Gerry, full of her characteristic pluck and sparkle, returns in this fourth installment of the best-selling Very Fairy Princess series.
Feb. 14 is approaching, and Gerry literally throws herself into a joyous crafting frenzy as she works to make the very best valentines for her family, friends and even Connor, although he pulls her hair in class. Mommy helpfully gives Gerry one of Daddy’s folders to keep her creations safe. When the big day arrives, Gerry and her family enjoy heart-shaped pancakes and share valentines. Then she dresses in her very best tiara and wings for the big party at school. In all the excitement, she nearly misses her bus and almost forgets her valentines but grabs the folder just in time. It is the wrong folder, however. Without her valentines to distribute, all seems ruined…until a few encouraging words from her teacher and a sudden wonderful idea produce some pleasantly surprising results: Connor is not so bad after all, and it is great to actually tell someone face to face what you most appreciate about them. Andrews and Hamilton’s text successfully captures the enthusiastic urgency of their impish protagonist. What truly impresses is Davenier’s ink-and–colored-pencil artwork that vividly portrays Gerry’s every emotion, whether she is over-the-top happy or utterly disappointed.
Three cheers for this princess whose magic comes from her confidence and determination rather than gauzy wings or shiny baubles. (Picture book. 3-6)
