Mimosa and the River of Wisdom (The Fairy Chronicles)

This book has a lot to say. I don't think it's a simple fairy tale, not that many fairy tales are, but this definitely takes on a serious subject -- that of smoking. The title character takes on a challenge -- that of figuring out what she can do to help her mother quit smoking. Most people would probably agree Mimosa's mother should figure this out on her own. I think kids often feel helpless when they see adults struggle with problems like this. This book doesn't say that kids can solve their parent's problems. I think it more says that they can help in ways they might not have imagined and that they do have a say-so in things like this and that they can and should get involved. I applaud Mimosa for getting involved. Though we can't employ her solution to the problem of smoking addiction, there might be other ways we can help people who struggle with this if we are creative and willing to get involved.

Mimosa's real name is Alexandra Hastings. Her spirit is from a mimosa tree blossom and she smells like peaches. She carries a feather from an emu for her wand and her fairy gift has to do with caring and sensitivity. However...we discover that she has a few human gifts that come into play as the story progresses. Madam Toad, leader of the fairies, makes two kinds of appearances in this story. When Mimosa breaks the fairy rules, Madam Toad meets with Alexandra in regular woman form to counsel her on the rules and consequences. Later in the book, Madam Toad chooses Mimosa to lead the mission to the River of Wisdom to rescue a nymph from the evil Spirit of Ignorance. After the fairy mission, Mimosa makes a fairy move to put a plan into action that will change her life, and her mother's, forever. This touching story is beautifully written and is a clever mix of real-life and fantasy events. I think this proves there is magic everywhere in the world, even in everyday events and the actions of others, whether we notice these things or not. My kids and I loved this book and will be sharing it with others. The illustrations in this book are very colorful and are full of exquisite detail. This is appealing to all readers, not just young children. I know a lot of people who home school in the Houston area, and some of them are using the books of this series. They are good as learning tools because of the nature information in the back and the positive messages about recycling and helping others. They are also good to use as incentives because the books are so much fun to read and contain exciting activities like recipes and patterns for friendship bracelets.

I have read all in this series and they keep getting better and more meaningful. This is truly beautiful, but not much about fairies. It's more about a girl making a tough decision. Her friends struggle with the decision too, after the fact because she keeps it secret from them until it's all over. This touched my soul and my heart. Most people know someone who has died of lung cancer. While I was reading this I felt an ache for the loss of friends and loved ones who have passed on from that horrible disease.

My children have been enjoying the books in this series during our evening storyhour. This is a very important book. Most people have lost loved ones due to cancer. I've never seen a children's book address this subject before. It works for me. The young heroine--known as both Alexandra and Mimosa--struggles with a big decision and makes a very good choice in the end, in my opinion. I am going to buy copies of this for every child I am acquainted with. It is an amazing book.

J. H. Sweet ... What a treat ... Writing 'bout fairies, she can't be beat. Book one was pure delight; Book two is "out of sight." Book three is a kid's dream, Book four will make them beam. But wait till you see what's in store; of fairy books, she has plenty more. Each of this author's books stands alone as far as story-line, and I discovered something new about fairies and fairy lore in each one. She's a fine writer, so good at her craft that the fairies came alive for me. Interesting story-lines, colorful characters in an exciting, entertaining format. I have all of this series, including the few that were published by another publisher ... which are collector's items now. I could hardly wait until December 15th for this one and another one (the latest two) to be released. Then the 15th caught me unawares, so I'm a few days late posting this review. Highly recommended. Review by: Betty Dravis, 2007