The Fairy-Tale Matchmaker (The Fairy Tale Matchmaker #1)

When Cory decides to quit being a tooth fairy, she has no idea just how far the Tooth Fairy Guild will go to get her back. But she is determined to find a job that allows her to follow her heart. She tries babysitting Humpty Dumpty, an egg-shaped little boy who likes to climb, and the children of Gladys, the old woman who lived in a shoe. She helps can beans with Jack's mother, inventories Suzy's by the seashore's collection of seashell merchandise, and mow the lawn of the three little pigs. But the Guild refuses to leave her alone. And what about her visions? Do they really indicate a matchmaking ability or is something else wrong? In this delightfully reimagined fairy tale world, Baker takes readers for a funny yet sweet ride through the challenging task of finding where one belongs. Cory is an appealing heroine with a tender heart who faces the Guild with courage despite her mother's opposition. A variety of fairy-tale, mythological, and nursery-rhyme characters and stories make appearances in some highly amusing ways. This fractured fairy-tale radiates humor and creativity. It's thoroughly enjoyable in every way.—Heidi Grange, Summit Elementary School, Smithfield, UT

Copyright 2014 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

Cory Feathering is a reluctant tooth fairy, following in her mother's footsteps and joining the Tooth Fairy Guild, despite her lack of interest in tooth collection. A bad night on the job helps Cory realize that it's time to quit the guild, much to her mother's dismay and the guild's horror. Both parties begin to harass Cory, who moves in with her uncle and stands her ground amid increasing threats from the guild. Cory puts her energy into odd jobs while she figures out what she is meant to do, something she believes will involve truly helping people (Cory's recurring hazy visions of friends meeting their soulmates just might offer her a clue). The story moves slowly, filled with details of fey life and meetings with fairy-tale and nursery-rhyme characters like Humpty Dumpty and Little Red Riding Hood, who get amusing and clever backstories (Red models outerwear, Jack Horner owns a cafe). Baker's (A Question of Magic) fans will easily relate to Cory's struggle to define her own path and identity. Ages 8-14. (Oct.)

Copyright 2014 Publishers Weekly, LLC Used with permission.