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Fairy Science
The award-winning author of The Most Magnificent Thing introduces the value of science and inquiry to young readers with humor and heart. For fans of Ada Twist, Scientist and Hidden Figures.
Esther the fairy doesn't believe in magic. But fairies are all about magic, despite Esther's best efforts to reveal the science of their world. No matter how she and her bird, Albert, explain that rainbows are refracted light rather than a path to gold, or that mist is water evaporating rather than an evil omen, or the importance of the scientific method, her fairymates would rather just do magic. So when the other fairies' solution to helping a dying tree is to do a mystical moonlight dance, Esther decides to take it upon herself to resuscitate the tree . . . with the scientific method, some hypothesizing, a few experiments and the heady conclusion that trees need sunlight to live! But while Esther manages to save the tree, she can't quite change the minds of her misguided fairymates . . . or can she?
Fairy Science, the first in a hilarious new picture book series, introduces a charming, determined heroine as she learns about the world and celebrates the joys of curiosity and exploring science.
Esther the fairy doesn't believe in magic. But fairies are all about magic, despite Esther's best efforts to reveal the science of their world. No matter how she and her bird, Albert, explain that rainbows are refracted light rather than a path to gold, or that mist is water evaporating rather than an evil omen, or the importance of the scientific method, her fairymates would rather just do magic. So when the other fairies' solution to helping a dying tree is to do a mystical moonlight dance, Esther decides to take it upon herself to resuscitate the tree . . . with the scientific method, some hypothesizing, a few experiments and the heady conclusion that trees need sunlight to live! But while Esther manages to save the tree, she can't quite change the minds of her misguided fairymates . . . or can she?
Fairy Science, the first in a hilarious new picture book series, introduces a charming, determined heroine as she learns about the world and celebrates the joys of curiosity and exploring science.
40 pages, Hardcover
First published September 1, 2019
2 people are currently reading
202 people want to read
About the author
Ashley Spires
48 books217 followersAshley has written and illustrated many books, most notably the bestselling The Most Magnificent Thing, which is now a short animated film. She creates books that remind kids that making mistakes is integral to learning. She lives in British Columbia with her dog and a growing army of felines.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 100 reviews
June 12, 2019
This super-cute book teaches kids about the scientific method in an easy-to-understand way. There's even a little experiment in the back for budding scientists to try.
Esther is a fairy, and as everyone knows, fairies are all about the magic. Except... Esther's not. While her fairy friends think everything can be explained away with magic, Esther knows that science is what underlies the wonders of our world. But when even the fairy school system teaches magic over science, scientists like Esther are in for an uphill battle. It isn't until she saves a tree by using the scientific method that she piques the curiosity of some of the other fairies.
You can definitely see the parallels between Esther's world and our own. The science versus religion battle is there, but it's not overpowering (and nobody gets excommunicated for their belief in science)! Esther simply continues with her observations and research, and when other fairies show an interest in what she's doing, she helps them learn more.
The illustrations are absolutely adorable, which I've come to expect from Spires. Even though this is a book about fairies for kids, its aesthetic isn't cloyingly sweet. There's still a lot of white space on the pages, which makes the whole book look clean and tidy like a spick-and-span laboratory.
The synopsis recommends this to fans of books like Ada Twist, Scientist, but I think it actually has more in common with Cece Loves Science by Kimberly Derting and Shelli R. Johannes, which also delves into the scientific method in an easy-to-understand way.
Thank you to NetGalley and Tundra Books for providing a digital ARC.
Esther is a fairy, and as everyone knows, fairies are all about the magic. Except... Esther's not. While her fairy friends think everything can be explained away with magic, Esther knows that science is what underlies the wonders of our world. But when even the fairy school system teaches magic over science, scientists like Esther are in for an uphill battle. It isn't until she saves a tree by using the scientific method that she piques the curiosity of some of the other fairies.
You can definitely see the parallels between Esther's world and our own. The science versus religion battle is there, but it's not overpowering (and nobody gets excommunicated for their belief in science)! Esther simply continues with her observations and research, and when other fairies show an interest in what she's doing, she helps them learn more.
The illustrations are absolutely adorable, which I've come to expect from Spires. Even though this is a book about fairies for kids, its aesthetic isn't cloyingly sweet. There's still a lot of white space on the pages, which makes the whole book look clean and tidy like a spick-and-span laboratory.
