Newbie Fairy

November 15, 2023
An inexperienced young Slug Fairy finds the perfect use for her curious talent. Oona Bramblegoop cares for a coterie of snarky slugs and cavorts in Blackberry Bog with her cousin Horace. Her magic is rather wonky; her conjuring efforts often result in minor disaster. The only magic she's mastered is a spell that keeps her clumsy cousin from tumbling down...by giving him a wedgie when he's about to fall. Oona isn't a popular fairy, and when she isn't invited to the Fairy Awards, she opts to throw her own show--the Slug Awards. But when she accidentally casts a stinky spell that ruins the Fairy Awards, her powers are temporarily suspended. In hopes of improving her social standing, she decides to help Lucy, the celebrated Tooth Fairy, with her nightly duties. Their partnership results in some goofy antics (slugs and undies are involved) as well as positive developments for both fairies. Though there's plenty of wacky humor, the book also folds in sound messages about persistence, teamwork, and constructive responses to criticism. And a fairy who socializes with gastropods and conjures up undergarments makes for a delightfully unlikely hero--the potential for future Bramblegoop adventures is high. Shading and hairstyles imply racial diversity in the pink-hued illustrations; Lucy wears braids and appears to be darker-skinned than Oona. Weirdly conceived but strangely compelling. (Fantasy. 7-10)

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December 1, 2023
Grades 2-4 Oona Bramblegoop has only just started on her path to becoming a Grand Fairy, but she's certain that she's destined for greatness, even if her current position has her in charge of the resident slugs. She longs to be as glamorous and important as the Tooth Fairy, but it's hard to get a promotion when all of her spells seem to go slightly sideways--and when so many of them involve enchanted underwear! A chance meeting with her fairy idol finally gives Oona the opportunity to impress, but multiple missteps in the human world see them both suspended from fairy duties. Not to worry: Oona will stop at nothing to set things right and find her place in the enchanted order. The sweet series opener is packed with goofy humor, whimsical footnotes, and amusing illustrations sure to keep young readers enthralled. It's a lighthearted affair, but it also sneaks in wisdom about perseverance and ingenuity alongside the silliness. A fresh fairy tale with lots of laughs.

COPYRIGHT(2023) Booklist, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

January 1, 2024

Gr 2-4-In this new chapter book series, Oona is a newbie fairy whose magic doesn't always go the way she hopes. She's a slug fairy, and did you know slug slime is essential to the entire fairy world? Fun fairy facts pop up in footnotes like, "Newbies have little wings and magic so small they have to say it out loud for it to work." There is humor for all ages: Oona struggles to put bow ties on slugs, but they have no necks, so the ties end up looking like belts. The image on the page shows a slug holding a sign saying, "I prefer pearls." Oona tries to be the tooth fairy's sidekick but is not accepted until she helps the tooth fairy protect one of the children. However, when both fairies are spotted by the child (which is against fairy rules), the tooth fairy loses her job. Can Oona help her get it back? Alt�s brings Oona and her high jinks in fairy world to life with delightful, burgundy-tone cartoon drawings. VERDICT This is a fun chapter book for budding readers. Sure to appeal to fans of the "Rainbow Magic Fairies" series and "Unicorn Diaries."-Heidi Dechief

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