stonesthrow publishing

From Bookpleasures.com:

One of the most striking characteristics of Sheri Hoods’ children’s book The Fearful Fairy is the delicate manner in which it integrates large ideas into story form for the early school crowd.

As in most picture books, this one likewise functions on more than one level. The obvious story, which begs to be read aloud with its delightful descriptive language, spotlights a fairy born in the “Land-of-Pixie who everyone called Dixie.” Sadly, Dixie was born with only two wings and not four, as is the case with most other fairies. As a result, Dixie encountered great difficulty in flying, and even though the ants and bees tried to help her, she flopped every time, only making “it inches up, before her bottom dropped!”

Feeling sorry for herself, Dixie wished she were an elf, for “they haven’t any wings at all.” Although her wish was not fulfilled, something else cropped up when she witnessed a clumsy bumblebee nearly drowning in a river, after it had overshot a flowerbed, where it had originally intended to land. The poor bumblebee cried out for help, and as we all know, bumblebees don’t know how to swim. Dixie, noticing the danger of the situation and forgetting about her own disability, comes to the rescue of the bumblebee. As a result of her bravery, Dixie becomes quite a heroine among the bee community, however, in her mind it really wasn’t such a big deal, as after all, “It’s what a fairy does!”

Hood’s sensitive acknowledgement of the fairy’s disability does well when expressing her stress and confusion. In exploring the theme of overcoming one’s fears and deficiencies, no matter how difficult they may seem, The Fearful Fairy teaches a gentle lesson that cleverly sends an inspiring and encouraging message to children with disabilities. In addition, Hood sends a meaningful message in her ending that by helping someone else we are often rewarded, even though we never expected anything in return.

M. Faith Shaheen’s exuberant and luminous watercolors are impressive, infusing the narrative with energy and warmth, supporting the simplicity of the story. It is moreover noticeable for bringing the text unity and coherence without being too cartoonish and making the story more enjoyable. The mostly full-page images are filled with little details that will surely amuse children and adults alike. Particularly effective is when the bee lands in the river and the one where Dixie rescues the bee.

The Fearful Fairy is a quality picture book with a theme that is timeless and important. I hope we will be hearing more from these two up-and-coming talents.