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The Very Fairy Princess
The Very Fairy Princess Takes the Stage
Everyone's favorite fairy princess is back and just in time for her ballet recital in this new picture book addition to the Julie Andrews Collection. At first, when Gerry is cast as the Court Jester and not the Crystal Princess, she is dismayed -- nothing is pink and no one can see her crown under her silly jester hat! But just as the recital looks like it's headed for disaster, our ever-energetic very fairy princess swoops in to save the day!
Gerry's sparkle radiates from the page once more through Christine Davenier's whimsically elegant illustrations in this spirited, ballet-themed follow-up to The Very Fairy Princess from the renowned mother-daughter team of Julie Andrews and Emma Walton Hamilton.
Gerry's sparkle radiates from the page once more through Christine Davenier's whimsically elegant illustrations in this spirited, ballet-themed follow-up to The Very Fairy Princess from the renowned mother-daughter team of Julie Andrews and Emma Walton Hamilton.
32 pages, Hardcover
First published May 3, 2011
165 people want to read
About the author
Julie Andrews Edwards
73 books1,382 followersDame Julie Elizabeth Andrews Edwards, DBE is an award-winning English actress, singer, author and cultural icon. She is the recipient of Golden Globe, Emmy, Grammy, BAFTA, People's Choice Award, Theatre World Award, Screen Actors Guild and Academy Award honours. Andrews rose to prominence after starring in Broadway musicals such as My Fair Lady and Camelot, as well as musical films like Mary Poppins (1964) and The Sound of Music (1965).
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
July 27, 2011
I don’t remember the first book well except I remember I liked it, and I think I like this book even more. I adore Julie Andrews and her collaborations with her daughter are always of first rate quality, this book included. The illustratrations here are also excellent.
This is a wonderful story for girly girls, girls who like princesses & pink & dancing, and being the center of attention. The lessons of being a good sport, a good team member, and what it really means to be a real fairy princess are ones all young girls can benefit from thinking about. A bit didactic, I suppose, but the story is so much fun that enjoyment takes precedence over any education, edification, morals taught, yet young girls are likely to get thinking and perhaps talking with each other or those older than them about Gerry and her situation and how she handles it. Great fun! I really like Gerry; she’s not perfect but she’s more than good enough!
4 ½ stars
This is a wonderful story for girly girls, girls who like princesses & pink & dancing, and being the center of attention. The lessons of being a good sport, a good team member, and what it really means to be a real fairy princess are ones all young girls can benefit from thinking about. A bit didactic, I suppose, but the story is so much fun that enjoyment takes precedence over any education, edification, morals taught, yet young girls are likely to get thinking and perhaps talking with each other or those older than them about Gerry and her situation and how she handles it. Great fun! I really like Gerry; she’s not perfect but she’s more than good enough!
4 ½ stars
September 16, 2011
Not as good as the first, but still cute. This time, the "Very Fairy Princess" has to handle the disappointment of not being the star of the ballet performance and learns a good lesson about sharing and keeping her fairy princess sparkle no matter what. (Also, I like her supportive family, especially the brother; nice to see when so often there is animosity among siblings in picture books.)
August 12, 2013
The very fairy princess, Gerry, is excited when she learns that her ballet class is going to perform a ballet dance on stage! It was called “The Crystal Princess”, and Gerry knew she would make a PERFECT princess – she was a natural, of course.
Tiffany got the part. Gerry didn’t. Gerry got the part of the jester. With a silly hat, and shoes, and costume… And stick. Worst of all, Gerry has lost her sparkle. How can a fairy princess get her sparkle back?
My sister Josie LOVES these books. I have to say I really like the very fairy princess stories too because of the messages in the books. They are perfect for young kids. Ms. Edwards and Ms. Hamilton are awesome at assessing what young children think. I can totally understand how Gerry feels about not getting the princess part and having to settle for being a jester. Plus, I like the theme of this book. I like plays and musicals and ballets (not that I do ballet! No no no) a lot, so I like how this book takes place on stage. :) I think this is a great book for younger kids!
**NOTE I got this book as a gift
Tiffany got the part. Gerry didn’t. Gerry got the part of the jester. With a silly hat, and shoes, and costume… And stick. Worst of all, Gerry has lost her sparkle. How can a fairy princess get her sparkle back?
My sister Josie LOVES these books. I have to say I really like the very fairy princess stories too because of the messages in the books. They are perfect for young kids. Ms. Edwards and Ms. Hamilton are awesome at assessing what young children think. I can totally understand how Gerry feels about not getting the princess part and having to settle for being a jester. Plus, I like the theme of this book. I like plays and musicals and ballets (not that I do ballet! No no no) a lot, so I like how this book takes place on stage. :) I think this is a great book for younger kids!
