Marky the Magnificent Fairy

Very charming little book!

I think it's so important to teach kids about other kids with disabilities and this book is an excellent resource for that! Marky is charming, sweet, and supportive of her friends. The illustrations are very cute and it would be a great read-aloud story.

I think the only thing that I'm not thrilled about is that the book sort of downplays bullying. Marky gives a speech about her “hopes and dreams” despite her one wing that's too small and the other kids immediately apologize and ask if they can be her friend. I like this, don't get me wrong, it's super sweet. I just see kids trying to do this if they get bullied and expect that outcome for themselves, which, unfortunately, may not be the case. I think this is a really good book to read to kids who may not have any disabilities so that they can learn about kids who do, because of the emphasis on “we're really not that different” and “they still have hopes and dreams” message. It's a great place to start with them in an effort to PREVENT them from bullying kids who are different and encourages them to try to be their friend. However, I would be a little hesitant to read it to a child with disabilities (depending on age & maturity) just because of the unrealistic way Marky handled the bullying situation. But, ultimately, that is going to be a parent/guardian decision.

Overall, I really liked Marky the Magnificent Fairy and would like to add it to my library!