Rebecca Recommends: 'The Night Fairy' by Laura Amy Schlitz

This is the story of Flory. She is a night fairy whose wings become damaged and so must undertake the life of a day fairy, navigating her way flightless and alone through a dangerous garden in order to survive. A fairy book for children aged 7 and up.

While Flory’s story begins with a tragedy that leaves her vulnerable and wounded, her strength soon shines through and she is discovered to be a brave and quite feisty little character. Having lived without any guidance from her fellow fairies however, (who apparently can’t abide bad manners), Flory can be a little rude and bossy. But through the dangers of the garden and the adventures she takes, Flory soon learns her lesson and you root for her all the way.

‘I work in a school library and little girls come to me every week, asking, “Do you have a book about a fairy?” They don’t want a fairy tale; they want a story with a fairy as the main character. They want to gaze at fairy pictures and think themselves small, alive in a dewy jungle of flowers.

I wrote The Night Fairy for these little girls. They are often quite interesting little girls—animal lovers, adventure lovers, and future wild women. I wanted to give them a fairy book that would combine the minute prettiness of fairy life with excitement and suspense.’ – Laura Amy Schlitz, Author © Candlewick Press (2011)

What I loved about this book was its beautiful sensory descriptions that really pulled you deep into the world of Flory’s story. Many of my beloved childhood books such as ‘The Little White Horse’ by Elizabeth Goudge and the 'Harry Potter' series by J.K Rowling would take the time to cherish visual delights and physical experiences, with descriptions of food and drink so ripe and full that you could almost taste it. This is what ‘The Night Fairy’ does so beautifully. I felt as if I could hear the rain and distant sound of bats and birds in the night. I was there to feel the whoosh of momentum as Flory and I clung to the back of a huge squirrel and I sat with her on the floor of her abandoned bird house as she magically wove her spider web rope.

‘She is a creature of simple needs, and after providing herself with a bed, clothes, and storage under difficult circumstances, she gets on with her mission outdoors. She is brave and resourceful – a perfect heroine.’ Angela Barrett, Illustrator. © Walker Books Ltd (2011)

Within the story, there is a subtle lore of the night fairies which helps build Flory’s character as well as explain how her magical abilities continue to grow. The book is also interspersed with absolutely gorgeous and memorable illustrations; vibrant, rich and exciting. Wonderful pictorial treats that I was eager to come across.

 I would definitely love to recommend this book. It will be going in my treasured favourites pile and I’m so glad I picked it up. If you know any girls or boys (or big kids like me) that like a good fairy story or going on an adventure with miniature creatures in a giant’s world, this is a great book to pick up.

Illustrated by Angela Barrett. Walker Books (2011)

For more information, please check out: www.thenightfairy.com