The Night Fairy: 06/15/12

The Night Fairy by Laura Amy Schlitz and illustrated by Angela Barrett begins with Flory, a young night fairy, losing her wings. She's left vulnerable to whatever predators might be interested in her.

In order to survive, Flory needs to adapt. The first thing she must do is learn how to be a day fairy. This part reminded me of Yvaine from Neil Gaiman's Stardust being kept awake by Tristran after she falls to Earth. Both characters show their strength and ingenuity through how they adapt, although neither does it with much happiness.

Flory though isn't alone. She's in a garden full of different creatures. Most of the book is how she comes to know her new garden home and the other animals that live there. Schlitz descriptions and characterizations of the other animals has a similar naturalism to the cats in The Cats of Roxville Station by Jean Craighead George.

Angela Bartlett's beautiful illustrations make The Night Fairy something special. They are the right blend of realism and fantasy. They bring forth the creatures' personalities while still making them recognizable backyard creatures.

Four stars

Comments (2)

Comment #1: Friday, June 15, 2012 at 15:21:12

Jeane

Looks like a lovely book. Is it juvenile fiction?

Comment #2: Saturday, June 16, 2012 at 13:36:52

Pussreboots

Yes. It's best suited for 3rd to 6th graders but it could also be used as a group read-aloud for the younger grades.