Fairy Beach

Fairy Beach by Sheila Knaggs and Jennifer Falkner (Affirm Press) HB PB RRP $22.99 ISBN 9781922848147

Reviewed by Karen Hendriks

Sheila Knaggs immigrated to Australia at age fifteen. Her childhood was spent on the little island called the Isle of Man where even today it is still considered most unlucky to cross the fairy bridge without saying hello to the fairies. Much of her spare time is spent writing heartfelt and inspirational verse. This is her debut picture book.

Jennifer Falkner is an illustrator and designer based in Perth. Her inspiration comes from Australian flora and fauna and a childhood playing and exploring the beaches and bush in Western Australia. Fairy Beach is her sixth picture book.

This is an Australian fairy story that celebrates beach days and takes the reader on journey of discovery to find out what happens at the beach after dark.

Knaggs has drawn upon her childhood and deep love of Australia to create this delightful text written in poetic verse. The story starts with a call to go to the beach. Knaggs reveals a hint of something special coming. The magic is waiting- come follow the sun. As the family is leaving the beach the scene is set and the anticipation builds. But when light starts to fade then it’s time you’re away. The page turns and vocabulary delight. The coast does a curtsy, the sea wildly waves, and the sand sprites sneak out of the beach caves. Strong verbs feature and the fairy playfulness and love of the beach and ocean shines. We usually expect fairies in a garden or the bush, so it is unique to have them appear at the beach. The title is immediately catchy Fairy Beach. Knaggs brings imagination out to play and she taps into the wonder of being a child. The ending makes you smile and hope that one day you may just find a fairy at the beach.

Falkner’s whimsical illustrations bring the joy of the beach and sand sprites to life in the most endearing way. She creates a cheeky playfulness with the fairies at the beach that has such wonderful child appeal. Although very different to Snuggle Pot and Cuddle Pie the illustrations have that same wondrous appeal. You want to believe that the sand sprites are real and maybe they are. The movement of the fairies is captured beautifully as they dash, and dart and play. Curly waves and twinkly fairy lights change the beach into a wonderland. Falkner has paid great attention to detail on every page and the more you look the more you see. There is a soft and gentle beauty in the stunning illustrations.

Fairy Beach is a truly special and unique Australian fairy story that is sure to appeal to children aged 2-7 years. Fairies are always popular and appealing to children. They do spark little imaginations. Even for little people the world is such a busy place so a book like this is a perfect escape for them. I can see this book being popular with children, parents, librarians and teachers.