The synopsis recommends this to fans of books like Ada Twist, Scientist, but I think it actually has more in common with Cece Loves Science by Kimberly Derting and Shelli R. Johannes, which also delves into the scientific method in an easy-to-understand way.
Thank you to NetGalley and Tundra Books for providing a digital ARC.
December 11, 2019
This is an interesting children’s book. It takes the concept of science and applies it to fairies whom have magic. I like the science concepts taught about photosynthesis, fog, gravity, etc. However it could be very confusing to a child to understand that the overall idea is nothing is magic; it just has an explanation we may not know yet. I’m not sure the book conveyed this very well.
I do really like the illustrations and that the glitter on the cover (and fairies in general) are likely to attract the attention of little girls. We certainly need more women in science! Ashley Spires (Canadian author and illustrator) does a good job of keeping the pictures light but contextual.
One caution here for those purchasing this: be sure you know the concepts in the book in advance! For example: they call fog ‘condensate’ which is correct but I could see a child not getting it based on the picture. You’re likely to get asked why gravity works, what is dispersion, and other things referenced in the book. So I’d recommend being prepared to answer some basic questions. For myself prior to reading this cute book to a child I’d brush up on dispersion and maybe condensate to be sure I could easily explain it. Remembering that knowing what something is and answering a child’s specific questions can be very different things!
Another thing to be prepared for is the termination of seeds exercise at the back of the book. You just know many children will want to immediately do it.
Overall this is cute enough. I like the scientific method presented, the use of science words (like hypothesis, method, photosynthesis, etc.). It’s a picture book appropriate for a bit of an older age due to its complexity of words. I’d even buy Fairy Science for as old as a 7-8 year old.
To read this and more of my reviews visit my blog at Epic Reading
Please note: I received an eARC of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. This is an honest and unbiased review.
I do really like the illustrations and that the glitter on the cover (and fairies in general) are likely to attract the attention of little girls. We certainly need more women in science! Ashley Spires (Canadian author and illustrator) does a good job of keeping the pictures light but contextual.
One caution here for those purchasing this: be sure you know the concepts in the book in advance! For example: they call fog ‘condensate’ which is correct but I could see a child not getting it based on the picture. You’re likely to get asked why gravity works, what is dispersion, and other things referenced in the book. So I’d recommend being prepared to answer some basic questions. For myself prior to reading this cute book to a child I’d brush up on dispersion and maybe condensate to be sure I could easily explain it. Remembering that knowing what something is and answering a child’s specific questions can be very different things!
Another thing to be prepared for is the termination of seeds exercise at the back of the book. You just know many children will want to immediately do it.
Overall this is cute enough. I like the scientific method presented, the use of science words (like hypothesis, method, photosynthesis, etc.). It’s a picture book appropriate for a bit of an older age due to its complexity of words. I’d even buy Fairy Science for as old as a 7-8 year old.
To read this and more of my reviews visit my blog at Epic Reading
Please note: I received an eARC of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. This is an honest and unbiased review.
October 25, 2019
Um...so, Esther the fairy doesn't believe in magic, even though the other fairies are performing magic right in front of her. Esther believes in science, even though literally nobody else does (so where did her belief come from?) The first half of the book has Esther trying to come up with scientific explanations to the magic being performed around her. It's so ridiculous, this feels like a metaphorical arguement in favor of creationism. "See this miracle?" "Probably just dandruff." The pouting scientist is not convincing.
Then the fairies run into a problem which magic can't seem to fix. Science to the rescue. (With the help of magic. Seriously.)
The dedication says "To every child who has ever discovered the magic of science." As an advertisement for science, this misses the mark.
Then the fairies run into a problem which magic can't seem to fix. Science to the rescue. (With the help of magic. Seriously.)
The dedication says "To every child who has ever discovered the magic of science." As an advertisement for science, this misses the mark.
January 15, 2020
I always love Ashley Spires books! This was a cute story of a fairy who uses science to answer her questions. A very good introduction on how to use the scientific method for younger kids.
