The Fairy Rebel

From the author of The Indian in the Cupboard and its sequel comes a story of earthly enchantment. When Tiki, a fairy, is ``earthed'' on Jan's human foot, both are terrified. But because Jan, unlike most adults, believes in fairies, the two become friends. When Tiki learns that Jan is sad because she and her husband Charles can't have children, the flighty fairy performs a bit of forbidden magic. Her act provokes the wrath of the wicked Fairy Queen, but Jan's daughter Bindi grows up to be a healthy eight-year-old, receiving magic presents every year from Tiki. Then the Fairy Queen exacts her revenge on the family, and it is only through the combined powers of humans and fairies that the evil ruler is defeated forever. Told in the grand fashion of early 20th century fairy tales, Banks's story is a comfortable, old-fashioned read (with numerous witty asides) about a naughty but courageous fairy and her loving mortal friends. Illustrations not seen by PW. Ages 10-up. (Oct.)