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Christmas #3.6

The Truth Pixie Goes to School

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New school. New friends. Same old pixie.

'Aada started her new school,
And the pixie came too.
But this school was a place
Where it was hard to be true . . .'

An uplifting story that will delight younger readers and help them to be themselves in their school uniform. With words by the bestselling mastermind Matt Haig and pictures by the inky genius Chris Mould.

122 pages, Hardcover

First published August 1, 2019

16 people are currently reading
1480 people want to read

About the author

Matt Haig

66 books49k followers
Matt Haig is the author of novels such as The Midnight Library, How to Stop Time, The Humans, The Radleys, and the forthcoming The Life Impossible. He has also written books for children, such as A Boy Called Christmas, and the memoir Reasons to Stay Alive.

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5 stars
331 (39%)
4 stars
317 (37%)
3 stars
163 (19%)
2 stars
29 (3%)
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6 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 92 reviews
Profile Image for Veronica ⭐️.
1,335 reviews291 followers
February 5, 2020
Aada lived with her dad. She was sad because she was moving towns and had to start a new school. This is sad at the best of times but poor Aada’s Gran had died and her father had lost his job. But Aada had her best friend, the Truth Pixie, who went with her everywhere and when times were tough and Aada was sad the Pixie was always there to cheer her up.
When they started school the Pixie was outspoken and everyone laughed at her for being different. Aada was embarrassed and wanted to fit in with the other kids so she turns her back on the Pixie. The Pixie, rejected, leaves and goes home. Aada soon misses her quirky best friend but has she lost her forever?

The Truth Pixie Goes to School is a fun, enjoyable story told in rhyming verse. The quirky illustrations by award winning illustrator Chris Mould are as much a part of the story as the verse that accompanies them.

Don’t try to be something
You really are not.
Your one true self
Is the best thing you’ve got.


A poignant tale with themes of bullying, hurting a friend’s feelings, being true to yourself, saying sorry and not changing to fit in with the crowd.

Profile Image for Skip.
3,867 reviews584 followers
September 10, 2020
2.5 stars rounded up (for rhyming and illustrations.) The friendship which blossomed between Aada and the Truth Pixie in The Truth Pixie gets put to the test when Aada moves to a new school. The inability to lie makes the Truth Pixie unpopular, and by association, Aada, eventually leading to drama. The book covers the perennial worries every child has on her/his mind in a new environment: fitting in, making friends, dealing with bullies, being different.
Profile Image for April (Aprilius Maximus).
1,172 reviews6,378 followers
January 31, 2021
1.) A Boy Called Christmas ★★★★★
2.) The Girl Who Saved Christmas ★★★★
3.) Father Christmas and Me ★★★★

1.) The Truth Pixie ★★★★
2.) The Truth Pixie Goes to School ★★★.5

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This was a cute, but honestly unnecessary addition to Matt Haig's Christmas series. I do love how Haig incorporates real world issues and makes them easy to understand for younger readers though, so I would recommend it for that!
Profile Image for Aliyeh Ansarian.
58 reviews7 followers
October 3, 2021
I think I needed this book when I was a kid
and now I think that I need someone to say this every time you should be yourself



"If everyone was normal,
All of the time,
Life would be a poem With only one rhyme.
The best people I’ve met Were always rather weird,
Like that man Father Christmas,


Yes, everyone likes him,
But do you know why?
It’s because everything he says Is a total lie.



i want to be different because difference is power"
Profile Image for Rachel.
1,454 reviews153 followers
September 19, 2020
4 stars.


Matt Haig is an amazing and talented author. I really enjoyed this and greatly appreciate that he has positive messages within the story.
Profile Image for Sandra Nedopričljivica.
751 reviews78 followers
December 8, 2022
https://nedopricljivica.blogspot.com/...

Nastavak o vili Iskrenici, koja je sada krenula u školu, mi je još bolji! Pravo štivo za predblagdansko raspoloženje

If everyone was normal,
All of the time,
Life would be a poem
With only one rhyme.

If people only like you
For being something you’re not,
Then that is a friendship
That’s not worth a lot.