December 10, 2019
I was very disappointed with this book. I understand what it was going for, and that is awesome. I love the point that you have to stand up for what you believe even when others won't listen - but I don't think you have to be mean or purposefully pop people's bubbles in order to do so. Yes, science is important. Yes, understanding the causes of our world is important. Shattering little children's belief in magic when this world is cruel enough as it is? Nope, not necessary. Fairies and science can co-exist in children's literature without one belittling the other. I also felt that this overlooked the "everyday magic" that a lot of science is based on. Yes, the world rotates and that is why the sun rises and sets every day - does that make it any less wonderful and beautiful? Nope, sure doesn't. So I guess, I like the idea of this book and what it was hoping to accomplish, but I didn't care for this author's take on it - as silly as it is, this little kid's book has me slightly offended, lol. I know a lot of this has to due with the fact that I believe that science is just the explanation of the magic we have currently figured out and "magic" is just science we haven't learned yet, whereas this book has them as two separate entities that can't exist at the same time.
February 7, 2020
I really was expecting something quite different when my daughter handed me this book she picked from the library shelves.
The overall premise of the story is that the main character does not believe in fairy magic and only wants to use science (and the scientific method) to solve problems and fix things. She is even rude in relations with the fairies who believe in magic.
My main problem is the fact that fairies are magical. How can you take the magic out of fairies? They are not real creatures. They belong in children's fairy tales, video games, make believe, and D&D. The books seems like a poorly veiled attempt to teach children that magic, faith, etc is bad and that they should only trust in science.
The overall premise of the story is that the main character does not believe in fairy magic and only wants to use science (and the scientific method) to solve problems and fix things. She is even rude in relations with the fairies who believe in magic.
My main problem is the fact that fairies are magical. How can you take the magic out of fairies? They are not real creatures. They belong in children's fairy tales, video games, make believe, and D&D. The books seems like a poorly veiled attempt to teach children that magic, faith, etc is bad and that they should only trust in science.
May 11, 2021
I get what this book is trying to do, and as a scientist appreciate the thought. But as a scientist I also am disappointed in the execution.
*fairies actually ARE magical...
*what is the deal with pitting science vs. fictional creatures?
*scientists, actual scientists, generally are able to see the (metaphorical) magic in the world
*scientists also know that fictional creatures are, you know, fictional
*everything felt really forced and superficial
Meh. I wish the book lived up to the message it was trying to convey
*fairies actually ARE magical...
*what is the deal with pitting science vs. fictional creatures?
*scientists, actual scientists, generally are able to see the (metaphorical) magic in the world
*scientists also know that fictional creatures are, you know, fictional
*everything felt really forced and superficial
Meh. I wish the book lived up to the message it was trying to convey
October 12, 2021
The illustrations are cute, and I enjoy the idea of fairy science. However, it's made abundantly clear throughout the story that the author did no real research in regards to magic, fairies, and the cultures in which they come from. The perspective that science and magic are at odds with one another is at best propaganda, at worst breeds prejudice.
March 22, 2019
Awesome. Fans of fairies will love this and hopefully becoming budding scientists. Simple explanation of scientific method and lots of opportunities for inquiry! Recommended for 5 yrs-8 yrs.
February 23, 2020
Esther is an unusual fairy. She doesn't believe in magic. Esther believes in science. She prefers "facts, data, and hard evidence to wishing on stars." She has a scientific explanation for all the enchantments the other fairies experience. I love the page where Esther shows other fairies the periodic table explaining that it is a "list of all the elements that make up the universe!" And the other fairies respond, "Not all of them. Where are dreams and wishes and sunshine?"
When a tree in the woods is dying, the fairies use their magic to try and help it. Meanwhile, Esther does some research, forms an hypothesis, does some experiment and comes to a conclusion. At the same time as she implements her solution, an older fairy performs some magic. When the tree recovers, it's questionable who made the difference. Still, through it all, Esther manages to inspire other fairies to be interested in science.
It's Ashly Spires so of course the artwork is stellar. Esther is just the cutest little purple haired imp ever!
If Ever there was a book to include in a STEM collection, this is it. The back matter contains an illustrated guide to her sun-beam experiment.
When a tree in the woods is dying, the fairies use their magic to try and help it. Meanwhile, Esther does some research, forms an hypothesis, does some experiment and comes to a conclusion. At the same time as she implements her solution, an older fairy performs some magic. When the tree recovers, it's questionable who made the difference. Still, through it all, Esther manages to inspire other fairies to be interested in science.
