Through the Looking Glass Children's Book Reviews
Come to the Fairies' Ball
Illustrator: Gary A. Lippincott
Picture Book
For ages 6 to 8
Boyds Mills Press, 2009 ISBN: 978-1590784648
All over the land little invitations are being delivered to all kinds of fairy dwellings. They are arriving at bijoux tree houses, barns, grand halls, and homes that are tucked away under the roots of trees. The fairy folk who live in these residences are soon busy reading their invitations to the Fairies’ Ball.
Soon fairies of all kinds are in a “tizzy, a flap, and a pother,” as they get ready for the ball. They have to find all their grandest clothes, and as so often happens, they have no idea where their crowns, lace, spider-web gowns, top hats, and other party clothes are.
Of course, the fairies do eventually find their fancy jackets, gowns, and accessories, and soon they are heading to the ball. Those who have wings get to the ball on their own, while those who do not have wings ride in carriages and other conveyances that are pulled or carried by a variety of animals.
This is one fairy whose gown is too torn to wear to the ball, and she is about to give in to her despair when some ants remind her that “Work makes matters better.” Encouraged by her ant friends, the little fairy sets about making an outfit for herself, but she surely is going to be late, and one thing that a fairy cannot do is to be late to a ball.
With gorgeous and richly detailed illustrations and a wonderful rhyming text, Gary Lippincott and Jane Yolen give readers a magical tale that is sure to enchant anyone who has a fondness for fairies, elves, and their relatives.
