Fairy Dust and the Quest for the Egg

Newbery Honor-winning author Gail Carson Levine brings the world of Tink and her fairy friends to spectacular life in this beautifully illustrated novel.

Fairy Haven is abuzz with news about its latest arrival, Prilla. It's bad enough that she has no idea what her special talent is, but some of her behavior is remarkably, well, human. Prilla is heartbroken that she does not seem to fit in. She desperately needs help from Mother Dove, the most important creature in Neverland, who created and cares for the magical egg that prevents all who live in Neverland from growing old and dying. But tragedy strikes as the island is hit by a hurricane, and the Never egg is destroyed. Mother Dove must pick three fairies to set out on a dangerous quest to repair the egg. She chooses Rani, the best water-talent fairy; Vidia, the most selfish, but fastest fast-flying-talent fairy; and, to everyone's surprise — Prilla. The three embark on a journey filled with danger, sacrifice, and adventure. The fate of Neverland — and their world as they know it — rests on their shoulders.

"Tinker Bell, the feisty fairy made famous in J.M. Barrie's Peter Pan as well as Disney's animated movie of that book, goes into freefall here, recast as a star of this flighty and confusing fantasy. Levine (Ella Enchanted) introduces readers to 'Tink's' world, Never Land — a magical island that can shift size and location, and where humans (called 'Clumsies'), animals and fairies never grow old. The perpetual state of spring and summer is sustained by Mother Dove sitting on her magic egg. A new fairy named Prilla arrives on the eve of Mother Dove's Molt — her feathers provide flight-making fairy dust. But when tragedy strikes Mother Dove and the egg, Prilla and two other fairies are chosen to go on a perilous quest (involving Captain Hook) in order to save the ailing bird. Unfortunately, the detailed descriptions of Never Land life are overly precious (e.g., 'a midge on a fairy was as big as a bee on a Clumsy') and the characters' qualities come off as cloying. Tink remains fundamentally petulant but does relate to Mother Dove her unrequited love for Peter, a point likely to be lost on readers who would migrate to this book's fairy themes. The conversational narrative frequently addresses readers directly, a convention that becomes tiresome ('Remember the worst pain you've ever felt. Close your eyes and think of it'). Though Levine takes Tink on new adventures, she probably won't win the fairy many new fans. Ages 6-10. (Sept.)" Publishers Weekly (Copyright Reed Business Information, Inc.)

"The story is exciting, the characters accessible if stock, and Christiana's lush, full-color illustrations breathtaking. Children already enamored of the Disney Princess line will be clamoring for it." SchoolLibrary Journal

"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!" Kirkus Reviews