Lily’s Dream (Fairies Welcome #1)

Jackson (Claudette Colvin: I Want Freedom Now!) presents a whimsical tale about young Lily, “the only fairy who just couldn’t find her wings.” While other fairies take to the skies, Lily is “the only one who knew about the beauty closer to the ground.” As she trudges into the forest after a tough flying lesson, a tumble over an acorn finds her approaching a well-appointed fairy-size residence in a hollow tree, and encountering a human girl, Willow, peering inside. When Lily must return to fetch a prized possession, and Willow compassionately offers it up, the girl also proves a help with Lily’s flying trouble, even creating a miniature helmet and trampoline for Lily’s efforts. Airy digital illustrations that foreground the natural world charmingly limn the story’s fantastical components as well as its characters’ affection. Though some plot points feel left up to interpretation, readers will appreciate the young fairy’s newfound bond, confidence, and know-how—“She didn’t yet soar with the birds or the butterflies.... But with her new friend Willow cheering her on, Lily was over the moon.” An author’s note concludes. Characters are portrayed with brown skin. Ages 4–8. (Jan.)