Crabapple Trouble

The Forest Fairy Kingdom's summertime fair is coming up, and its produce-headed orchard denizens are excited to show off their skills at its annual competition. Callaway, an apple-headed girl who struggles with feelings of inadequacy stemming from the comparatively small fruit of the crab apple tree she tends, is so anxious about the competition that she literally loses her head. Rolling away into the nearby forest, it attracts the attention of fairy Thistle, whom other fairies deride for his laid-back approach to life. Thistle helps Callaway reassemble herself and, as the two bond, assists her in staving off worry--by focusing on the present and busily assisting others--and finding her anxiety's source. Via expressive art in a colorful, slightly muted palette, debut creator Vandorn depicts the adorably anthropomorphic fruit- and veg-headed farmers and flower fairies. The low-conflict plot effectively normalizes the experience of anxiety, offering strategies to deal with fretful feelings (particularly around interpersonal comparisons and high expectations), and shows how each person's experience can help them understand others. Light, summery, and warm. Ages 5-8. (Aug.)

Copyright 2020 Publishers Weekly, LLC Used with permission.

Gr 2-5—The Summer Time Fair is almost here, and the Forest Fairy Kingdom has promised prizes for the winners of the produce competition. While everyone in the orchard has amazing ideas, Callaway, who sells crabapples and has an apple-shaped head, can't think of anything. Worst of all, she becomes so worried that her head keeps popping off. During one of these episodes she meets Thistle the fairy, who helps get her head back on straight, literally and figuratively. Callaway is a relatable character who's so overwhelmed by an impending deadline that she is unable to function, but Thistle's "you do you" attitude gives her the reassurance she needs to figure out her contribution to the fair. While the other fairies disapprove of Thistle's unorthodox methods, he doesn't care what they think of him and focuses instead on accomplishing his goals. Together, the two convey a message of self-acceptance—it's OK to take time to discover oneself and one's role in a community. Vandorn's vivid pastel illustrations are enchanting and surreal—like Callaway, all the other orchard characters have heads made of the fruits or vegetables that they are responsible for producing. VERDICT With whimsical artwork and honesty, this is ideal for young readers needing reassurance that they do not have to be like everyone else.—Amanda Melilli, Univ. of Nevada, Las Vegas

Copyright 2020 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

"The low-conflict plot effectively normalizes the experience of anxiety, offering strategies to deal with fretful feelings (particularly around interpersonal comparisons and high expectations), and shows how each person's experience can help them understand others." —Publishers Weekly