Just So Stories

Allen & Unwin

February 2025

ISBN:9781761180569

Publisher:A&U Children’s

Imprint:Albert Street Books

RRP: $16.99

My newest favourite mouselings are back and their quest continues apace. Titch and Huckleberry have absolutely no idea how to reach the Heart of Alluria, where they are meant to repair the crack in the world.

And even though Titch has the powerful staff, she still doesn’t know how to control its power, and she certainly doesn’t feel like Bravepaw, despite she and Huckleberry having escaped snatchers, defeated curseworms and saved an eaglebear. Now they’re just wandering aimlessly, both longing for their homes and families on the plateau, and no idea how to find their goal.

When they stumble into a loathsome swamp, they’re set upon by a huge and hideous monster. But luck is with them and a feisty young squirrel, Briar Nettlebrush, comes to their rescue and despatches the monster with flamboyant derring-do.

Although Briar insists that heroes work alone, the three end up together and one thing leads to another. They save Briar’s squirrel community from servitude to a foul old turtle who lives on the edge of the swamp. It seems the old guy has acquired some magical powers to control people, but the mouselings and Briar eventually realise that he, himself, has been bewitched.

It’s a real surprise that all the strife lies in a mysterious stone Muskeg the turtle discovered. And what has the stone to do with the staff? All will be revealed. And the pair becomes a threesome to carry on with the quest. It’s another delightful adventure to intrigue your readers who are growing in their confidence with chapter books. Once again the dynamic fonts and expressive artwork really add to the reader’s experience. The great themes of courage, self-belief, friendship and forgiveness go such a long way to empower Smalls to deal with their own daily vicissitudes.

I just love this series, which echoes in a smaller and more rodent-like way that old favourite, Rowan of Rin. I can’t wait to see what the next episode brings! Lovely all round and an adventurous 5 🐁🐁🐿️🗡️💎 rating (there’s a cute emoji title clue for you!).