…when the first baby laughed for the first time, the laugh broke into a thousand pieces and they all went skipping about, and that was the beginning of fairies. And now when every new baby is born, its first laugh becomes a fairy. So there ought to be one fairy for every boy or girl. (from Peter Pan, JM Barrie)
As children know, and adults rarely understand, fairies are everywhere – in your garden, in the woods beyond and even in your house! Although fairies can be found in every country in the mortal world, their true home is the far-off kingdom of Fairyland. This magical realm, which no human can ever reach, is the birthplace of all fairies.
Fairies: A Magical Guide to the Enchanted Realm is, as the name suggests, about fairies. Everything you may have known and more is here. Discover different types of fairies, the places they live, their personalities and behaviours. There are nods to all manner of fairy tales and famous fairies, including Tinker Bell, Thumbelina and the fairies who guard Sleeping Beauty. Fairies includes whimsical illustrations on full colour pages. Fairies are pictured at work and at play. There are suggestions on how best to welcome a fairy and how to keep fairy homes clean.
Fairies are eternally fascinating, particularly to small girls. Being difficult to see presents few problems to those who love fairy folk of all kinds. Fairies describes fairies who gather teeth and fairies who help with farmwork. There’s the odd mischievous and grumpy fairy, but most are kind, good, helpful, beautiful and magical. Sure to be a hit with all fairy-folk.
Fairies: A Magical Guide to the Enchanted Realm Alison Maloney ill Patricia Moffett
Allen & Unwin 2009
ISBN: 9781742371085
review by Claire Saxby, Children’s Author
www.clairesaxby.com
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