Just So Stories

Penguin Random House

February 2024

• ISBN: 9781761340451
• Imprint: Puffin
• RRP: $14.99

After a slight hiccup in delivery, here is #2 in Belinda’s fun new series for your younger readers. Those kiddos who are now so proud of being able to read ‘chapter books’, all of whom will relish the humour and adventure in these stories.

Princess Tillie, now constantly accompanied by Honey Blossom the cheeky unicorn (much to the chagrin of Mr Grimm, the butler) is more than interested in the reports of goblins attacking farms beyond the castle walls.

When they, along with dachshunds Mitzi and Fritzi, discover a secret passage that leads them directly to Apple Tree Creek Farm, and Luka, who is distraught at the mischief and mayhem the goblins are wreaking, it seems to Princess Tillie that here is something she can do to help.

Kobold, the Goblin King, is just plain nasty and his troops are really just like sheep who follow his every instruction. It’s lucky for Tillie, that she not only has ingenuity, creative thinking and problem-solving skills, but also her father’s newly developed flying potion, all of which make for a splendid resolution and successfully puts a stop to the goblins’ wanton disregard for other people’s property. Tillie and her friends, thoroughly teach Kobold a lesson he won’t forget in a hurry and the goblins are all once again back in the Wild Forest, where they belong.

It’s another charming fantasy-adventure which your readers from around 7 years upwards will adore. Along the way, they will also appreciate the value of good friends, thinking creatively and being kind.

This series is going to be a big hit so make sure it’s on your orders list. There are three more on the way to delight your kiddos. I recommend it with pleasure for those little readers who are ready to eat up new reading challenges with their first foray into chapter reading.

Now be sure to stay posted for my upcoming Q&A with Belinda – you won’t want to miss that!