This scion of J.M. Barrie’s Peter Pan builds on many familiar elements including the Neverland location, mermaids, Captain Hook, Tinker Bell, fairies, fairy dust and never growing old. However, the real story belongs to Prilla, Neverland’s newest fairy who unfortunately lacks a talent, something essential for a Never fairy. Wise Mother Dove is sure Prilla will discover her talent, but then a hurricane intervenes, injuring Mother Dove and her egg. Since Mother Dove’s annual molting produces the critical fairy dust and her perennially un-hatched egg ensures the inhabitants will never age, Neverland’s future is threatened. Mother Dove dispatches Prilla and two other fairies to find a golden hawk feather, Captain Hook’s jeweled cigar holder and a mermaid comb to tempt the dragon Kyto to repair the egg. Prilla’s quest to save Neverland and find her talent is worthy of the best fairy tale in its own right—without the Pan trappings. And despite some comic Disney-like touches, the full-color watercolor illustrations are in the glorious tradition of Arthur Rackham. Clap your hands if you believe in fairies! (Fantasy. 8-12)
