Customer Reviews

Jethro Byrd, Fairy Child (Kate Greenaway Medal (Awards))

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

From Thumbelina and Tinkerbell to The Littles, small folk have always been hugely appealing to the wee storybook crowd. And what could be more engaging to youngsters 4-to-7, than the idea of actually finding a fairy in their own backyard? When Annabelle discovers a fairy child named Jethro Byrd, she can't believe her eyes. Soon, Annabelle is joined by the rest of the musical Byrd family for an entertaining tea party. Her parents, however, are too busy or too unimaginative to see the fairies, but they humor their daughter who can't help but ponder the adventures she might have if she flew off with the Byrd family, leaving her own mundane home behind. Despite the oversized dimensions of this picture book, the story within is very small, offering a simple contemplation about slowing down to look at the little things around us.

This is the first review I've ever given on Amazon. I'm doing so because I was so surprised that this book had an avg. of only 3 stars (because of one barely-explained 1-star review out of the 3 reviews given), and felt it was so misleading that I should weigh in. This is a GREAT book. It teaches wonderful values (hospitality to strangers, taking time, patience, kindness) without being heavy-handed or saccharine. It talks about parents "not getting it," wihtout villifying the parents like some books. The art is beautiful too.

This is a lovely story with great child appeal. After much looking for fairies, Annabelle really does find one. The Jethro of the title and his fairy family, including a baby as big as a fingenail, have crashed their ice-cream truck in a vacant lot. Annabelle lends a helping hand and invites them to tea. Her parents play along but can't see the tiny guests. Graham's bulby nosed, ordiniary-looking characters add to the feeling that this could happen in your backyard too.

I felt like I came into this story already in progress. I had to check a few times to make sure we weren't missing pages at the front. Yeah, the pictures were nice but the story didn't flow very well.