The Fairy Bell Sisters #1: Sylva and the Fairy Ball
Seven fairy years old, Sylva Bell looks forward to her birthday. Unfortunately, it falls just after the Fairy Ball, which is open to fairies eight and older. Though disappointed, Sylva tries to make her sisters’ beautiful gowns even more exquisite and ends up making a mess. Now disappointed and disgraced, Sylva stays home while her sisters go to Queen Mab’s ball. But when she realizes that trolls are about to attack the palace, Sylva bravely flies forth to save the day. While the story is told in third person, McNamara occasionally addresses readers directly. For instance, in the beginning she advises those seeking a story about “perfect little fairies” to choose another book, but continues, “If you would like to hear about a brave little fairy who can also be rather naughty and get in very big trouble with her sisters, just turn the page.” Readers who find that synopsis inviting will be pleased with what they find in this illustrated chapter book, the first in a series about Tinker Bell’s younger sisters. Grades 2-4. --Carolyn Phelan--This text refers to theHardcoveredition.