It's Ashly Spires so of course the artwork is stellar. Esther is just the cutest little purple haired imp ever!
If Ever there was a book to include in a STEM collection, this is it. The back matter contains an illustrated guide to her sun-beam experiment.
September 25, 2019
A very cute picture book about the virtues of scientific method, Fairy Science follows Esther as she examines the fairy world with a critical eye and tries to explain natural phenomena using science in spite of the doubters that insist that magic is responsible for what she sees.
I picked up an e-ARC from NetGalley and I sometimes struggle with reading them on my small, old IPAD Kindle. I think the art work is really great but a couple of the spreads were tough to see, I look forward to seeing the final product.
I picked up an e-ARC from NetGalley and I sometimes struggle with reading them on my small, old IPAD Kindle. I think the art work is really great but a couple of the spreads were tough to see, I look forward to seeing the final product.
September 25, 2019
Fairy Science is great! Esther is a fairy but she doesn't really believe in magic; she believes in science! A great story about asking questions, following your gut, and staying true to yourself. A fun read to share with any curious young reader and full of lovely, colourful illustrations. Definitely one I will be recommending!
ARC Provided by NetGalley
ARC Provided by NetGalley
March 23, 2020
This is a cool way to teach kids about the scientific method, but I think it'd be an equally useful tool for teaching argumentation--just because the ending isn't neat and tidy but offers space to consider different ideas.
I love the illustrations.
3.5 stars, rounding down
I love the illustrations.
3.5 stars, rounding down
June 12, 2020
I loved this book and Kait is quite interested in trying the bean growing experiment in the back of the book. I thought it did a great job of explaining the scientific method while still retaining a bit of silly.
June 10, 2019
Funny book about a fairy that leave magic aside and focus her life on science. All the others fairy find her strange and all. Funny yes, but also a book that can be use to talk about science but also about difference and how multiple point of view or angle can be useful for society. Good job!
February 28, 2020
Esther doesn't fall for unexplained nonsense. Be like Esther.
July 4, 2020
Fairy Science by Ashley Spires. PICTURE BOOK. Crown Books for Young Readers (Penguin Random House), 2019. $18. 9780525581390
BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ESSENTIAL
AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH
Among the group of fairies attending school together, there is one fairy who does not believe in magic. She believes in science and others think that is odd. When a tree stops growing, she uses her knowledge of science to convince the others of its merits and ends up with new friends and new scientists.
With sparkles on the cover and fairies with bright hair, this book is a delight to look at. The pages are full of illustrated details and the story is a fun exploration of the scientific method. It goes through each step in the scientific method and could easily be used during a science lesson.
Jen Wecker, HS English Teacher
https://kissthebookjr.blogspot.com/20...
BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ESSENTIAL
AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH
Among the group of fairies attending school together, there is one fairy who does not believe in magic. She believes in science and others think that is odd. When a tree stops growing, she uses her knowledge of science to convince the others of its merits and ends up with new friends and new scientists.
With sparkles on the cover and fairies with bright hair, this book is a delight to look at. The pages are full of illustrated details and the story is a fun exploration of the scientific method. It goes through each step in the scientific method and could easily be used during a science lesson.
Jen Wecker, HS English Teacher
https://kissthebookjr.blogspot.com/20...
December 5, 2019
A good intro for teaching kids about science (especially kids who already like more magical, whimsical stories). Some of the pieces of dialogue mention topics that might be over the heads of younger children (evolution, the light spectrum, erosion, etc). But it does go through the scientific process, which is always fun to see in kids' books!
