Just So Stories

Allen & Unwin

ISBN:9781761182686

Imprint:A&U Children’s

Sep 2026

RRP: $39.99

I’ll be honest – I had completely forgotten the original editions of this series and I’m thinking now that I must not have read them at the time. Quite likely because it came out at a time when I was working in purely secondary libraries and in the couple of years immediately after losing my girl, when things were all a blur in any case.

While they are eminently suitable for secondary as well as primary, my budgets were not very liberal so that would be another reason. But this magnificent bind-up edition had me glued to each page for a solid week’s worth of night-time reading and burning to know ‘what happens next’.

There really is no way to succesfully encapsulate this remarkable and expansive quest narrative, which is yet another outstanding example of Emily Rodda’s amazing talent.

Briefly, Britta of Del, along with her mother and sister, are laying low on their relationship to the outcast Dare Larsett, whose betrayals in his obsession to find the mystical Staff of Tier, have resulted in his name being reviled by all. But still Britta longs to be a trader like her father was, before his disgrace.

When the opportunity arises to become a trader apprentice and to possibly be a Rossalyn trader on her father’s beautiful former ship, the Star of Deltora, she seizes the opportunity.

Despite setbacks, dangers, near-misses, having to conceal her true heritage and all manner of extreme circumstances, with one of the neatest twists in the tail you’ll ever read, Britta’s journey becomes an epic tale of heroism, loyalty, truth and honour.

There is not a single word in these 600+ pages that is not worth reading. As always, Emily/Jennifer’s mastery shines in every line. I’ve mentioned before the privilege I’ve had in spending time with Jennifer twice in my career, sharing meals and conversation. And, of course, I’ve been able to review some of her books of recent years – Landovel and His Name was Walter being absolute stand-outs for me.

And this time, it’s not just the contents but this glorious binding!! With the same gloss and watered silk effect of the Landovel slipcase, and the gorgeous tones of pink/blue/purple, this would make a superb gift for a reader in your life as well. With the end of the year already in sight – end-of-year book prizes beckon and this would also be a prime candidate for that event.

I can’t even begin to tell you how much I loved this, and though I rarely keep my review books, I think this one will be around for a while because I know I will want to re-read it. It’s a solid and magical 5 💜💜💜💜💜rating for this from one of our most revered writers.