Two things I do when I am at work: doodle on the purchase order I am calling in when left on hold too long and look at customer special orders when I am processing them. I was looking at a special order the other day when I saw a small picture book called Freddie and the Fairy. I did not recognize the name Karen George but seem to know their illustrations. I did know that Julia Donaldson has several books that can be all over the place. Some funny, some not my tastes, but something for everyone.
Freddie is an adaptable story that can be used to show children how to deal with another student/child or even adult with a hearing issue. Or it is a good book about how to “speak up” so you can be understood. Freddie helps Bessie-Belle (a fairy) get unstuck from a tree. To thank him, she will grant all his wishes. However, things do not go as planned and Freddie gets frustrated. Yet, he quickly learns that he is just as much at fault as Bessie-Belle is for being unable to perfectly grant his wishes because he is unclear and does not follow three golden rules.
It is a clever, sweet and funny book. The kids will get a giggle out of the misunderstandings (such as Freddie wants a pet but is given a net) and will learn something, too. It might seem an “old fashioned issue” in today’s world, but still is relevant. And on top of a message, it is just a nice story for most ages as well.
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