Traci's Book Bag: Series Review: The Fairy Chronicles by J.H. Sweet

The Fairy Chronicles is a beautifully illustrated series of easy readers about a group of young girls who've discovered they have special gifts that enable them to make positive changes in the world around them. Each selection focuses on one girl and her fairy strengths.

The first book in the series, Marigold and the Feather of Hope, tells the story of Beth, a nine-year old girl who discovers her powers while spending two weeks with her eccentric Aunt Evelyn. With some new friends and her new found abilities, she'll try to track down the Feather of Hope before all hope is lost forever.

Dragonfly and the Web of Dreams is the second book in the series, and it focuses on Jennifer, a dragonfly fairy with amazing athletic abilities. When the Web of Dreams is destroyed, it is up to Dragonfly and her friends to find the Dream Spider and convince him to create a new one before peaceful sleep is lost forever.

In book three, Thistle and the Shell of Laughter, the fairy girls are back with Grace, a.k.a. Thistle, in the lead. The Shell of Laughter has been stolen, and Thistle, Dragonfly, and Marigold must help Staid, the shell's elf protector find it before sorrow overtakes the world and laughter is a thing of the past.

These are wonderful books that will help young girls learn to appreciate nature and their own special gifts. Each book has a section at the end that expands on some of the concepts and ideas touched on during the story. For instance, the appendix to Thistle and the Shell of Laughter answers the question of why people are ticklish among other things. At around 100 pages each, they are great for early readers wanting to break into chapter books. Though each book in the series builds on the others, it is not absolutely necessary to read them in order.