Just So Stories

Penguin Australia

• October 2024
• ISBN: 9781761342257
• Imprint: Penguin
• RRP: $19.99

When you get an ARC all wrapped up pretty just like a birthday present, you can be pretty sure it’s going to be an exciting surprise inside and so it was. I mean to say, how could they possibly go wrong sending me something called this with a stern warning about the magic that will escape once the book is opened? And you can be sure, I ate this up, as will your kiddos.

When Oliver Wormwood fronts up for the Calling, along with the other 13-year-olds, he feels a lot of pressure. His father was a law-keeper and his five older sisters all have exciting trades like another law-keeper, a ranger and a mage. He really would like to prove his ability to be one of these but it’s sadly not to be.

Despite everything he’s read about archery, he can’t get an arrow in the target. He can’t even pick up the blacksmith’s hammer that his sister Olivia uses in her trade, let alone wield it. One after another, the most popular Trades close down to him as he cannot pass the initial screening. And then an old and very peculiar man appears in front of him, and before Oliver can figure out exactly what is going on, he not only finds himself apprenticed to the librarian, as the 113th Assistant Librarian, but in fact, having to run the library single-handedly before 24 hours is out because old Heironymous drops down dead.

Oliver is a reader, he loves books and has always wanted to join the library but there is no way he ever expected or even thought about being a librarian.You can be sure his father is very under-whelmed about this turn of events. Oliver on the other hand is just baffled and particularly anxious. Not only does he know nothing about his apparent new trade, nobody can tell him it seems. It’s all learning on the job really – if he can survive.

Especially when he finds out that this library is full of dangers. As an example, don’t open a book if you don’t know the title because you never know what’s going to erupt out of it. And certainly, never turn your back on the books. Don’t forget to let the bats out each night or else the ferocious bookworms will not only eat the books but the librarian. And what’s happening with all the cats that keep appearing? Not to mention, the strange girl Agatha who, admittedly is most helpful, but still a mystery.

This is a fantasy adventure spilling over with exuberance, high drama and a lot of humour as Oliver finds himself muddling his way through becoming a proper librarian and, at the same time, solving a mystery that involves murder – oh, and also why so many cats!

I loved it and I can guarantee your readers from around Year 4 will enjoy it just as much. I’m certainly hoping there will be another one at least. Your kiddos might already know Stuart’s work from the two Prometheus High titles but if not, this will be a grand introduction to this author. All round it’s a cracking read and I’m giving a 5 🐱🐱🐱🐱🐱 rating! Check in at Penguin for order information and also for teaching notes which are to come.

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