It’s nice to be popular,
If that makes you smile,
But don’t change who you are,
Don’t change your own style.
Profile Image for Rose .
114 reviews8 followers
Read
January 11, 2022
It was a surprise to find that this was just rhyming but it was still good, I would read this if you have watched/ read the boy who saved christmas *̣̥☆·͙̥❄‧̩̥࿌ིྀ྇˟͙☃️˟͙࿌ིྀ྇‧̩̥❄·͙̥̣☆*̣̥
Profile Image for Gemma.
834 reviews67 followers
August 25, 2019
A wonderfully funny, cheeky book.
laugh out loud but with meaningful life lessons hidden in its story . great for kids, especially those struggling to be their self or be excepted.
Profile Image for Ioana.
1,319 reviews
December 19, 2023
Mi-a plăcut și acest volum, mă bucur că naratorul s-a dus în direcția școlii și al integrării printre ceilalți elevi. Copiii pot fi extrem de duri unii cu ceilalți, bullying afectând mulți dintre ei, așa că acest text le oferă confort acelora ce au trecut printr-o situație asemănătoare.
„Nu încerca să fii altfel decât ești, felul tău de a fi e ceva de preț!„

https://ciobanuldeazi.home.blog/2023/...
Profile Image for Mehsi.
15.1k reviews456 followers
December 9, 2019
The Truth Pixie is back and this time she is at school with Aada!

I was delighted when I saw this book pop up at my library, I quite liked the first book which I read earlier this year. I was a bit unsure about the whole bully thing, but I was hoping that would be handled nicely.

Our Truth Pixie has been living with her friend, Aada, for some time now and it is time to go to school again. It is something new for both of them, and while our Truth Pixie is fairly eager to go, Aada probably just wants to stay home. I was happy that Aada seemed happier at least, but I could still see tons of sadness. At least she got her dad and the Truth Pixie to talk to and to be friends with.

However, as I said in the review for the previous book, at times the pixie can be a bit blunt with the truth. She can't help it of course, but she has to learn to not always blurt out what pops up in her or try to be more positive honest. I could imagine that Aada felt a bit uncomfortable about things, I would be too if my friend acted like this. Of course, I would still love them, but also feel uncomfortable and unhappy. Especially when meanies are bullying you.

A lot of things happen after this. We see how unhappy Aada is getting, how our pixie feels bad, and then things truly escalate and boy I just wanted to shake Aada. However, at the same time.. I could also sympathise. She just wants new friends along with the pixie. She just wants someone else to be on her side in this school.

The poor pixie though, I could imagine she would decide to do that, though I was a bit confused as to why it took her so long. I get she is a small being, but she is a pixie? Can't she do something like magic? :P

The ending was wonderful and I was so so happy. Happy for our pixie, but also for Aada. Happy that Aada finally dares to stand up for herself, dares to speak up about things and let those people know a piece of her mind.

The book is also pretty inspirational as it keeps reminding you to be who you want to be. Be your true self. I think we can all use this message as all of us are always trying to be someone else, or hide parts of ourself. I think it is important to remember this and live by these words.

I loved that this book was written in rhyme! It just fits so well with the pixie/Christmas theme.

I just love the illustrations in this one, but that is no wonder. Chris Mould is one of my favourite illustrators.

All in all, this is one book I would recommend. It is a little less Christmas oriented than the last book, but still a wonderful book full of inspiration and friendship.

Review first posted at https://twirlingbookprincess.com/
14 reviews
August 4, 2019
I loved the first book so much that I just had to buy the sequel as soon as it came out! This is a bit more Christmassy than the first one (featuring Father Christmas) so it's probably best done as a late Autumn topic and considered in parallel with, not isolation from, the first book. It could be read alone, but the themes of 'be true to yourself' continue through this one and the characters are developed, including revisiting the Truth Pixie's home and discovering her true name, meaning that they work best as a pair of books. The original themes are built upon with the addition of a bullying plot (Aada is targeted primarily because she's friends with the Truth Pixie at school), Aada encountering new difficulties with her life, and a separation of Aada and the Truth Pixie. In the end, the core message prevails that you should, foremost, be you - and ignore the bullies.

As with the previous book, it all rhymes and is essentially an incredibly long poem (possibly inspiring similarly-styled work from the children). The single exception is Aada's letter to Father Christmas - it would be interesting to see if the children can immediately identify that that section doesn't rhyme. It has an imitable art style, and although the plot is a little more sophisticated with bigger twists, it can be fairly easily transformed into a story board and re-constructed. It's suitable for Year 2 and up, with its only major downfall being that it's a little too long to suit Y1 and EYFS - it would take multiple sessions to reach the end.

A few of my favourite quotes:
"But the fears you feel won't be less real, by trying to make people feel what you feel"
"But why be normal, when you could also be you?"
"Don't try and be something you really are not. Your one true self is the best thing you've got."
Profile Image for Katy Kelly.
2,579 reviews106 followers
October 18, 2019
Sequel that continues the theme, good uses for parents.

The first Truth Pixie book was a novelty, in that it covered a 'self help' topic that was chock full of advice in rhyme, using a character 'spin off' from another series. It was well done.

