What is it about fairies that inspire such wonder in little hearts? Be it fairy gardens, the tooth fairy, or Peter Pan’s bestie Tinkerbell, kids just seem to be drawn to the sparkle and magic of the tiny sprites of lore. So, if you’ve got a fairytale aficionado in your life, we’ve got just the list for you: five picture books that celebrate the enchantment of fairies for young readers.
Lily’s Dream: A Fairy Friendship by Bea Jackson
Lily the little fairy has one very big wish: that her wings would grow big and strong enough to soar as high as the birds and the butterflies. Her mother encourages her to be patient, but it’s hard! One day, while lamenting her frustrations, she happens upon a cozy home where everything is just her size and finds that it is the work of the gentle human girl, Willow. As the two get to know one another, Lily confides her dream in her new friend, who makes it her mission to help. Jackson’s phenomenal artwork and darling text combine to create a lovely tale that will appeal to all fairy fans — especially those who make fairy gardens — while offering some much-needed POC representation in the fairy story genre.
Through the Fairy Door by Gabby Dawnay, Illustrated by Giulia Tomai, Photography by Lars van de Goor
Another fairy-loving child named Willow makes an appearance in this magical title, which follows the curious youngster as she wanders off the beaten path — where all the adults are busy “rushing about” — and finds herself thrown into a magical land inhabited by an entire society of fairies. Spending a year of seasons interacting with the magical creatures of the fairyland, Willow eventually returns home to her world, where no time has passed, with a little extra magic in tow. Dawnay’s spare text perfectly compliments the stunning art style, which combines van de Goor’s beautiful photographs with Tomai’s dazzling illustrations, creating a title that is warm, luminous, and full of marvel.
Mister Fairy by Morgane de Cadier, Illustrated by Florian Pigé
Mister Fairy is not quite like the other fairies. While all of the fairies in his forest have special skills — such as healing or romance — Mister Fairy doesn’t seem to be suited to any of these talents. Feeling useless and unhappy, Mister Fairy flies away and finds himself in a very different kind of forest: one with tall gray buildings and grim, gloomy people. While little readers will be all smiles at the grumpy Mister Fairy, Cadier’s ultimately quite touching story also provides an important lesson on the positive impacts we make on others, even when we are unsure of ourselves or even unconsciously doing so. Pigé’s illustrations tie it all together with charm and wit, making this a delightful yet immensely satisfying read.
A Fairy Friend by Sue Fliess, Illustrated by Claire Keane
Written in an instructional manual style, this spellbinding story follows a young child and their dog as they follow the recommended procedures for making friends with a fairy. From finding a fairy and building them a home to indulging your fairy friend’s inquisitive nature and desire to explore, little ones will find plenty of tips on how to make a pal of a spritely spirit. And once you do? Oh boy, the magic that is in store! But best of all, you’ll have a true friend to keep you believing in magic. Fliess’s rhyming text is enchanting, and the artwork of the legendary illustrator Claire Keane transports the reader into a fantastic world that exists right alongside our reality.
Fairy Walk by Gaia Cornwall
Okay, but do fairies really exist? Hmmm, debatable. Still, there’s no harm in a nature walk to explore the nearby woods to look for them, right? That’s just what the three friends at the center of this gentle story have set out to do, clad in rain gear — and with their caregivers’ permission, of course. As the three friends search for signs of fairies under rocks and flowers, through hollows, and inside burrows, they find plenty of magical things that nature has to show them, but can’t locate any sign of the fairies they seek. Still, that doesn’t deter their belief; they offer the unseen sprites gifts from their stroll and bid them goodbye. Cornwell’s endearing illustrations and childlike narrative text provide a beautiful comparison between the wonder that can arise from everyday natural wonders, inviting the reader to appreciate the magic in what they can see without losing faith in what they can’t.
We hope that you and your little fairy friends — be they otherworldly or kiddos wearing wings — enjoy the books on this list. Happy reading!
To see more of our magical recommendations for young readers, check out our article on Classic Fairytale Retellings With A Twist!
To see all of our recommendations for mini bookworms, check out our Bookshop bookshop.
