Where the fairies fly

By Jane Simmons

Year: 2001

Publisher: Orchard Books, London

Age: 3 - 7 years

No. of Pages: 32

Book Type: Picture Book, Bedtime

ISBN:  978 1 84121 108 7

Little Jamie can’t sleep. His sister Lucy, an avid storyteller, takes him on a magical adventure in search of the Dreamtime Fairies.

After several stops on the way, they finally find the fairies who work their magic until the children and their toys are fast asleep.

This sweet bedtime story serves to allay the common fears that children have about the dark and its shadows.

Excerpt

Lucy loved to tell stories.

She told deep blue sea stories to Mum... flying up high in the sky stories to Dad, and magic stories to her little brother Jamie.

Rainy Day Fairies

Text: Julia Rowe

Illustrations: Eric Kincaid

Year: 2000

Publisher: Brimax, London

Age: 4 – 8 years

No. of Pages: 20

Book Type: Picture Book

ISBN:  978 1 85854 155 6

If you’ve ever wondered where fairies come from, take a closer look at the raindrops. You might just see a tiny one clinging to an “extra large, shiny raindrop.”

This series by Julia Rowe provides a refreshing look at fairies and their origins. Puddles made by dragonflies and colors lent by a kind kingfisher are just some of the intriguing details that make this book exciting for little ones. 

Excerpt

When they were ready the beautiful kingfisher flew over each of them in turn and hovered over them. 

He flapped his wings so fast that you could barely see them move.

Also in this series:

• Sunny Day Fairies
• Snowy Day Fairies
• Rainbow Fairies

Sunny Day Fairies

Text: Julia Rowe

Illustrations: Eric Kincaid

Year: 2001

Publisher: Brimax, London

Age: 4 – 8 years

No. of Pages: 20

Book Type: Picture Book

ISBN:  978 1 85854 171 6

Bright, golden sunbeams don’t just bring light and warmth to earth, they also act as the means to convey tiny little Sunny Day Fairies. 

This series by Julia Rowe provides a refreshing look at fairies and their origins. An elegant Queen Buttercup and a pollen party are just some of the intriguing details that make this book exciting for little ones. 

Excerpt

The older fairies continued to shake the flowers, and the harder they shook, the more golden pollen came floating down onto the brown wings of the babies.

Also in this series:

• Rainy Day Fairies
• Snowy Day Fairies
• Rainbow Fairies

Angelina Ice Skates

Author: Katherine Holabird

Illustrator: Helen Craig

Year: 1993

Publisher: Pleasant Company Publications, USA

Age: 6 and above

No. of Pages: 26

Website: Angelina Ballerina

ISBN: 978 1 58485 660 2

New Year’s Eve is just around the corner and little Angelina and her friends are busy with preparations for a special ice skating show. As the rehearsals get underway, they find that they have a problem. The hockey players want to use the frozen Miller’s Pond at the same time too!

After a series of interruptions and an all-out snowball fight, Angelina decides to invite the errant players to join the show. And voila! They have a great show to usher in the New Year.

This book reminded me of the story in the Playground Problem. :-) There is wisdom in these books.

By the way, did I mention that Angelina and her friends are, ummm… mice?

Excerpt

When Angelina danced into the spotlight that night, she felt like a real snow queen. Spike and Sammy did exciting leaps and jumps together, and Henry was thrilled to be the King’s attendant, while Felicity, Flora, and Alice seemed to fly across the ice like delicate snowflakes. 

The Nutcracker – Usborne Young Reading

Retold by Emma Helbrough

Illustrator:  Anna Luraschi

Year: 2004

Publisher: Usborne Publishing Ltd., London

Age: 6 and above

No. of Pages: 48

ISBN: 978 1 40951 820 4

It is delightful to see a classic packaged just right so children can enjoy it too! Thanks to the Usborne Young Reading series. 

