Lucy Fleming (2)

A tiny moth-winged fairy, Ella loved the light. Although unable to venture out in daytime, because the sun would melt her delicate wings, every night she gathered the radiance of the moon and stars, and of the lamps in the nearby human town, sharing what she found with everyone who needed a reassuring glow in the darkness. Aiding and befriending Sable the fox and Luna the owl, with whom she spent her nights in play, Ella led a very happy life. Her grateful friends, mindful of the help she show more provided to others, decided to find a way to fulfill her great wish: to see the sunrise...

Although she had previously illustrated many picture-books and beginning chapter-books, UK artist Lucy Fleming made her authorial debut with the 2020 Ella's Night Lights, which tells a sweet tale of a helpful little fairy (a word not used in the narrative), and how her kindness was rewarded. I found the story engaging, but the chief draw for me (and the reason I picked this up from a library display recently) was the artwork. I found the visuals here very appealing, appreciating both the wintry vistas (something I always enjoy), and the depiction of Sable (unsurprising, as a fox lover). The scene in which Sable is curled up around the tiny sleeping Ella is just magical! Recommended to picture-book readers who enjoy stories about fairies, forest animals, and any combination thereto. show less

This is a sweet, charming, lovely read for young children; and it is beautifully illustrated. Stories about mermaids fall into the category of myths and legends and are slightly akin to fairy tales. In short, they are totally make-believe.

Lily the Pond Mermaid takes the "fish" out of the sea but keeps her in the water. Though landlocked in a little pond, "Lily" has a personality that is loving, kind, gentle, and giving. She loves to watch out for all the critters in the pond. She cares for show more them. She worries about them. She solves problems for them. And one dark day there is a major storm when the rain falls and the wind blows. Lily and the critters take shelter in the little niches under the pond to stay safe from the storm.

Afterward, Lily sees the havoc the storm brought and is over-wrought. This is when her critter friends step in and help Lily.

A lovely book and a really sweet story about caring for others and bringing joy into the lives of others. I am concerned about the level of despair and worry Lily experiences and how this will impact the young minds and hearts for which this story is written. Is it too much? Is it right to talk outright about worry to children who know nothing about it or are experiencing it? Well, that's an issue each parent must address within their own homes. Again, I repeat, this is a sweet and lovely book.

I received a complimentary copy from Candlewick Press to facilitate a review. Opinions are mine, alone and are freely given. show less

Tiny, fun-loving Oak learns to change with the seasons - in her own time - when winter comes. Forest fairies rejoice in this beautiful book about having the courage to accept change, with lovely autumn tones, a 90-degree page turn, and coppery cover accents.

Ella is a wonderful little fairy, but her wings burn in the sunlight. She can only come out at night, and she helps others by lighting their way. She makes other nocturnal friends, who in turn, help her have just a bit of day. This book was lovely. It was soft in all the right ways. The illustrations were charming and fit the story very well.