October 22, 2019
On review is Fairy Science , the latest picture book from popular Canadian children's author and illustrator Ashley Spires (The Most Magnificent Thing, Binky the Space Cat). Esther, our protagonist, is a fairy living in Pixieville who, shockingly, "does not believe in magic" but instead "believes in science"! While fairy friends around her (and her fairy school teacher) focus their attention on learning magic, practicing with their wands, and mixing magical potions, Esther is all about "facts, data, and hard evidence". If you're thinking that Esther might just have a tricky time of things in Pixieville with her lack of enthusiasm (and belief) in magic, well... you're not wrong! As classmates see only magical, mysterious and serendipitous things in the world that need no explanation, Esther sees scientific method and logical explanations. When a problem presents itself to Esther and her fairy friends and fairy school teacher, scientific prowess and methods of magic are both put to the test. Though the results are rather surprising and not exactly what Esther expects, Esther inspires a key fundamental change in the thoughts of open-minded fairies, which is in itself a transformative feat. Ashley Spires is a fabulous storyteller and artist, with a deft hand for informative, problem-solving-centered, super engaging and funny reads. If you have loved Spires' work in books such as Larf, The Thing Lou Couldn't Do, or the graphic novel Fluffy Strikes Back, do be sure to check out Fairy Science- it might just be my favourite of the authors' many great offerings so far! Perfect for fans of picture books such as Charlotte the Scientist Is Squished, Do Not Lick This Book, Rosie Revere, Engineer, similar standout STEM-related books (or, indeed, for readers who love an unexpected fairy book!), Fairy Science is an incredibly appealing, humorous, and enlightening read.
I received a copy of this title courtesy of Tundra Books/Penguin Random House Canada in exchange for an honest review. All opinions and comments are my own.
July 2, 2019
Ashley Spires writes some of the greatest little picture books around. Our first introduction to her work was the TD Grade One Book Giveaway of Small Saul in 2016 and since then we have been hooked on her brilliant writing, lovable characters and animated illustrations. Not only is she a fantastic writer but she is also a great all around human being, taking in foster cats to care for and love until they find their forever homes, but I digress. I’m here to tell you about the wonderful new book out this fall titled Fairy Science. I have been anticipating the arrival of this lovely little story as I’m newly drawn to books about out of the box characters loving on the STEM subjects (science, technology, engineering, math).
Esther is a fairy who does not believe in magic. WHAT? How could a fairy not believe in magic, magic is the essence of fairies. Esther is a firm believer in science to explain the world around her and she is very eager to share the scientific method with her fairy friends. It’s quite frustrating not only for Esther, but also Miss Pelly Petal. Esther takes on the task of figuring out why a tree in the forest is wilting. Through science she draws her conclusion and the tree begins blossoming again. Even though most of her fairymates still think magic fixed the tree, Esther does inspire a couple mates to learn more about science. One fairy at a time, one step at a time Esther is sharing her love of science with everyone.
Ashley Spires’ illustrations are captivating. They have a real animated quality and you could totally see them just as easily on your television screen as in the pages of her books. Fairy Science is bold and colourful, with the colours jumping off the pages right to the readers eyes. There is a lot to see and just like her other books, she leaves some little treats in the illustrations for you to discover. In Small Saul it was a little mouse. See if you can find Esther’s little animal buddy! Fairy Science is a fantastic little book to spark an interest and foster a love of science in all the young budding scientists in your life.
If you are a fan of her work, follow Ashley Spires on Instagram @ashleyspires. She posts a lot about her adorable foster kittens and also her own little fur babies Tessa and Scott, affectionately called The Asthma Cats. Look for an Asthma Cats book in summer 2021
Esther is a fairy who does not believe in magic. WHAT? How could a fairy not believe in magic, magic is the essence of fairies. Esther is a firm believer in science to explain the world around her and she is very eager to share the scientific method with her fairy friends. It’s quite frustrating not only for Esther, but also Miss Pelly Petal. Esther takes on the task of figuring out why a tree in the forest is wilting. Through science she draws her conclusion and the tree begins blossoming again. Even though most of her fairymates still think magic fixed the tree, Esther does inspire a couple mates to learn more about science. One fairy at a time, one step at a time Esther is sharing her love of science with everyone.
Ashley Spires’ illustrations are captivating. They have a real animated quality and you could totally see them just as easily on your television screen as in the pages of her books. Fairy Science is bold and colourful, with the colours jumping off the pages right to the readers eyes. There is a lot to see and just like her other books, she leaves some little treats in the illustrations for you to discover. In Small Saul it was a little mouse. See if you can find Esther’s little animal buddy! Fairy Science is a fantastic little book to spark an interest and foster a love of science in all the young budding scientists in your life.