Meet intrepid little Clara, who sneaks in to take a peek at her grandfather’s present even though it’s just Christmas Eve. That launches her into a series of fantastical adventures which includes a battle against some mean mice, a visit with the Ice Queen and a trip to the Land of Sweets where dancers from around the world perform for Clara.

The illustrations are enchanting enough to pique your child’s curiosity and spur her on a fantasy trip, not that kids need any help in that area. :-)

Excerpt

“Clara, this is the Sugarplum Fairy,” said the prince. “She rules over the Land of Sweets.”

“I hope you have a sweet tooth,” said the Sugarplum Fairy, with a smile.

She led them into a grand hall, where the tables were covered with chocolate cakes, cookies and candy swirls. 

A Little Fairy Magic

Author: Julia Hubery

Illustrator: Alison Edgson

Year: 2011

Publisher: Little Tiger Press, London

Age: 4 and above

No. of Pages: 32

ISBN: 978-1-84895-141-9

If only I could get one of the the pages of this book as a poster for my children’s room…

This has to be one of those dream books for little girls – it’s about little Phoebe, a mouse with a fairy costume and a magic wand. And, there’s actual glitter on the pages. The kids couldn't keep their hands off the book! 

Meet Fairy Fizzwhizz (ahem! Phoebe in real life) who sets out to become a fairy now that she has a costume. She tries to fly but lands with a bump. She tries to turn a ladybird into a parrot, but then it flies away.

She finally does make her brother happy in her role as a fairy and learns that being kind and thoughtful is ‘the best fairy magic in the world.’

Excerpt

Sam opened his eyes… and saw a sparkling new mast on his pirate ship.

“You really can do magic, Fairy Fizzwhizz!’ he laughed.

“I did, I did!” squealed Phoebe, and they sailed together until Daddy called, “Ahoy there, time for tea!” 

Far away the fairies fly

By Jane Simmons  

For Ages: 4 and above

No. of Pages: 32

Publisher: Orchard Books, London

Year: 2005

ISBN: 978-1-84616-217-6

Rainbows always cheer up little ones. This story is founded on just that fact.

Jamie finds it hard to sleep with the sound of the howling winds and rumbling thunder. Lucy, his sister, decides to take him to a place with no thunder.

They have a series of adventures until they finally reach Fairy Castle. They help the fairies paint bright sunshine everywhere until the sky is lit with a brilliant rainbow and the storm is gone. 

This ought to make a good bedtime tale for little ones who are scared of the dark and thunder.'

Excerpt

They reached the door.

“It’s shut!” said Lucy, pushing hard. “It’s too big!”

“Everyone push!” shouted Jamie. He threw himself forward and they all pushed …

and pushed and slowly the huge door began to creak open…

… and they tumbled into the light. There were fairies everywhere! 

Clever Little Fairy

Author: Nicola Baxter

Illustrator: David Pace

For Ages: 5 and above

No. of Pages: 28

Publisher: Ladybird Books, London

Year: 1998

ISBN: 978-0-72141-991-6

We have all been astonished, at times, when we find answers to problems in unexpected ways and places. 

Bella Mirella, is almost ready for fairy school but she needs to learn a few spells before she joins. A doubling spell is supposed to be simple, at least, according to her mother but Bella has a tough time with it.

After a series of misadventures, including turning her little sister, Tina Marina, into a frog, she realizes that it’s easy when you are just yourself. In her case, she just had to be a fairy to do all that a fairy ought to be able to do.

Excerpt

Bella Mirella was so shocked that she had to sit down. What had she done? And how?

“Oh no, this will mean double trouble,” thought Bella Mirella.

And just as the words slipped through her mind…

PING!

There were two frogs!

The Pink Party

Author: Maryann Macdonald

Illustrator: Judy Stead

For Ages: 4 and above

No. of Pages: 36

Publisher: Scholastic, New York

Year: 2012

ISBN: 978-0-76145-814-2

Childhood is usually about strong bonds of friendship, and sometimes this magical journey gets confusing when the little green worm of envy strikes at inopportune moments like at your best friend’s birthday party or when she gets a new toy. Every parent has been acquainted with this dilemma as a child and probably relives it again through their children’s eyes. Most of us, unwisely, choose to simply brush this matter away as childishness. NOT a good idea. Which is why, I recommend this book.

