Through the Looking Glass Children's Book Reviews
Twilight Fairies
Illustrator: Don Kilby
Picture Book
For ages 5 to 8
Fitzhenry and Whiteside, 2002 ISBN: 978-1550416459
Miranda loves birthday parties and she is very excited for soon she is going to be celebrating her birthday. In addition to parties she also loves fairies. In fact, she likes them so much that she wishes that she could see them and play with them. Unlike her friends who had a magician party and a bowling party, Miranda doesn't want to do anything special. All she wants is a garden party with her friends, and the fairies, as her guests.
Not surprisingly Miranda's mother and her big brother Sam think the whole idea that fairies are real is ridiculous, but they play along and soon the entire household is in full swing getting ready for the party. Miranda makes sure that the fairies know that they too are invited to the celebration
At long last, on midsummer's eve, the party begins. Miranda's friends are astonished and delighted by the party decorations that they see in the garden. Then everyone, even Miranda's mother and brother, come to realise that someone or something has been busy in the garden besides themselves. Little pots of flowers are everywhere and "gossamer threads" hang from the trees. There can be no doubt that this is the work of fairies. Clearly the fairies heard Miranda's whispered invitation and they are going to be at the party too - in their own way.
Believing in fairies is one of the joys of childhood and sharing Miranda's dream within the pages of this picture book is a special experience. Soft pastel illustrations emphasize the magical nature if this event, sweeping the reader off to a garden world where fairies dance and where they delicately nibble at sandwich and sweet pink frosting crumbs.
