Srivalli Rekha’s Forests and Faeries is a delightful collection of thirteen stories for middle graders. Enter a magical world filled with talking animals, adventurous children, aliens, fairies, and other mystical creatures. The book is a magical concoction of legends and fables with fantasy elements thrown in and tied up nicely with life lessons. Be prepared for an adventurous and entertaining ride across different realms!
The author addresses themes like friendship, bullying, making sacrifices, valuing what we have, appreciating family, and conquering new frontiers with a spirit of adventure. Content warnings are provided upfront so readers can proceed cautiously. While each story is special, my top three picks are:
- Mira Learns a Lesson: Mira is irked by her clingy younger brother Jai and wishes him gone. But when he does disappear, she is tasked with finding him. Also featuring an evil witch, because no fantasy story is complete without one! Will Mira be able to thwart the witch’s plans and rescue Jai? The premise is relatable and will resonate with the readers.
- Astra and the Old Witch: This story begins like a modern retelling of Hansel and Gretel, but there is a twist, and it is heartwarming. I love stories like these because they do not stereotype characters and encourage young readers to open their minds to possibilities. The power of doing good shines through this exemplary tale.
- The Queen of Bloomland: This story deals with making difficult choices and putting someone else’s interests above yours. It features fairy princesses and reminds me of Frozen’s Elsa and Anna, conveying important messages about power and responsibility. I loved the notes at the end of the chapter that explain the significance of the Udumbara flower whose blooming is considered a rare event.
The Perfect Paradise narrowly missed being in the top three. It is a cute story, but I felt there was a second part due; a happily ever after for the toy bunny who realized his mistake. I also did feel that there were 1-2 stories that had the potential to be developed into bigger arcs with stronger messages.
The language is simple, effective, and well-suited for the target audience. The notes at the end of the chapter are a treat to read. So are the accompanying illustrations. Children will love this enchanting collection that combines fantasy with the contemporary. Forests and Faeries is a refreshing and creative read that will appeal to readers (young and old) who love this genre.
