Laura Amy Schlitz
Last week I spoke to Newbery medalist Laura Amy Schlitz (Good Masters! Sweet Ladies!) about her new release The Night Fairy (Feb. 23 from Candlewick). The middle grade novel tells the story of Flory, a fairy who loses her wings in an accident and must fend for herself in a garden alongside bats, praying mantises and other potentially threatening creatures.
As she learns to appreciate life in the daytime—Flory was born a nocturnal fairy, although she attempts to change her sleep schedule—the little fairy also discovers emotions like empathy and hope.
I predict that this charming story will be a hit with kids who love the outdoors and playing make believe—not only because of the text, but because the accompanying illustrations are truly works of art. Illustrator Angela Barrett studied at the Royal College of Art in England with Quentin Blake (best known for immortalizing Roald Dahl’s characters in cartoons). She has illustrated more than 24 books, and her depictions of Flory’s miniature world will enchant young readers. (Visit this gallery on The Night Fairy’s website for examples.)
On Feb. 23, you can read about Schlitz’s intriguing new project and her interest in fairy stories on BookPage.com. In the meantime, listen to an audio clip from the author. In it, she discusses the joyful moment of winning the Newbery Medal in 2008:
[audio http://www.bookpage.com/audio/schlitz_winningnewbery.mp3]
We’re giving away a copy of The Night Fairy to a lucky reader. To enter, tell us in the comments: Who is your favorite fairy from literature? I’ll vote for Titania from A Midsummer Night’s Dream. Deadline: Feb. 17 at 10 a.m.
My daughter was always in love with Tinkerbell from Peter Pan…can’t help but love her!
I was intrigued by this book the first time I saw an ad. It looks lovely and I know my daughter will love it too. I will stay with the Shakespeare theme and vote for Queen Mab, though of course he did not solely create her.
What a wonderful book to feature. It sounds unique and delightful. My favorite would be Sleeping Beauty. The fairies are memorable.
This isn’t a particular fairy, but my favorite fairy-related book would have to be The Changeling. Does that count?
The Blue Fairy from “Pinocchio” would have to get my vote. She inspires Pinocchio to learn the difference between right and wrong, telling him to always let his conscience be his guide–something we all must do when we want to grow up. In the end, when Pinocchio proves his selflessness by saving Gepetto, it is the Blue Fairy who makes Pinocchio into a real boy.
defenitly Tinkerbell w/ a 2 1/2 yr old we watch alot of the tinkerbell movies and Peter Pan
I liked the fairies in Carolyn Turgeon’s GODMOTHER!
This book sounds absolutely lovely! My favorite fairy has to be Tinkerbell. What would Peter Pan have done without her?
Oh, I would have to say the fairy-man with the thistle-down hair in Susanna Clarke’s “Jonathan Strange and Mr. Norrell”. He’s positively impish, plotting, mischievous and his fairy underworld is fascinating.
Of course the first fairy has to be Tinkerbell.
Lately I’m really digging Ariel from The Tempest.
Does he count?
Has to be Tink
Do fairy godmothers count? I’ve always loved the the plump little fairy ball of joy from Cinderella.
Since she was my first – and she captivated my young heart and imagination – my favorite fairy is Tinkerbelle. She has just the right touch of mischief and goodness.
Tinkerbell from Peter Pan, of course!
I love the story “Photographing Fairies” based on the famous English hoax the “Cottingly Fairies.”
Definitely Magpie in “Blackbringer” and “Silksinger” – gotta love a demon-hunting faerie with crow friends!
Just received my copy! Thank you- it is so beautiful. And as I predicted, my daughter loves it too
I’m so glad you’re enjoying it!
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