Kyle Steenblik’s Tales of Weirderland is a whimsical and heartfelt collection of fantasy adventures following the young Prince Cael and Princess Iris. These siblings embark on epic quests in their magical kingdom, encountering dragons, wizards, and enchanted objects, all while wielding clever wit and endearing sibling banter. Written as a loving tribute to the author’s children, the book mixes humor, adventure, and the kind of wonder that makes bedtime stories come to life. The first trilogy is a playful romp of imaginative escapades, while the second takes on more mature themes of resilience and self-discovery.

Steenblik has a knack for dialogue, particularly between the children and their parents, King Joseph and Queen Elspeth. The scene in The Quest for Ruben, where their parents dramatically exaggerate the dangers of the mission—calling it “perilous,” “treacherous,” and even “very smelly”—had me laughing. It’s this kind of humor that makes the book sparkle. The wordplay, the absurdity, and the way the kids handle their royal yet totally relatable parents make the book feel like a Monty Python-esque fairy tale, but with an even bigger heart.

Beyond the humor, Tales of Weirderland excels in world-building. Weirderland lives up to its name, full of bizarre creatures like River, the miniature dragon with a chaotic grasp of grammar, and Crazy Alvin, the road builder responsible for impractical roads. One of my favorite moments is in The Hopeless Quest, when Iris and Cael encounter a wizard who imprisons people in statues—only to be outwitted by the siblings’ quick thinking. The world is both silly and immersive, with just enough logic to make the nonsense feel real.

What surprised me most was the book’s emotional depth. Though it starts as a fun, lighthearted read, the second trilogy carries a weightier message. Steenblik wrote these stories as a reflection of his children’s growth, and it shows. There are moments of struggle, of feeling lost, of facing fear—especially in The Nameless Quest, which touches on themes of identity and perseverance. But through it all, the love between Cael and Iris remains the core of the story.

This collection is a must-read for families, fantasy lovers, and anyone who enjoys a story that doesn’t take itself too seriously while still delivering heartfelt moments. If you grew up loving The Princess Bride or The Phantom Tollbooth, Tales of Weirderland will feel like coming home.

Pages: 292 | ASIN : B0D9MY1H9N