**NOTE I got this book as a gift
May 18, 2012
Cute. And a reminder that fairy princesses take all forms. They can let others sparkle.
July 17, 2023
Oh, the tragedy! In the very PERFECT life of the very fairy princess named (in reality, Gerry), she got the wrong part in the ballet recital.
Oh, the anguish! She was cast as the jester, not the Crystal Princess. In Gerry's own words:
A jester is sort of like a clown.
I have to hold a stick with a funny face on it,
so I pretend it's my fairy wand.
I also decide to wear my crown UNDER the sill hat.
(Fairy princesses never go ANYWHERE without a crown!)
HOW WELL IS LITTLE GERRY DOING AT LIVING IN REALITY?
Maybe not so great.
And is it a good thing or a bad thing that, in her BIG PERFORMANCE?... Jester or not, Gerry receives a lot of applause and is put in the very front of the group picture.
A born prima donna, encouraged by her parents to become even more of a prima donna. If she were human, I'd feel sorry for Gerry's poor (future) husband.
Oh, the anguish! She was cast as the jester, not the Crystal Princess. In Gerry's own words:
A jester is sort of like a clown.
I have to hold a stick with a funny face on it,
so I pretend it's my fairy wand.
I also decide to wear my crown UNDER the sill hat.
(Fairy princesses never go ANYWHERE without a crown!)
HOW WELL IS LITTLE GERRY DOING AT LIVING IN REALITY?
Maybe not so great.
And is it a good thing or a bad thing that, in her BIG PERFORMANCE?... Jester or not, Gerry receives a lot of applause and is put in the very front of the group picture.
A born prima donna, encouraged by her parents to become even more of a prima donna. If she were human, I'd feel sorry for Gerry's poor (future) husband.
January 12, 2017
Not very original, and slightly problematic in places. Does the woman who makes the costumes really have to be a small Asian woman? And does the girl who gets the lead have to be a tall blonde? Very stereotypical. The message about sharing and helping each other out is nice. However, girls don't have to be pink-loving, fairy-obsessed creatures in order to be good, which is an unwelcome message that some young readers might pick up.
August 28, 2018
While I didn't enjoy this one as much as the first book, I think I found out why this series is becoming a new favorite: it reminds me of the Ladybug Girl series, which features a similar main character that oozes positivity and individuality!
January 16, 2019
The very fairy princess is performing in a ballet but not in the part she really wants. Can she accept the part she's given? Preschool and up
May 7, 2019
Geraldine shows us that even when you don't get what you want, you can make the most of it. A great lesson in selflessness.
Six+1: Voice, Ideas
Guided Reading: M
Lexile: 720
Six+1: Voice, Ideas
Guided Reading: M
Lexile: 720
August 1, 2023
This book was fine, but I wasn’t thrilled with it.
February 17, 2025
For every child who didn't get the part in the production that they were hoping for.
October 16, 2025
Sweet. Cute illustrations. There is a similar Fancy Nancy (Mermaid Ballet!) that I prefer to this, but it's still a lovely message.
November 15, 2011
The Very Fairy Princess Takes The Stage is a children's picture book.
Geraldine believes she is a princess and not just a regular princess, but a fairy princess. On the day it's announced that her ballet class will be acting out the play, "The Crystal Princess", Gerry is positive she will be cast as the lead, after all, she has everything a good fairy princess would need!
However, things don't turn out the way that Gerry wants and she is cast as the Jester. Gerry is really disappointed but decides to make the most out of it, even though she believes she looks really silly in her Jester costume.
On the big day, Gerry is really nervous when she stands upon the stage. However, her fears are unwarranted, for not only does she sparkle and shine but she saves the day when a piece of the Ice Crystal Princesses costume goes missing!
Award winning Actress, Julie Andrews, yes THAT Julie Andrews and her daughter, Emma Walton Hamilton, have collaborated to put together a really great book for young readers. Julie has been writing books for over thirty years and the mother-daughter team have been sharing their writing talents together for several as well.
I thought this was a very well-written and whimisical book. Geraldine is a very likeable little girl. I liked how she was able to go with the flow and not think of revengeful things to do because she didn't get her way. I liked the positive attitude building that the book incorporates and how to make the most out of situations that aren't agreeable.
The illustrations by Christine Davenier are done in a charming and engaging coloured pencil sketches that are pleasing to the readers eyes. The soft strokes of the pencils give you a feeling of love and tenderness as you read about Gerry and her dilemma.
