Rondo series by Emily Rodda

I'm familiar with Emily Rodda as the author of the Deltora and Rowan of Rin books which were quite popular when I worked as a children's librarian at a real library. Her newer series started to appear in the U.S. last year with The Key To Rondo. The second book was just released in September, The Wizard Of Rondo. It was released earlier this year in Rodda's native Australia and has been shortlisted and even won some children's book awards there.

Now these are not straight fairy tale retellings, but from a few reviews I read, they contain fairy tale characters. See more about that below. They are also aimed at middle readers which is often one of the hardest age levels to find fairy tale related books--besides going to the originals, of course. So I'm offering these as "on the slant" books. They are fantasy and should appeal to the middle readers looking for more fantasy and who like bits of fairy tales thrown into the mix.



Publisher's description for The Key to Rondo:

There are three rules to the old, painted music box: Wind the box three times only. Never shut the box when the music is playing. Never move the box before the music stops.

Leo wouldn't dream of breaking these rules, but does his stubborn cousin Mimi listen? She winds the box four times--and suddenly the paintings on its side come to life and a powerful witch is released. Now it's up to Leo and Mimi to stop the witch, if only they can find the key to the music box--and the magical world it controls.

Publisher's description for The Wizard of Rondo:

When Leo Zifkak inherited an antique music box from his stuffy great-aunt, he never expected that it might hide a wondrous secret. The music box is the portal to a new world, Rondo.

Leo's first visit to Rondo was to rescue his cousin, Mimi, and he almost lost his life. On his second visit, something much more important is at stake - his soul. There's a wizard missing and an innocent young man accused of his death. If Leo and Mimi are to right this wrong, they're going to have to risk everything...

So these remind me of The Neverending Story, of course, among others (which should always be read in its red and green ink version). But for middle readers that trope isn't as well-known. And they are more modern for the savvy kid reader, too.

Here is one of the reviews where fairy tale characters are mentioned: The Key to Rondo Book Review:

The Key to Rondo is fascinating, fun and magical. It offers just the right mix of fantasy and reality. Rodda cleverly incorporates a humorous cast of fairy tale characters like the three little pigs and the troll on the bridge.

And another from Squidoo:

Emily Rodda has written a gem of a story in The Key to Rondo, that will be enjoyed most by ages 7 to 10. Leo and Mimi are well-rounded, complex, and interesting characters and I enjoyed spending time with them. As opposites, they reveal each other's strengths and flaws perfectly and many children will identify easily with either of them.

Rodda writes with a light, skilful touch that makes this a very easy read. Although I found much of the story quite predictable, I thoroughly enjoyed the revelations just as much for the "Hah, I knew it!" feeling. Younger readers will likely still be surprised, and older readers will enjoy the subtle, and not-so-subtle, references to traditional storybook characters and nursery rhymes.

The next book, The Battle for Rondo is already out in Australia but won't be available in the U.S. until next year, so if you create a fan in a child you know or become one yourself, there is more to come...