School Library Journal
09/01/2024
Gr 7 Up—Bibbidi-bobbidi-who? This first in a new series will have readers questioning everything they ever knew about the mysterious yet magical Fairy Godmother from Disney's 1950 animated classic Cinderella. Renée carefully watches over her niece and nephew, guiding them through lessons while at the same time igniting their imaginations with stories of fairies. Most people would say that they do not even exist. However, Renée knows they are real because she was saved when she was a child by her own fairy godmother from a fire that destroyed her family. So, when Renée is suddenly whisked away to a new realm where she finds herself now part-fairy, she will do whatever it takes to become a fairy godmother herself. Worldbuilding is very important in this title, but that should not intimidate readers unfamiliar with fantasy. Spells, wands, and the rules of magic are interspersed throughout, so that the details do not weigh the story down. This book would do well in middle grade or early YA collections that circulate a lot of fantasy and as a palatable introduction to the genre. Readers do not need to have a connection to Cinderella to enjoy this backstory, but Calonita brings the two stories together at the end, rewarding fans of the film. VERDICT This new series will offer fans of the "Twisted Tale" books a gentle transition into YA fiction.—Zach Basler
Kirkus Reviews
2024-06-15
Cinderella’s fairy godmother takes center stage in this series opener.
Renée Dubois, a young governess in the kingdom of Aurelais, believes in fairies—she owes her life to one who rescued her in childhood from the fire that killed her parents. After rescuing a young charge who shares her passion for the magical beings, Renée needs a second, rule-breaking fairy rescue herself. And this one, by making her a “part-fairy,” changes her life forever: She’ll remain young while in Faerie Province but will age rapidly as soon as she returns to the human world. Unfazed by her snooty fairy critics, Renée cultivates a gift for magical gardening, develops a crush on the fairy queen’s nephew, Tresor, and is mentored by dorm housemother and professional fairy godmother Nelley, who recognizes her as prime godmother material. Renée’s thrilled to attend the Summer Solstice Ball with Tresor, but when an ailing Nelley begs her to step in as backup godmother, Renée must leave the ball on an urgent mission that returns the narrative to familiar “Cinderella” territory. This slow-paced story is unfortunately weighed down by a cumbersome backstory, generic characters, tired tropes, and low stakes. Faerie Province—its dorms, classrooms, rules, and assignments described in flowery detail—suggests a beautifully decorated (and overprotective) boarding school. Human characters are cued white.
A sugary treat for patient readers who are fans of faerie and all things Disney.(Fantasy. 12-16)
