It's Not Fairy by Ros Asquith (Children's, Picture book, 9/10)

July 2012, Janetta Otter-Barry Books
32 Pages, Hardback
Review copy

Themes: types of fairies, household chores, acceptance, promotion of good manners, winning prizes, a few scary concepts, hilarious illustrations, adorable cat on every page

Summary from Frances Lincoln

The IT'S NOT FAIRY flaps round all night,
sorting out what's wrong or right .
But there's so many kids saying it's not fair -
she's ranting and raving and tearing her hair.
She's shouting, 'The very next kids I meet,
I'm pretty sure I'm going to EAT!'

Billy and Mary say they don't believe in the It's Not Fairy - but that's before she turns up at their house! And it's not only the children she wants to bake into a fairy cake - Mum and Dad come in for their share of blame too. There's nothing for it - the whole family may have to change their ways and be nicer to each other!

Nayuleska's thoughts

This is such a true book, focusing on encouraging good manners. It uses common situations which readers can find unfair, and shows a better way of doing it (instead of complaining). I liked the cat who had its own thoughts on the situation. 

 

There are rhyming parts to the story, witty names of food, exercise book with realistic children's illustrations. There are so many different types of fonts used which emphasize the points that are being made. There's a certain amount of a scare/ick factor which will appeal to younger readers but isn't quite for me which is why it gets 9/10.

You can find out more on Ros's website.

Suggested read

Another book focusing on manners is My Big Shouting Day by Rebecca Patterson.