I would recommend this to any parent who enjoys reading wholesome stories with positive outcomes to their children. The children will fall in love with Gerry and her comical attitude. This would also make a good storytime book to read in daycares or during library programs!
Geraldine believes she is a princess and not just a regular princess, but a fairy princess. On the day it's announced that her ballet class will be acting out the play, "The Crystal Princess", Gerry is positive she will be cast as the lead, after all, she has everything a good fairy princess would need!
However, things don't turn out the way that Gerry wants and she is cast as the Jester. Gerry is really disappointed but decides to make the most out of it, even though she believes she looks really silly in her Jester costume.
On the big day, Gerry is really nervous when she stands upon the stage. However, her fears are unwarranted, for not only does she sparkle and shine but she saves the day when a piece of the Ice Crystal Princesses costume goes missing!
Award winning Actress, Julie Andrews, yes THAT Julie Andrews and her daughter, Emma Walton Hamilton, have collaborated to put together a really great book for young readers. Julie has been writing books for over thirty years and the mother-daughter team have been sharing their writing talents together for several as well.
I thought this was a very well-written and whimisical book. Geraldine is a very likeable little girl. I liked how she was able to go with the flow and not think of revengeful things to do because she didn't get her way. I liked the positive attitude building that the book incorporates and how to make the most out of situations that aren't agreeable.
The illustrations by Christine Davenier are done in a charming and engaging coloured pencil sketches that are pleasing to the readers eyes. The soft strokes of the pencils give you a feeling of love and tenderness as you read about Gerry and her dilemma.
I would recommend this to any parent who enjoys reading wholesome stories with positive outcomes to their children. The children will fall in love with Gerry and her comical attitude. This would also make a good storytime book to read in daycares or during library programs!
July 6, 2011
This is such a delightful series and one my little girl adores. What's not to love about Gerry. She loves to dress up, do nice things for others, help people out and she enjoys letting her sparkle out when she sings and dances. She such a fun, relatable character to read about.
Gerry wants nothing more than to be the Crystal Princess, a coveted spot in her ballet class's up coming performance. When she loses it to Tiffany, and instead becomes the Jester, not surprisingly she becomes upset. But in a true fairy princess manner, Gerry ends up stealing the show when she does something to help Crystal out and saves the performance. Not only does Gerry feel happy about what she's done, but her parent's and brother are very proud of her as well.
This is a great sequel to the beloved book A Very Fairy Princess and I highly recommend picking these books up. They have such a great message in their fun, elegant stories, and the illustrations are adorable.
Gerry wants nothing more than to be the Crystal Princess, a coveted spot in her ballet class's up coming performance. When she loses it to Tiffany, and instead becomes the Jester, not surprisingly she becomes upset. But in a true fairy princess manner, Gerry ends up stealing the show when she does something to help Crystal out and saves the performance. Not only does Gerry feel happy about what she's done, but her parent's and brother are very proud of her as well.
This is a great sequel to the beloved book A Very Fairy Princess and I highly recommend picking these books up. They have such a great message in their fun, elegant stories, and the illustrations are adorable.
July 27, 2011
The team who brought us The Very Fairy Princess have given us another tale about a little girl with very big, sparkly dreams. We really liked the first story, and this one was good too, but I think it's losing its charm. Learning that not everyone can be the sparkly princess on stage, but that we can all make an important contribution is a good lesson for young children. But it just seemed a bit blah to me. I liked that the story included some tougher vocabulary words, like ebullient, and that the little girl ended up liking her part in the end. And the illustrations were very nice, too. Reminds me of a Fancy NancyFancy Nancy-kind of story.
October 11, 2012
I loved The Very Fairy Princess and in general I love Julie Andrews and books covered in glitter! With it being pink and purple nothing could make it better except maybe the story within. It is so precious to teach a child that every part in a play or recital is special from the princess to the jester. I am so glad to have this one to share with my daughters. Even though this is not a religious book I think it will be a great one to help explain how every part of the Body of Christ is an important working feature in God's plan.
*Thanks to Little Brown for providing a copy for review.*
Originally posted: http://creativemadnessmama.com/blog/2...
*Thanks to Little Brown for providing a copy for review.*
Originally posted: http://creativemadnessmama.com/blog/2...
June 5, 2011
Yick. I guess you could like this if you enjoy scribbly illustrations coupled with a pretty pretty princess brat story.
Don't get me wrong, scribbly illustrations have their place (the art actually reminded me of David Small a little). Princess stories have their place too. But so many of these books are better executed than this one, and they never have the honor to top the New York Times bestseller list.
