Just So Stories

Harper Collins Australia

January 2024

• ISBN: 9780008544775
• ISBN 10: 0008544778
• Imprint: HarperCollins GB
• RRP: $16.99

I have thoroughly enjoyed every single one of Ross Welford’s books that I have read. These adventures are chockful of adventure, humour, heart and a sense of the absurd, and every time I’ve pushed one into a reader’s hands they have come back for more. That, for me, says it all.

For those who know Time Travelling with a Hamster, this is a sequel with the same characters. Al Chaudbury is back, as is Grandpa Byron but Al needs to repeat his time travelling adventure in which he saved his father’s life, putting in order (to his mind) his life. The apparatus might be busted but Al knows he can fix it, and when Grandpa Byron has a terrible accident, which robs him of his remarkable memory, Al needs to right things again.

Except this time, things go even more pear-shaped. Not only does he pull his step-sister/not-his-step-sister into the past but also his sort of friend. One of them doesn’t make it back, so Al needs to once again figure out how he can fix the mess he’s made. Let this be a lesson to you, kiddos. DON’T mess with time travel! It will only end in tears.

It’s complicated and mind-bending, which is exactly why, in my experience, kids love it! They find it much easier to accept than we adults with our ‘logical’ brains on. In each of Ross’ books I’ve read, the relationships – friends and family – have always been front and centre in importance, and this one is no exception. You can check the others I have reviewed here.

I highly recommend it for readers from around 9 years upwards with a 🐢🐢🐢🐢🐢rating.