Here the Truth Pixie takes us to the minefield that is school. Again in rhyme, the wonderful Olivia Coleman lends her vocal talents to reading the book for us. The Pixie faces the perennial worries every child has on their mind - fitting in, making friends, facing bullies.

While my eight-year-old enjoyed it, I would say it might have had more of an impact on a younger child, one either starting at school or nervous about a new one. Parents might be able to use this when discussing these kinds of issues with their children.

It's less than an hour long to listen to, or maybe 1-2 bedtimes' worth of reading. Makes a pleasant little listen.

I think I preferred her first adventure, for the originality. I also prefer Haig in prose to rhyme, though there is nothing wrong with his style.

A sweet little volume, possibly best when targeted at the right reader, more so than the first adventure.

For ages 5-9.

With thanks to Nudge Books for providing a sample Audible copy.
Profile Image for Bookwormandtheatremouse.
268 reviews15 followers
December 15, 2019
These may be a speedy read when you are an adult but it does not stop you from enjoying the sentiment of the Truth Pixie books. These one was just as wonderful as the first and think carries an important message for any young person may be having a tough time, especially if they have had to make a change. Matt Haig writes beautifully and Chris Mould provides the most perfect illustrations to support the tale.
Profile Image for Leah Agirlandaboy.
840 reviews15 followers
Read
December 24, 2019
Not my favorite from this series (some of them are truly outstanding), but my 7yo read this out loud to me and was so proud of himself and he also loved the sweet message (just be yourself!) and so I won’t harp on what wasn’t working for me.
Profile Image for Dreximgirl.
1,491 reviews25 followers
December 2, 2020
This was really cute and I loved the message about being who you are and true to yourself no matter what others think. Lovely.
Profile Image for Michelle M.
15 reviews1 follower
October 18, 2022
Rhyming short story for young kids sharing lessons about life especially about being yourself!
Profile Image for shannon✨.
1,746 reviews53 followers
December 29, 2022
This was also a nice story with nice illustrations. It also came with some good messages I'd say.
Profile Image for Krissy.
656 reviews3 followers
March 9, 2023
4 ⭐

A cute story about friendship and being yourself, told in verse. The illustrations were excellent and added to the storytelling.
Profile Image for Inna Zuieva.
39 reviews
May 28, 2024
Легка, повчальна, з глибоким сенсом.
Автору 👏
477 reviews16 followers
September 1, 2020
The Truth Pixie’s friend Aada has had a bad year. Her gran has died, her dad has lost his job, she has had to move to a different town and has started at a new school. All Aada wants is an easy life. All she wants is friends at her new school and to fit in and to be accepted but she may have to pretend to be someone that she isn’t and give up her one true friend…

This splendid little read packs some big messages, is thought-provoking and provides lots of opportunities for interesting and pertinent discussions. It is told in rhyming verse and has brilliant illustrations by the pencil wizard that is Chris Mould. The Truth Pixie helps readers understand that it is OK to feel sad and follows on nicely from the first Truth Pixie book. This read explores the issues around being different and not fitting in and whether we accept who we are or do we act ‘normal’ and act to please others in order to be accepted. It also raises the problem with the bullying of those who are perceived as different.

Aada has started a new school and, like most of us, she just wants to fit in. But having a Truth Pixie with you draws unwanted attention. Starting a new school is always tough and Aada just wants to make friends. But the other children think she is weird. Aada lives in a tiny house with only her father, dresses in shabby clothes, doesn’t have much money, talks differently and is best friends with a pixie.

In her pursuit of friendship and to be accepted by her peers, Aada is forced to question her values and what she believes in. She wants to be included in games and conversations and not feel like an outsider, picked on or called names. Separating herself from Truth Pixie seems to be the easy solution to being accepted at school but should she be someone she isn’t just to fit in? Is it better to be yourself or be the person that people want to be friends with? Aada is trapped in a difficult situation, live a lie and have friends or be truthful to herself and remain an outsider.

This is such a valuable lesson to children - being themselves is more than enough and if others do not value and like them for who they are then these people are not worth having as friends. It is never worth being someone you are not just to fit in… why be ‘normal’ when you can be you? Be who you are, being yourself is more than enough.

Recommended for 6+
Profile Image for Răzvan Ursuleanu.
Author 1 book18 followers
December 23, 2025
Acum, pentru că am citit cu toții “Spiridușa Adevărului” și suntem deja foarte buni prieteni cu Spiridușa, nu ne mai deranjează deloc atunci când ea ne spune în față adevărul gol-goluț. Și bineînțeles că îi luăm imediat apărarea ori de câte ori se mai găsește cineva care să o acuze că prea exagerează cu adevărul ăsta și că n-ar strica să mai și mintă, măcar din când în când.