Meet Rose and Valentina, best friends, lovers of pink and all it's vibrant hues. They secretly aspire to make the whole world pink, even their teeth! Throw in a pretty bag, a hand-made lunchbox, a rocking chair, a magic wand, a princess dress, a crown - all in pink building up to a theme party to honor their favorite color, you have a recipe for envy. The author deftly handles the issue without compromising on the friends’ individuality or airbrushing their emotions.  

Excerpt

She rocked in her pink rocker on her porch and tried to feel better, even though she could hear her friends having fun next door.

She rocked and rocked until all of their friends had said goodbye. Then she heard a voice from the other side of the hedge.

“The party’s over,” Valentina said.

Rose pretended she didn’t hear. 

The Magic Treacle Jug

Author: Enid Blyton

Illustrator: Pam Storey

For Ages: 5 and above

No. of Pages: 20

Publisher: Grandreams Books, UK

Year: 2002

ISBN: 978-0-75540-907-5

Meet sneaky Miggle doing what he ought not to – peering through somebody’s window. When the window belongs to Mother Tick-Tock’s home, it can only spell a lot of trouble. Poor Miggle, gets into one sticky mess after another until he admits his mistake to Mother Tick Tock who then sets things right but not without extracting a punishment.  

Excerpt

Mother Tick-Tock, coming back from visiting her friend, was astonished too. But she knew in a trice what had happened.

“Miggle’s borrowed my Treacle-Jug!” she said. “I saw him peeping through the window when I used it the other night. The mean, thieving little fellow!”

Christmas at the Toy Museum

Author and Illustrator: David Lucas

For Ages: 6 and above

No. of Pages: 28

Publisher: Walker Books, London

Year: 2011

ISBN: 978-0-76365-868-7

This is, in every sense of the word, a picture book with painting-quality illustrations that stretch from corner to corner.

This story reinforces the glorious message of Christmas through a fairytale of toys in a museum on Christmas Eve. They rush in anticipation to the tree only to find no presents for any of them. That is, until Bunting, a woolly cat, has an idea that ensures every toy gets a present.

Excerpt

High above, the angel smiled.

She had known this would happen, of course.

She spread her shining wings and flew down from the top of the tree.

The toys gasped.

“Happy Christmas!” she said and handed Bunting a golden box tied with a golden ribbon. 

The Frog Prince (Usborne Young Reading)

Retold by Susanna Davidson       

Illustrator: Mike Gordon

For Ages: 6 and above

No. of Pages: 48

Publisher: Usborne Publishing, England

Year: 2005

ISBN: 978 0 74607 023 9

Meet Princess Poppy who, while playing with her golden ball, meets a cheeky, talking frog. Of course, we all know how that ends.

This book from the Usborne Young Reading series makes a delightful read for young children.

According to the publishers, this timeless fairy tale has been around since the thirteenth century. The Grimm Brothers retold the tale we know so well.

Excerpt

“Are you all right?” she whispered.

“Yes,” croaked the frog, carefully feeling his head.

“I didn't mean to hurt you,” said Poppy. “I’m so sorry.” And she bent down and kissed him.

There was a loud crash of thunder, followed by a shower of sparks. The frog had vanished. In his place stood a handsome young prince.

“At last!” shouted the Prince. “I’m human again. No more slimy skin, no more webbed feet, no more flies…” 

The Elves and the Shoemaker

Retold by Katie Daynes

Illustrator: Desideria Guicciardini

For Ages: 6 and above

No. of Pages: 48

Publisher: Usborne Publishing, England

Year: 2004

ISBN: 978-0-79450-758-9

This is an abridged version of the Grimm Brothers’ heart-warming tale of a hard-working and kindly shoe-maker. The delightfully narrated and well-illustrated story, split into eight chapters makes for good bedtime reading.   