I did like the variety of students in the dance class (particularly the girl with the broken leg), and I appreciated that Geraldine was able to admit that Tiffany was a good dancer and deserving of the lead role.
Don't get me wrong, scribbly illustrations have their place (the art actually reminded me of David Small a little). Princess stories have their place too. But so many of these books are better executed than this one, and they never have the honor to top the New York Times bestseller list.
I did like the variety of students in the dance class (particularly the girl with the broken leg), and I appreciated that Geraldine was able to admit that Tiffany was a good dancer and deserving of the lead role.
September 9, 2015
This one isn't written 'as' well as some of the others in this series written by the same author; but it's still a nicely written story about a little girl who wants to be a fairy princess inside and out! In her ballet class she wants to be have the starring role but the teacher gives it to someone else and she disagrees with the teacher but she deals with being the 'jester' in the play. BUT in the end she helps the star girl out and she becomes the star of the show not because she was the main character but because of her actions toward another person! Such wonderful books to help teach little girls (and boys too) how to behave and act the way they should.
August 23, 2011
What I liked about the book: The illustrations are colorful and will appeal to young readers. I like that the story provides a message about what it means to be a good sport and team member without coming on too strong. Gerry is a good role model for young girls. She's not perfect, but she tries hard. It will be easy for readers to identify with her. Young girls who like princesses, fairies and the color pink will enjoy this book.
What I didn't like about this book: I liked it all.
Recommended for Kindergarten and above.
AR Level 3.5
Mrs. Archer's Rating: 4 of 5
What I didn't like about this book: I liked it all.
Recommended for Kindergarten and above.
AR Level 3.5
Mrs. Archer's Rating: 4 of 5
June 20, 2011
"Everyone's favorite fairy princess is back and just in time for her ballet recital in this new picture book addition to the Julie Andrews Collection. At first, when Gerry is cast as the Court Jester and not the Crystal Princess, she is dismayed -- nothing is pink and no one can see her crown under her silly jester hat! But just as the recital looks like it's headed for disaster, our ever-energetic very fairy princess swoops in to save the day!" - product description
November 23, 2011
“Hi! I’m Geraldine.
I’m a fairy princess.
I know that I’m a fairy princess
because I FEEL it inside---
a sparkly feeling of just KNOWING in my heart.”
Geraldine’s ballet class prepares for a big show and Geraldine is horribly disappointed to wear the jester costume instead of the sparkly crystal princess costume.
Geraldine is every pink princess girl in the world, full of spunk and with a desire to be sparklingly beautiful.
I’m a fairy princess.
I know that I’m a fairy princess
because I FEEL it inside---
a sparkly feeling of just KNOWING in my heart.”
Geraldine’s ballet class prepares for a big show and Geraldine is horribly disappointed to wear the jester costume instead of the sparkly crystal princess costume.
Geraldine is every pink princess girl in the world, full of spunk and with a desire to be sparklingly beautiful.
May 21, 2012
I actually really enjoy this book and the writing. My daughter loves princesses, but I don't. I really love that this book embraces little girls and their wish to be princesses, but without contributing to the negative culture that surrounds that type of thing. This book embraces individuality and quirkiness; too thing about my daughter that I also want her to embrace. It's a great read for little girls.
Read
June 12, 2011A little girl doesn't get the part she wanted in a recital but she makes the best of it. I guess this is better for a child who can relate to this experience. My 3.5 year old, while obsessed with pink and dancing, was not captivated.
May 16, 2012
Geraldine is a fairy princess, she knows this because she feels in with every ounce of her being. So when her ballet class begins assigning roles for a play entitled: The Crystal Princess, Geraldine is certain she will get the lead role.
January 4, 2016
Sure, it's another princess story, but that's what my kids like. I really enjoyed that the character was a jester and not a pretty princess in the play. The story had a nice twist and was a smooth read. I liked the princess guidelines included in parentheses. Quirky.
May 20, 2011
These are very satisfying books. I think any fans of Fancy Nancy would enjoy these books as well. This book explores jealousy, embarrassment, and friendship very thoroughly and with success.
Read
December 30, 2011Loved this colorful picture book and its feel good ending.
September 21, 2011
Very fairy princess indeed. Julie Andrews does a good job, despite what one may think of the "fairy princess Disney-ification of little girls' culture."
October 7, 2011
My daughter adores this series! The story and the illustrations are simply adorable!
Reviewed on MKs' http://mundiekids.blogspot.com/2010/0...
Reviewed on MKs' http://mundiekids.blogspot.com/2010/0...
October 30, 2013
A cute story about pride, rejection, generosity and joy.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews