When I Was a Fairy by Tom Silson, illustrated by Ewa Poklewska-Koziełło

When I Was a Fairy by Tom Silson, illustrated by Ewa Poklewska-Koziełło. Flying Eye Books, 2021. 9781838740207

Rating: 1-5 (5 is an excellent or a Starred review) 3

Format: Hardcover picture book

Genre:  Fantasy

What did you like about the book? This heartfelt story in rhyme is told by a grandma regaling her grandchild about the world of imagination she remembers when she was a child. From driving a dragonfly, living in an ancient willow tree and exploring the world in stories, the woman explores flights of fancy that she hopes her grandchild will enjoy. Although the woman and her grandchild are white, fairies of many different skin colors and hair colors gambol through the pages. I like that the child is depicted as gender neutral.

The illustrations are what stand out about this book, and will delight young children who love fairies and miniature, flower-filled worlds. Vibrant jewel tones and lovely pastel colors bring the fairy world and its denizens alive.

Anything you didn’t like about it? The rhymes are quite wordy, but young listeners will likely be captivated more by the images.

To whom would you recommend this book?  For fairy loving readers, ages 4-7, and their grandparents

Who should buy this book? Public libraries, as an additional purchase

Where would you shelve it ? Picture books

Should we (librarians/readers) put this on the top of our “to read” piles? No

Reviewer’s Name, Library (or school), City and State: Stephanie Tournas, Robbins Library, Arlington, MA

Date of review: February 22, 2022