Just So Stories

Penguin Australia

July 2024

• ISBN: 9781761340475
• Imprint: Puffin
• RRP: $14.99

There’s absolutely no doubt about it – Belinda Murrell has certainly hit the sweet spot s with this new series. Unicorns, goblins, and dragons have all delighted her fans so far, and now a seriously annoyed sleep-deprived giant will once again engage Smalls in the adventures of Princess Tillie and Honey Blossom.

The Rosenburg population is excited about the annual Eistfest. It’s always a real highlight of the year, and we all know how during the winter (especially those very cold ones) everyone can use some excitement and cheering up [for me that’s usually the footy, but I’m easily pleased].

Frolics and fireworks are in store, but one very naughty boy, Bruno the bully, appears to hold some kind of grudge against the royal children, and decides to cause as much trouble as possible. It backfires quite literally, when he sets off the entire cartload of fireworks at once.

The ensuing explosion wakes up Bodo, a particularly fearsome frost giant who makes it very apparent that she is NOT pleased about being woken up from her winter hibernation [I hear ya, sista].

Everyone in the town and in the palace is in danger, but Princess Tillie remembers her mother’s advice, and uses kindness and understanding to defuse the situation. Homemade soup and hot chocolate are just the right stuff to soothe a cranky giant [would also soothe me, just saying...].

These are beaut stories for those recently independent readers spreading their wings into extended chapter books, filled with kindness, positive values, humour and friendship – all of which makes such a refreshing change from the other sort of humour that seems to be so prevalent in recent years. And once again, the delightful illustrations from Rebecca Crane, will help readers visualise the whole action.

I feel very sure that Smalls will eagerly await a new instalment – which magical creature next Belinda Murrell? I’m hopeful of some kind of water serpent in the lake or river ;-). It’s another warm fuzzy recommendation from me with a 👸👸👸👸 rating for your kiddos from around Year 2 upwards.