Ce prietenie grozavă s-a legat între noi, haideți să recunoaștem că așa este… Un nou prieten de nădejde este mereu un mare câștig pentru oricine, și lucrul acesta ne este confirmat și de Aada, fetița extraordinară care s-a oferit prima să fie prietenă cu Spiridușa Adevărului:

“Un prieten e ca o binecuvântare.
Un prieten e-acolo să te țină de mână.
Când ți-e frig sau ți-e greu, e corabia care
te-ajută s-ajungi la mal pe timp de furtună.”

Și dacă nu știam sau uitasem, tot Aada este cea care ne amintește că:

“Dacă oamenii te plac cel mai tare
când încerci să fii ceva ce nu ești,
atunci prietenia lor n-are valoare,
iar timpul și energia cu ei îți irosești.”

Să citim și “Spiridușa Adevărului merge la școală” este de la sine înțeles, nici nu ar mai trebui să precizez asta, dar ar cam trebui totuși să ne grăbim un pic, pentru că Spiridușa, odată ajunsă la școală, va începe și acolo să le spună tuturor lucruri adevărate, ori după cum bine se știe nici măcar unii profesori nu știu cum să reacționeze în fața unei asemenea avalanșe de adevăruri. Așadar este bine să o însoțim, să fim alături de ea, pentru a-i lua apărarea atunci când va avea nevoie.

A, și fiți atenți, dragi copii! În cartea “Spiridușa Adevărului merge la școală” veți descoperi și care este numele adevărat al Spiridușei Adevărului, un secret pe care scriitorul Matt Haig nu ni l-a dezvăluit până acum în nicio poveste despre spiridușă!

Spor la citit!

https://www.bucurestifm.ro/2025/12/23...
Profile Image for Sirah.
3,054 reviews27 followers
December 31, 2022
The Truth Pixie can only tell the truth and must always tell the truth when asked. Unfortunately, the truth is sometimes rude or not very nice. When Aada tries to bring her friend the Truth Pixie to school, the two end up in a bit of trouble, particularly with the popular kids. Aada has to make a choice between being liked and being honest, but how can she even make such a choice?

This lengthy rhyme is a perfect addition to the Christmas series, adding secret information about the Truth Pixie while reminding kids that being nice does not always mean being kind, and truth is valuable even when it doesn't sound very nice. I bumped it down a star because the ending went on for way too long basically saying the same thing over and over, but I still enjoyed the story quite a lot, and I'm looking forward to reading more Truth Pixie books.

If people only like you
For being something you're not,
Then that is a friendship
That's not worth a lot.
Profile Image for Gavin McHugh.
215 reviews2 followers
January 2, 2020
Once again Matt Haig, just like the Truth Pixie, lays it all out for everyone to see and doesn't soften the tone. It is to his credit that Matt Haig brings these topics to younger readers in a fully accessible, and entertaining, way.
There are some moments in here that make you wonder how far down the road Matt is going to take the Pixie and her friend Aada, encompassing bullying, isolation, lying amongst other behaviours.
But ultimately the story does bring it back to the main point of being true to yourself, I'm just not sure the journey through the dark topics is balanced out fully by the positive ending. Having said that though, The Truth Pixie/Goes to School is to be commended for what it does do and how it broaches these tough topics.
Profile Image for Laurie Bell.
Author 8 books29 followers
September 25, 2019
Buy it now.

If you have kids, if you don’t… this is a fabulous book and one I wished I had as a kid. The Truth Pixie series is a fabulous rhyming story, and one that is wonderful to read aloud. I think this book is a winner for all little ones heading off to school for the first time. It’s about being true to yourself and making friends not by lying or pretending to someone different but by being true to you. And that there is power in the truth. And power in true friendship. I love this story and the series.

And the illustrations are simply divine.

If you hadn’t done it yet, get the first one too.
63 reviews
March 20, 2021
Review of The Truth Pixie goes to school by Matt Haig
Genre: Adventure Rating:⅗


I like this book because it is adventure-filled!

This book is about a girl who has a friend who is a true pixie. All the other people at school don’t like the girl because of their superstitions about pixies and some people say that the girl is not normal. She makes friends by telling a lie and the truth pixie goes north back to her own house. Both of them feel lonely, even though they are surrounded by friends and family and the Truth pixie goes back to the girl’s house.


I recommend this book to people who like adventures!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 92 reviews

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