If you are a fan of her work, follow Ashley Spires on Instagram @ashleyspires. She posts a lot about her adorable foster kittens and also her own little fur babies Tessa and Scott, affectionately called The Asthma Cats. Look for an Asthma Cats book in summer 2021
November 4, 2021
Fairy Science by Ashley Spires is a picture book about a fairy named Esther. Esther is a fairy who does not believe in magic, but instead loves science and uses science to guide her. The fairies face a problem and Esther is to the rescue with her science! When she puts her mind to it, she is able to problem solve using her science knowledge. I loved the balance in the book of magic vs. science. In many parts of the story, there was a magic reference and then Esther's scientific reasoning followed. The way the author crafted this book provides readers with opposing viewpoints from characters. It also really showed the reader how obsessed Esther was with science.
I found this book on a best of science-fiction and fantasy book list. The book was published in 2019 so it is fairy new to the shelves. I read the book online using a video clip of someone reading to me. I was able to listen and follow along with the words as I looked at the pictures. I like reading audio books because I am able to listen and take time to process the text at the same time.
I would for sure bring this book back to my classroom! I would use it as a class read aloud for an SEL lesson. I think that this book would support a discussion about how to accept people's differences as well as how to work together with people who are different than us. This book also has a lot of science content and vocabulary in it which would be great exposure for my students. I would put the book back into my library for students to reread and explore independently.
I found this book on a best of science-fiction and fantasy book list. The book was published in 2019 so it is fairy new to the shelves. I read the book online using a video clip of someone reading to me. I was able to listen and follow along with the words as I looked at the pictures. I like reading audio books because I am able to listen and take time to process the text at the same time.
I would for sure bring this book back to my classroom! I would use it as a class read aloud for an SEL lesson. I think that this book would support a discussion about how to accept people's differences as well as how to work together with people who are different than us. This book also has a lot of science content and vocabulary in it which would be great exposure for my students. I would put the book back into my library for students to reread and explore independently.
December 21, 2019
This picture book might be ideal for introducing the scientific method to youngsters. It features Esther, a fairy who holds more faith in science than in magic. Whenever her classmates or teachers try to teach about magic, Esther has a rebuttal for them, offering facts that explain why certain things occur. She is unable to persuade anyone in Pixieville to her way of thinking. But when a tall tree begins to wilt, she uses that scientific method to figure out what the tree needs to thrive--more sunlight. Still, at the same time, Ms. Pelly Petal is using magic to save it, which makes it hard for her to convince anyone that her methods worked. Still, Esther has inspired others to ask some questions and an interest in science. The book features a simple seed and sunlight experiment for readers to try for themselves to see if Esther's science works. I liked the digital illustrations and the way the young fairies are depicted here. Readers will surely finish the book with an appreciation for both science and a little bit of magic.
September 17, 2024
This was a great and cute read. I loved how it walked the reader through conducting a scientific experiment and how to make scientific observations. My only issue with this book was that it elevated science above other beliefs. Essentially the premise of the book was that fairies didn't believe in science to explain natural phenomena such as gravity. However, Esther was the only fairy who believed in science and was pushing her own scientific agenda on the other fairies. This idea of science vs "magic" is evidently a parallel to the real world where science supposedly is in opposition to religion. However, it is important to note that science has been wrong in the past and does not get everything right. Just because a belief is not rooted in science does not mean that it is automatically incorrect. I think this book should have done a better job of being accepting of all perspectives regardless of whether they are scientific or not. Not sure if this review made sense or was coherent at all...
August 28, 2019
Fairy Science by Ashley Spires is a a hilarious new picture book series, that introduces a charming, determined heroine as she learns about the world and celebrates the joys of curiosity and exploring science.
Esther is a fairy who does not believe in magic. She believes in Science. In fact she thinks fairy dust is just dandruff. She knows that she can convince the other fairies that science is real, it will just take the right experiment and test subjects.
I really loved this book and I will be buying a copy for my god-daughter. I liked how it showed, not everyone believes in science or scientific principle, but some do. (which is how it is in real life). I also loved it's adorable illustrations.
I requested and received an Advanced readers Copy from the publisher and NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Esther is a fairy who does not believe in magic. She believes in Science. In fact she thinks fairy dust is just dandruff. She knows that she can convince the other fairies that science is real, it will just take the right experiment and test subjects.
