Dr. Toughlove’s April 2023 review is below. Enjoy!
If you are ready to laugh out loud, you won’t want to miss reading the book “Alice the Fairy” written and illustrated by David Shannon. If you think you have heard Dr. Toughlove mention David Shannon in a previous column, you are correct! David Shannon is the award-winning illustrator of one of Dr. Toughlove’s favorite books, “How I Became A Pirate” which she reviewed in July 2022. He is also a Caldecott Honor recipient, and his books (he has written and/or illustrated over forty picture books), have appeared on the New York Times Best Illustrated Book List.
Alice announces very early in the book that she is in fact a fairy, albeit a temporary one. “You have to pass a lot of tests to be a permanent fairy” (p. 1). Her skill set is limited – for example, she can use her wand and her blanket to “fly” and change her dad into a horse, but has a little trouble getting her dog to float on the ceiling. Alice (who was inspired by David Shannon’s daughter) has an active imagination and delights her readers with her escapades. Dr. Toughlove doesn’t want to give the story away, so let it suffice to say that Alice’s aspiration to become a permanent fairy is charming, ingenious and hilarious.
Since David Shannon is an award-winning illustrator, it is hardly surprising that his pictures are bright, colorful and engaging. As is the case with many picture books, the illustrations tell the reader as much about the characters as the words do. Shannon aligns his pictures and words to perfection.
“Alice the Fairy” is an excellent read aloud book and adults usually enjoy it as much as children do. This book is also an excellent choice for children who like to act out stories as they read them aloud. Alice’s character is dramatic and expressive, which is a perfect outlet for many young children. “Alice the Fairy” is available at the Queen Anne’s County Library and is recommended for children aged 2-5.