What do you think?
Rate this book
The Fairies of Bladderwhack Pond
This is the first in the adventure series of three misfit fairies from the wrong side of the pond. When their tiny town of Bladderwhack is mysteriously flooded, three teenage fairies who have never fit in are forced to cross the pond. They must enroll in Penstamen Academy―home of the absolutely perfect Periwinkle Fairies―and try to earn enough fairy dust to rebuild their town. In the middle of new school, new jobs, fairy fashion and magic classes, they unwittingly unravel an ancient mystery that sends them on a dangerous adventure into the wicked realm of the Heatherworld.
152 pages, Hardcover
First published December 1, 2003
7 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews
February 13, 2025
"Even in the absence of fairy dust, courage and friendship wield a magic of their own."
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)
Overview
Debbie Bishop's PILLYWIGGIN – The Fairies of Bladderwhack Pond is a magical, action-packed story ideal for children who enjoy magic, friendship, and tales of underdogs rising to the challenge.
Chloe Pillywiggin, an off-the-curve fairy from the wrong side of the tracks, never seems to belong—and it only gets worse when her town is mysteriously flooded. Chased off to Penstamen Academy, the school for the perfect and privileged Periwinkle Fairies, Chloe and her equally rejected friends must endure mean girls, magical malfunctions, and the stresses of new school. But while it begins as a battle to belong, the experience quickly evolves into an electrifying adventure when they stumble upon an age-old secret that lands them in the sinister and hazardous Heatherworld. With fairy dust in short supply, Chloe and her friends must depend on cunning, courage, and the magic of genuine friendship to overcome what lies ahead.
This contemporary fairy tale combines old-fashioned fantasy with real-world issues, so it's relatable, humorous, and endearing—a wonderful pick for children (girls in particular) between the ages of 7-14.
What Makes PILLYWIGGIN Stand Out?
✔ A Fantastical, But Relatable Tale
• Although the setting is a fairy world, the challenges Chloe goes through—being bullied, self-doubt, and showing she's valuable—are familiar from real life that kids can easily relate to.
✔ An Underdog Heroine to Cheer On
• Chloé isn't perfect, and that's why she's so endearing. She's accident-prone, insecure, and odd—but she comes to terms with her individuality and becomes stronger as a result.
✔ Thrilling Adventure & Enigma
• From prestigious fairy schools to foreboding forbidden worlds, the novel is filled with suspense, intrigue, and edge-of-the-seat moments that have readers turning pages.
✔ Beautiful Illustrations
• With beautiful artwork by Andy Park, the book comes alive with its enchanted world, making it even more engaging for children to read.
✔ A Modern Fairy Tale
• Although it has a touch of traditional fairy tale appeal, the book also features contemporary humor, high school drama, and everyday themes, which makes it new and exciting for kids today.
Strengths
✅ Action-packed and compelling—ideal for children who enjoy adventure.
✅ Charming, funny, and heartfelt—perfect blend of humor and life lessons.
✅ Stunningly illustrated—makes the reading experience richer.
✅ Inspiring message—tells children to be themselves and believe in themselves.
Who Needs to Read This Book?
✔ Children aged 7-14 who enjoy fantasy adventures.
✔ Readers who enjoyed books such as Harry Potter, The School for Good and Evil, and Fairy Tale Reform School.
✔ Readers who love books about underdogs, friendships, and personal discovery.
✔ Parents seeking a delightful and wholesome fantasy book to share with their children.
PILLYWIGGIN – The Fairies of Bladderwhack Pond is a charming, funny, and inspiring fairy tale that feels both timeless and refreshingly modern. Chloe’s journey of courage, self-acceptance, and friendship makes this a must-read for young fantasy lovers. Whether you’re looking for a magical bedtime story, a book for independent readers, or an exciting classroom read-aloud, this one sparkles with fairy dust and heart!
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)
Overview
Debbie Bishop's PILLYWIGGIN – The Fairies of Bladderwhack Pond is a magical, action-packed story ideal for children who enjoy magic, friendship, and tales of underdogs rising to the challenge.
Chloe Pillywiggin, an off-the-curve fairy from the wrong side of the tracks, never seems to belong—and it only gets worse when her town is mysteriously flooded. Chased off to Penstamen Academy, the school for the perfect and privileged Periwinkle Fairies, Chloe and her equally rejected friends must endure mean girls, magical malfunctions, and the stresses of new school. But while it begins as a battle to belong, the experience quickly evolves into an electrifying adventure when they stumble upon an age-old secret that lands them in the sinister and hazardous Heatherworld. With fairy dust in short supply, Chloe and her friends must depend on cunning, courage, and the magic of genuine friendship to overcome what lies ahead.
This contemporary fairy tale combines old-fashioned fantasy with real-world issues, so it's relatable, humorous, and endearing—a wonderful pick for children (girls in particular) between the ages of 7-14.
What Makes PILLYWIGGIN Stand Out?
✔ A Fantastical, But Relatable Tale
• Although the setting is a fairy world, the challenges Chloe goes through—being bullied, self-doubt, and showing she's valuable—are familiar from real life that kids can easily relate to.
✔ An Underdog Heroine to Cheer On
• Chloé isn't perfect, and that's why she's so endearing. She's accident-prone, insecure, and odd—but she comes to terms with her individuality and becomes stronger as a result.
✔ Thrilling Adventure & Enigma
• From prestigious fairy schools to foreboding forbidden worlds, the novel is filled with suspense, intrigue, and edge-of-the-seat moments that have readers turning pages.
✔ Beautiful Illustrations
• With beautiful artwork by Andy Park, the book comes alive with its enchanted world, making it even more engaging for children to read.
✔ A Modern Fairy Tale
• Although it has a touch of traditional fairy tale appeal, the book also features contemporary humor, high school drama, and everyday themes, which makes it new and exciting for kids today.
Strengths
✅ Action-packed and compelling—ideal for children who enjoy adventure.
✅ Charming, funny, and heartfelt—perfect blend of humor and life lessons.
✅ Stunningly illustrated—makes the reading experience richer.
✅ Inspiring message—tells children to be themselves and believe in themselves.
Who Needs to Read This Book?
✔ Children aged 7-14 who enjoy fantasy adventures.
✔ Readers who enjoyed books such as Harry Potter, The School for Good and Evil, and Fairy Tale Reform School.
✔ Readers who love books about underdogs, friendships, and personal discovery.
✔ Parents seeking a delightful and wholesome fantasy book to share with their children.
PILLYWIGGIN – The Fairies of Bladderwhack Pond is a charming, funny, and inspiring fairy tale that feels both timeless and refreshingly modern. Chloe’s journey of courage, self-acceptance, and friendship makes this a must-read for young fantasy lovers. Whether you’re looking for a magical bedtime story, a book for independent readers, or an exciting classroom read-aloud, this one sparkles with fairy dust and heart!
February 15, 2026
review of a giveaway win
I'm old but I love middle school aged books! This one fits at the younger end of that group. I loved it! Whimsical, heartwarming. I'd love to know Hagla’s story!
I'm old but I love middle school aged books! This one fits at the younger end of that group. I loved it! Whimsical, heartwarming. I'd love to know Hagla’s story!
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews