Birdie's Book

Birdie is a young girl who is visiting her mother's mom for the first time. There she finds out from her Gram that she comes from a long line of Fairy Godmothers, including her mother, who turned her back on the family history. Birdie learns she must go on a quest to bring the family back together. The book enters the world of magic and dreamland so fast that you don't have much time to deny it. I like the idea of the series, which has a website [...] and cards within the books for each fairy godmother in training. These books are a step up from chapter books. So if your looking for the next step from Rainbow Magic Fairies or Disney Fairies books these would be a fine start.

If you have a young reader that enjoyed the "Rainbow Fairy series" (Rainbow Magic Books 1-7 Boxset), then do introduce them to "Birdies' Book!"(The introductory book in "The Fairy Godmother Academy series.) The writing style is similar, which is to say simple and straightforward and kid-friendly, but the story has been updated for a slightly older audience. There is, for example, some teen angst, and more personal drama and excitement. The story is about Birdie's quest (Birdie Cramer Bright). Unbeknownst to her, her family has a strong history of magic, which unfortunately involves a terrible mistake which is killing the wonderous fairyland of Aventurine. In order to fix this, Birdie must join forces with Kerka, a girl who is very much different than her; and the two of them must face off against dark forces and solve the mystery of how to repair the family talisman. I really liked some of the aspects of this book. I liked, for instance, that Latin was introduced as a cool and positive thing. I liked that older people were revered and not ridiculed as they are in some books. And I liked that plant knowledge, like Latin, was presented in a positive light. I think older girls are going to be drawn to the idea that sometimes they aren't going to understand what their parents are thinking. And that there parents were once kids like themselves, who sometimes made mistakes. (In this book, Birdies' mother denies her heritage! Something Birdie doesn't initially understand.) Talking Points ::: This is a fun, light read that ought to be a hit with girls who like adventure and magic. There is light conflict as well as some inter-personal angst. There is no real violence, nor anything too scary so that the book would be appropriate for younger readers, especially those who read above grade-level. (Note: there are one or two pages in the book that are in cursive. These might need 'translating'.) The other point I would mention is that the book is not really 224 pages long. By my own count it is approximately 192 pages in length. The difference being that the publisher includes a sneak preview (love those!) into book #2, "Kerka's Book"" The Fairy Godmother Academy #2: Kerka's Book Pam mom and reviewer for BooksForKids-reviews The Fairy Godmother Academy - Birdie's Book * Accelerated Reading level :none found * Paperback: 224 pages **(see note in Talking Points)

As a teacher and a writer, I loved reading Birdie's Book, the first in the Fairy Godmother Academy Series. Birdie's challenge -- to save the natural world and to bring estranged family members together -- encourages all readers to look outside themselves and make a real world impact. In this age where community building is increasingly important, it's also great to see that there is a website that goes along with the series. Girls can sign up for a parent-approved, moderated social network, join their voice in the "Million Girl Choir" and make unique outfits for Fairy Godmother characters. I definitely recommend this book and website for parents and teachers of "tween" girls. But any sensitive reader will surely appreciate Birdie's story!

As a mother of a little girl I have to say that I was psyched to see see this book on the shelf. When doing every day battles with the likes of Barbie and Bratz this is like a breath of very fresh air. Not only does the author respect that young girls are smart, and interested in more than gossip and shopping, but that they are also inherently wise. This wisdom just needs to be tapped into and nurtured. A great read with just a right amount of fantasy and real world to keep your reader ripping through the pages!

This is a wonderful book for girls that encourages inner strength, friendship, and making good choices. I am thrilled to introduce my daughter to this series that is thoughtful and fun. So much of what we see in the media sends our daughters in questionable directions- this hip, yet wholesome, tale is a breath of fresh air!