A chance encounter with a fairy godmother with a penchant for glitter leads to merry mischief for 12-year-old Lacey.
Discovering a curmudgeonly fairy godmother named Katarina trapped in her hair is just the beginning of Lacey’s venture into the world of magic and fairies. When Lacey’s cat tries to eat Katarina and injures her, Lacey learns that the fulfillment of her own dreams is dependent on Katarina’s completing her fairy-godmother mission. To resolve the problem, Lacey must temporarily assume the role of a fairy godmother. However, her determination turns to dismay when she learns she must fulfill the dream of Paige, the most popular girl in sixth grade. Soon, with the reluctant guidance of Katarina, Lacey is endeavoring to learn the basics of magic—with hilarious results whenever she attempts to wield a wand and create spells. While struggling to determine Paige’s dearest dream, Lacey discovers some surprising details about Paige’s seemingly perfect life. Through her efforts to help Paige, Lacey gains a greater appreciation of family. Brauner and Mattson enliven a familiar storyline with comical scenarios featuring a plucky, likable protagonist. They also address common middle school issues as Lacey navigates friendship quandaries and first crushes. Halpin’s humorous sketches, appearing throughout the text, playfully complement the story’s whimsical tone.
Featuring zany escapades, madcap magic and a cantankerous fairy godmother, this effervescent series debut enchants. (Fantasy. 9-12)
