Orchard Books ISBN 9781408350843 £4.99
Daisy Meadows is the pseudonym for the four authors of the very successful Rainbow Magic book series. Designed for early readers just beginning their first chapter books, they have hit upon a very clever formula. Fairies and magic have a universal appeal for little girls, but in these tales they feature alongside Rachel and Kirsty, two girls who ultimately solve the problems, thus making friendship, teamwork and common sense the key ingredients. While Jack Frost (with his goblins) is the main villain, he threatens very little, there is no violence and so this remains a safe universe with only minor problems to be solved. The straightforward narrative and dialogue, unencumbered by catch-phrases are enhanced by simple line drawings on each double page spread. At the end is a chapter from another tale along with details of the Rainbow Magic Reading Challenge. The accompanying website offers activities too, while The Literacy Trust also offers resources. This story features Tiana, a character with a huge following who reviews toys on YouTube. Jack Frost has stolen Tiana, the Toy Fairy’s candy key which means that the magical Land of Sweets, floating above Fairy Land, has been abducted. Not only does this affect fairies, but humans too, so that all sorts of nastiness might break out! Luckily, Tiana and her human schoolgirl friends are more than equal to the task, Jack Frost is outwitted and normality returns to both realms. Despite the overdose of sweets in this story, it will undoubtedly charm small girls and encourage them to read it and probably plenty more from the same stable for themselves. Have them at your fingertips to hook in your pupils.
Sue Barrett, retired teacher and lecturer
