The Very Fairy Princess: A Spooky, Sparkly Halloween

Gerry is having “a hard time choosing a costume that works with my wings and crown,” and she’s quick to set her father straight when he suggests that she simply dress up as a fairy princess. “That not a costume,” she says. “That’s what I am!” Rather than make Gerry’s costume conundrum the heart of the story, Andrews and Hamilton focus on her ingenuity, first in coming up with a perfect wings-friendly costume (an angel) and then by coming to the rescue of a classmate whose dentist costume gets doused with ketchup at lunch, a stain that “sends totally the wrong message about dentists!” A few costume adjustments for both girls result in a winning Halloween parade, captured in loving detail in Davenier’s characteristically loose and lively illustrations. No tricks here, just treats—sparkly ones, of course. Ages 3–6. (July)