Every day Annabelle looked for fairies. She didn’t find them in cement or weeds or even under her brother, Sam. One day something hit the fence and she peeked through to meet Jethro Byrd, Fairy Child. Jethro introduced her to the whole Byrd family, Offin, Lily, Grandma, and baby Cecily.
The Byrds had arrived in their miniature ice cream truck. The landing had been something of a disaster. Annabelle helped them right their truck.
Annabelle’s parents didn’t see the fairies because parents are “too grown up.” But Annabelle enjoyed tea, cupcakes, and music with the Byrd family until it was time for them to depart for the Fairy Travelers’ Picnic. Parting was hard. Annabelle wished they could stay. They gave Annabelle a watch as a remembrance of their visit.
This clever book will delight children with its endearing illustrations. It will also delight adults with its deft narrative:
“Can you make magic?” Annabelle asked.
The Byrds shook their heads. “We just make hamburgers.”
Bob Graham (2002). Jethro Byrd, Fairy Child. Cambridge, MA: Candlewick Press.
