Just So Stories

Allen & Unwin

ISBN:9781761182167

Publisher:A&U Children’s

Imprint:Albert Street Books

RRP: $16.99

It’s always a little bitter-sweet when a favourite series comes to a conclusion and this one with this mousekin hero and her companions is one of the best, and therefore one of the saddest to leave.

Titch and Huckleberry are a long way from the Plateau and both yearn to be back there. But Titch knows that the responsibility to save Alluria is hers alone and while she can she must keep on searching for the salvation of their much-loved country.

Huckleberry is short with her because he’s really fed up but with their companions and, at times, coming full-circle to meet up with others, they do indeed make their way back to the Plateau, because much to their astonishment that’s where the Songstone lies. The last remaining piece of the puzzle, the last gem for the staff, the last weapon to defeat the enemy.

In just the same way as small hobbits, everyday folk, proved to be the undoing of Sauron, so it is that the small creatures of the Plateau, and their various helpers drawn from forest and countryside prove victorious against the Dreadroot and the vile curseworms. The most unexpected finale I have read in some time is this final denouement and it was perfectly satisfying. And well played to the design team for the grey pages that got darker as Titch makes her way to the centre of the cavern towards the Dreadroot and the climax.

As I’ve said many times before, I do love a wonderful mouse hero and Titch is certainly that. She may be reluctant, and lack confidence, but she certainly doesn’t balk at the danger she faces nor the fate laid upon her. Bravepaw indeed.

I imagine there will be many kiddos as sad as I am to reach this final chapter but also as jubilant with the success of the little animals who fight to protect their homes. Well done to Lili Wilkinson on this terrific series and the accompanying illustrations from Lavanya Naidu have been a constant delight throughout. A gorgeous fantasy adventure series that will remain a favourite for many years, it’s a definite 5 🐁🐁🐁🐁🐁rating for kiddos from around 8 upwards.