Fairy Mom and Me

October 30, 2017
A girl (and future fairy) named Ella Brook narrates Kinsella’s amusingly chaotic chapter book, which highlights a few of the magical spells that cause trouble for Ella’s family; her mother can transform into a fairy but is “not very good at magic.” Using the latest in fairy technology (aka a digital Computawand), Ella’s mother summons a cow in an attempt to replace spilled milk, turns cleaning supplies sentient in a sequence with echoes of The Sorcerer’s Apprentice, and gives herself green skin and giant muscles while trying to cure a case of the flu, among other disasters. Messages about the virtues of patience and not taking shortcuts are handled with a light touch—most readers will be content to laugh over the fairy magic hijinks. Final art not seen by PW. Ages 7–10. Author’s agent: Kimberly Witherspoon, Inkwell Management. Illustrator’s agency: Bright Group.

November 15, 2017
Ella's mom is a great mother but a highly inept Fairy Mom.When Ella's mother wiggles her bottom and says the magic word, she sprouts shimmery wings and a shiny crown and turns into a fairy. Unfortunately, even when she's using her Computawand, her spells all go far awry, with funny, topsy-turvy consequences. Still, Ella's there to provide advice (since she will become a fairy when she reaches adulthood and clearly already has some talent), providing some mildly amusing role reversals. Fairy Mom's difficulties aren't Ella's only problem. Mean girl Zoe lives right next door, and both Fairy Mom and Zoe's mother think that means they should be best friends--but Zoe is one of those kids who seems so sweet when adults are around but otherwise is quite nasty. The historical default for fairies is overwhelmingly white, and Ella and her mom and Zoe are all shown that way in Kissi's lively illustrations. Ella's friend Tom is depicted with dark skin. The plot in this early chapter book is driven only by the amusing fairy failures; character development is minimal. A series of uninspired discussion questions intended for "Family Activities" follows the brief text.Fun stuff for the fairy-focused but otherwise predictable and superficial, even for so young an intended audience. (Fantasy. 6-8)

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February 1, 2018

Gr 1-3-Ella's mom works in an office, goes grocery shopping, makes cupcakes, and also happens to be a fairy. With a twist of technology, her mom's cell phone becomes a Computawand V5, but some silly situations and messes arise when Mom calls up the wrong fairy code or Spell App. Fairy Mom's brief chapters portray day-in-the-life vignettes for Ella and her family, including mishaps preparing for a dinner party, dealing with a fairy flu, and going on Ella's field day. Fairy Mom may not be as good at magic as Aunty Jo or Grandmother, but that doesn't stop her from trying to share life lessons and fairy magic with Ella. With an abundance of zany catchphrases, Fairy Mom takes Ella through the cycle of making mistakes and then making them right. While some of the incidents may be a bit predictable, the sweetness of the story will hold readers' attention to the end. Simple sentence structure, well-paced chapters, and intermittent illustrations will keep new readers engaged. Fairy Mom's focus on family and friendship make this a beginner chapter book that can be shared or read independently. Family activities and discussion questions are included. VERDICT An accessible and upbeat magical tale perfect for newly independent readers seeking something beyond Daisy Meadows's "Fairy" books.-Jamie Jensen, Wayne Cox Elementary School, Roanoke, TX

Copyright 2018 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

December 15, 2017
Grades 2-5 In this entertaining book, illustrated throughout with lively cartoon drawings, readers will become acquainted with Ella Brook, a little girl with a big secret. In her own words, Ella explains that her mom is a fairy, and when she grows up, she'll be a fairy, too! What follows are four short stories perfect for bedtime, detailing the ways Ella helps her mom do magic and save the day. It's no surprise that the book, born as bedtime stories for the author's children, is an excellent read-together for families. In the closing pages, there's a section with discussion questions and activity ideas, such as creating a fairy rulebook, retelling a story on video, and picking apart traditional fairy tales and their various topics. Best of all, the plots of Kinsella's stories manage to be inventive and charming while staying grounded in realistic, everyday situations, to which readers should have an easy time relating. Definitely deserving of a place on the nightstand.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2017, American Library Association.)

January 1, 2019
Ella Brook can't wait to grow up to be a fairy like the rest of the women in her family. In the meantime, she helps her novice mom, whose spells don't always go as planned. In Kinsella's first book for young readers, Ella narrates four amusing adventures filled with mayhem, endearing characters, and life lessons, all accompanied by plentiful black-and-white illustrations. A "Family Activity Guide" is appended.

(Copyright 2019 by The Horn Book, Incorporated, Boston. All rights reserved.)