I really loved this book and I will be buying a copy for my god-daughter. I liked how it showed, not everyone believes in science or scientific principle, but some do. (which is how it is in real life). I also loved it's adorable illustrations.
I requested and received an Advanced readers Copy from the publisher and NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
November 12, 2019
This is a cute little book about a fairy, Esther, who believes more in science than she does in magic. While her fellow fairy schoolmates are learning about magic, she tries to interest them in science, to no avail. When a tree in their forest starts to wilt, the fairies perform various magics on it, while Esther does scientific experiments to discover it needs more sunlight. She clears a way through the canopy above the tree so it can get sun, and the tree gets better, but the magic gets the credit, and Esther is discouraged. But a couple of her classmates approach her, and want to know more about what she did, and she happily introduces them to science.
The illustrations are just wonderful, so much detail and fun things to find in each one! A good addition to any child's library.
#FairyScience #NetGalley
The illustrations are just wonderful, so much detail and fun things to find in each one! A good addition to any child's library.
#FairyScience #NetGalley
December 3, 2019
All the fairies living in Pixieville believe in magic except for one fairy named Ester. She believes in science: facts, data, and evidence. It is only until a tree in Pixieville stops growing that her belief is put to the test and she can convince the other fairies in Pixieville that science is real.
This adorable picture book mixes magic with science and demonstrates the idea that it is okay to think differently than others. Esther never backs down despite the skepticism other fairies have and keeps following her belief in science. A story that is silly, amusing and has bright illustrations that keep children captivated.
Another book I would pair with this book is The Most Magnificent Thing by the same author, Ashley Spires. This book also talks about perseverance.
A "delicious" quote from the book is, "Esther can't help observing the world differently from everyone else."
This adorable picture book mixes magic with science and demonstrates the idea that it is okay to think differently than others. Esther never backs down despite the skepticism other fairies have and keeps following her belief in science. A story that is silly, amusing and has bright illustrations that keep children captivated.
Another book I would pair with this book is The Most Magnificent Thing by the same author, Ashley Spires. This book also talks about perseverance.
A "delicious" quote from the book is, "Esther can't help observing the world differently from everyone else."
July 14, 2019
This book is FABULOUS. An absolutely wonderful tale with adorable illustrations that will surprise and delight readers young and old. Indeed, the ending isn't at all expected but adds another layer of realism, complexity, and a gentle message that even if things do go exactly the way you planned, you are still making a difference and inspiring others. Top that off with some sweet humor and a thorough introduction to the scientific method and you have a home run. The author also includes a science experiment that kids can try at home to cement their knowledge about the scientific method. This book has it all and could be used for story times, science programming, or a fun way to introduce an activity at home. Utterly brilliant!
October 13, 2019
Not sure how I feel about this one. It's about fairies who are literally magical, but the main character does not believe in magic but science and is basically disproving their magic. They are fairies; they are clearly magical. The main character is also practicing the scientific method...and I just read an article (just the most recent one because there are more than one) for educators on teaching science that discourages the use the scientific method for multiple reasons. Giraffes that can't dance because they are all legs is one thing, but a fairy who believes in science and not magic is like Harry Potter without a wand. No Harry, dementors aren't real. It's just really cold, and there is no science to back that up.
December 26, 2019
Although Esther is a fairy, she's a scientist at heart and she's convinced that it'll take more than fairy magic to save a sickly tree in the nearby forest from certain doom. Ashley Spire's newest offering, Fairy Science combines a delightful perspective on early science with endearing, colourful illustrations that make for an informative and entertaining story. Though some of the terminology might be somewhat advanced for the younger child, it works wonderfully with slightly older 6 to 8 year old children and the underlying message of believing in yourself and holding your ground can never be shared too early. This lovely new book includes Esther's sun-bean experiment at the back of the book to share with your favorite budding scientist!
January 28, 2020
This is a very clever book to introduce the scientific method to young students. It tells the tale of a fairy named Esther who unlike others in her community believes in science versus magic. It shows the importance of science (facts, hard evidence, data) in explaining the phenomena in the universe. Ultimately, a troubled tree puts the scientific method in action as others come to see the value of science. It the book invites readers to conduct a step by step experiment on their own. The characters often speak through talking bubbles which makes the book easy to set up in parts. This would be a great addition to a classroom collection or to encourage the budding scientist at home.
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