Excerpt

Everything was quiet … until midnight. Two little elves rushed in, wearing nothing but rags. They sat down at the table and quickly began to sew. The shoemaker and his wife listened carefully to the elves’ chatter.

“This is better than making cheap shoes in that rotten attic,” said the first elf.

“I wish the other elves had escaped as well,” said the second.

Princess Buttercup: A Flower Princess Story – Puffin Young Readers Level - 2

Author: Wendy Cheyette Lewison

Illustrator: Jerry Smath

Year: 2001

Publisher: Puffin Young Readers, New York

Age: 4 and above

No. of Pages: 32

ISBN: 978-0-448-46123-6

Princess Buttercup is a classic fairy tale of frolicking innocence and fantasy from the Puffin Young Readers series.

It is the first day of spring and six Flower Princesses wake up to a beautiful morning. It is also the perfect day to host a party. Princess Buttercup is asked to pick flowers for the party. She follows a butterfly into the woods and soon she is lost. She then hits upon an ingenious idea to find her way back to the magic garden.

Excerpt

Soon the butterfly sees the buttercup,

Down, down it flies.

Now the butterfly is just over her head.

She grabs hold of it and …

Whee! Off they go!

Other titles in this series

• Level - 1: A new friend
• Level - 1: At the beach 
• Level - 1: Ice Cream Soup
• Level - 1: Max has a Fish
• Level - 1: Nicky Upstairs and Down 
• Level - 1: Play with Blue
• Level - 1: Tiny goes camping 
• Level - 1: Tiny the Birthday Dog 
• Level - 1: Tiny the Snow Dog 

• Level - 2: Cowboy Roy
• Level - 2: Red, White and Blue
• Level - 2: Shape Spotters
• Level - 2: Snug Bug
• Level - 2: The Garden that we grew  
• Level - 2: The very lonely firefly
• Level - 2: Who stole the cookies?

• Level - 3: Agapanthus Hum and the Eyeglasses
• Level - 3: Amanda Pig on her own
• Level - 3: Why do birds sing?

Tooth Fairy in Trouble

Author: Julia Jarman, Wikipedia

Illustrator: Mariam Latimer

Year: 2008

Publisher: Macmillan’s Children’s Books, London

Age: 5 and above

No. of Pages: 48

ISBN: 978 1 44720 961 4

Poor little Tooth Fairy! She’s harassed by Nasty Norman, a terribly rude and mean brat of a boy.

To add to her misery, she’s overworked and the Fairy Queen is quite cross with her too. Meanwhile Nasty Norman has set a trap for her but this time he’s bitten off more than he can chew. 

She’s, after all,  a fairy with a magic wand and secret powers!

This delightfully imaginative book belongs to the “I am reading” series from Pan Macmillan.

Excerpt

Tooth Fairy was in big trouble. She could feel herself becoming visible. Her fairy powers were draining away. Hoping she still had some left, she whirled her wand.

“Izzy wizzy, if you don’t let me out!

You’ll see your nose turn into a snout.”

Little Fairy Can’t Sleep

By Daniela Drescher

Year: 2007

Publisher: Floris Books, UK

Age: 6 and above

No. of Pages: 20

ISBN: 978-0-86315-825-4

This bedtime storybook is enchanting. The story, the words, the paintings – all of them weave that perfect magical moment where one feels tender happiness and warm camaraderie.

Faith, the little fairy can’t get to sleep because there’s magic in the air. She wanders through the night in search of the magic which happens to be a midsummer night’s party.

Excerpt

The crickets were chirping loudly, the fireflies were flickering brightly, and the full moon smiled down on Faith’s bed of flowers.

It was impossible to sleep. There was rustling, crackling and crunching all around … and magic was in the air.

What was going on? The little fairy got up and flew off into the night.