Whistle Bright Magic: A Nutfolk Tale

Housebound too long, and another snowstorm raging outside, I decided to read Whistle Bright Magic, a sequel to The Fairies of Nutfolk Wood. Within the first chapter I found myself back in Plunkit, instantly bonding with Zelly, and wondering about the fairies and what would happen. The ten year old girl I once was did not want to stop reading, and neither did the adult that I am, so I didn't. I was delightfully hooked, and read the book from beginning to end in one sitting. As I finished the last chapter, I read as slowly as I could, trying to make this hopeful magical story last just a little longer. The next day I found myself thinking about Whistle Bright Magic and wondering when I will have the pleasure of visiting Plunkit again, hopefully soon.

Whistle Bright Magic is for all those people out there who never wanted to leave Never Never Land. The moment one reads the first lines off the page they are drawn into the world of wonder and possibilities. A book that allows the mind to wander from the realities of life. Bound among the 224 pages is something for everyone.

This is a tender, but fun read. The compelling plot will carry the young reader along, while the author has skillfully woven in some important themes for our time: divorce, families that don't live under one roof, and addiction. These heavy topics are addressed with skill and grace, but are sure to leave all kinds of kids feeling like their family is just right. I enjoyed this book even more than the first one.

In "Whistle Bright Magic" Barb Bentler Ullman has brought us back to Nutfolk Wood twenty years later with old and new characters in this warm, emotional, funny and magical story. New friends help Willa's daughter, Zelly explore feelings of love, friendship, loneliness, and disappointment warring with hope as she searches for identity from an absent parent. The story provokes emotions that will appeal to a all readers who will find a wide range of human and fairy characters to connect with. Readers will find Ms. Ullman's humor and insight to human nature compelling. "Whistle Bright Magic" practically turns its own pages taking the reader from one adventure to the next. You will glimpse the younger Willa, now grown up, from "The Fairies of Nutfolk Wood" and love her daughter Zelly. This is a story of hope, redemption and friendship with a little magic thrown in that even skeptical adults will want to believe. Concise text with plenty of picturesque phrasing, "Whistle Bright Magic" will play in the reader's imagination long after the story is over.