Book cover: “The Key to Rondo” by Emily Rodda (Omnibus/Scholastic, 2007); audiobook read by Edwina Wren (Bolinda, 2010)

A manifestly competent MG quest fantasy that does most things right, if perhaps leaning a little too heavily into established fairytale elements. When betting on opening chapters (against those of, say, Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone), put your money on Rodda. #TheKeytoRondo #EmilyRodda