A Fairy Called Hilary

Strauss's lightweight fantasy (which first appeared in Cricket magazine) is a lot like cotton candy. The first few bites are delicious, but it starts getting old quickly. Hilary, a preteen, life-size fairy, settles in with Caroline's family and tries to refrain from using magic, but once per chapter the temptation is too great. At Caroline's prodding, she gives the cat the gift of speech for his birthday, creates ""the tallest snowman in the world"" and beefs up a magician's act during her friend Susie's birthday party. Although Hilary's spells sometimes cause mayhem, the result is always more fun than disastrous. Yet too many questions are left unanswered: Why did Hilary appear to Caroline? Why does she want to leave fairyland? When will she return to her real home? Those mysteries aside, readers won't need a crystal ball to foretell what's coming in each chapter. Ages 7-11. (Apr.)