Just So Stories

Walker Books Australia

January 2024

ISBN13:9781913311278

Australia RRP:$17.99

New Zealand RRP:$19.99

Imprint: Knights of

The first Elle McNicoll book I read was A Kind of Spark which I enthusiastically reviewed back in November. I was super happy to get this one fall into my lap, so to speak, and gobbled it up just as quickly.

Once again, the author draws on her own experiences as neuro-divergent and imbues protagonist, Ramya, with similar attributes. Ramya’s dyspraxia is just one challenge she faces at school, and while she has skills and talents that exceed those of others in her cohort, many are unable to recognise her gifts.

But it’s not just this that makes Ramya different to other tweens. She can see the many fantastical creatures and beings that inhabit Edinburgh, along with its regular citizens. Her special abilities are revealed upon the death of her grandfather, a man she only just remembers after meeting him just once. It was, however, a memorable meeting and most particularly his warning to her, ‘Beware the Sirens.’

Ramya now inherits her grandfather’s life’s work: a book in which he has laboriously detailed, as accurately as possible, information about the ‘Hidden Folk‘ of the city. Kelpies, werewolves, vampires, witches, fae, trolls, mermaids, and most dangerously, sirens all abound, and it appears that it is up to Ramya to protect those who are no danger, and deal with those who are [I particularly love the vampire library assistant, and the Gruff pub located under a bridge, with a troll behind the bar!].

Finally getting to know her aunts and, especially, her cousin Marley is a big step forward for the tween and, gradually, she begins to recognise the strengths she brings to her grandfather’s task for her. In addition to this extended family, she begins to understand her mum a little more, and what it is that has made Cass so quick to anger, and the rejection of her father and others.

There are family secrets to unravel, and past hurts to heal, as well as the commitment to her grandfather’s mission. Ramya is bright, articulate and determined, with quick thinking and resourcefulness to her advantage, and her cousin, Marley, quieter, organised and cautious, makes a perfect foil for her quicksilver approach. She is every bit as colourful and attractive as her clothes and her berets and her entire persona will definitely connect with many kiddos.

Middle school readers will thoroughly enjoy this fantasy/adventure/family drama, and will not be one bit fazed by the setting IMO. This is another Scottish author to add to my favourites list and I highly recommend this latest to your readers from around Year 4 upwards.