All of this with the begrudging help of narrator and side-along protagonist Horizabel,the Grimm, Starcrosser par excellence, who is pretty ticked off at the opening of the new narrative because Izzabird O’Hero-Smith has STOLEN her precious Silver Starwalker.

Not only has Izzabird taken the marvellous means of intergalactic transportation but it had a strange egg attached to it which has hatched and is beginning to create problems.

As if this isn’t enough, the magical aunts have been secretly providing refuge to Magical Creatures in the attic, arousing the suspicions of the Supernatural Intelligence Agency headed up by one Mr Spinks, who is looking forward to making headlines with his uncovering of a magical plot beyond belief.

K2 O’Hero-Smith has promised not to use his gift of Alternative Atlas creation and the children have all sworn to abide by not using the Which Ways but… well, the little Bug that hatched out is not well at all and it really needs to be returned to its own world. And, besides, they all really want to try out the Silver Starwalker.

As you might imagine, all chaos is going to break loose – especially, with arch-villain Vorcxix, vicious and ruthless double-dealing traitor to the Universal Government, building his own immense robot army, and determined to capture little Annipeck O’Hero-Smith and much, much more.

Once again, Cressida takes her readers on the wildest ride imaginable, not on the back of a dragon, but on a super intergalactic skateboard, into worlds filled with the worst evildoers, the most heinous and dangerous beasts, robots who make Transformers look like CareBears and puffed-up bureaucrats with over-weening vanity – oh and then there’s teeny-weeny Everest O’Hero-Smith, trying to weasel his way out of all the pickles into which he has landed himself.

All in all, it is another glorious romp through the galaxy and worlds of extraordinary beauty, and unbelievable horror. As always, the illustrations are just a treasure in themselves and will warrant as much attention as the text.

I loved it and chomped it up in just a couple of nights, and I’m already eagerly anticipating the next instalment of Which Way. Highly recommended for your readers from around 9 or 10 years upwards.