The Only Lonely Fairy
ISBN: 978-1772783025
Illustrated by Peggy Collins
Published by Pajama Press
Make-believe + melodrama = comedy as one dramatic little girl learns the new skill of finding a friend
Leah is looking for a friend to play fairies. But when her invitation fails to sway her classmates, Leah is left all...ALONE.
Poor Lonely Leah! Will she always be the only one standing alone in line? The only one reading fairy tales in the book corner? The AGONY of her SUFFERING is so overpowering that she almost misses the quiet voice trying to get her attention...
From the creators of Percy's Perfect Friend comes an entertaining new journey into social-emotional growth. Author Lana Button is an early childhood educator who has seen firsthand the struggles many kids experience learning to navigate social situations and conflict-especially if pandemic lockdowns were part of their early lives. In The Only Lonely Fairy, she tells a relatable story of someone trying to make friends and missing the mark, while Peggy Collins brings lively humor to the illustrations, letting readers know what Leah doesn't yet: that she isn't alone after all.
"Bright artwork, dominated by pastels, shows a diverse classroom. Leah and her friends are generally presented against a plain white background, making this a good read-aloud choice. Clearly capturing the children's emotions, the illustrations can help start conversations about whether Leah's actions are helping or hurting her chances of making a new friend and about what Allie is feeling as she watches....A simple story that will sprinkle fairy dust on budding preschool friendships."-Kirkus Reviews
"Making friends in the early grades, even getting someone to play with you for a little while, can be a thorny business....Button, an early childhood educator, shows the problem-and solution-in this book that can be read as a springboard for discussion....The cheerful digital illustrations play up the ironic humor beautifully....A nice resolution comes with Allie picking up Leah's discarded wings and saying yes to her invitation. An author's note gives tips on how adults can help kids make friends."-Booklist