What’s so lovely about having my own site is being able to write and post about people and things which I have an interest in. I can write without the normal constraints…..Lucky old me:) New York based author Lala Fae contacted me and asked if I would review her book ‘The Golden Winged Fairy’. When I looked into both her and the book she had written I thought it fitted well with my blog and interests.
I liked the way that she came across and she’s been really pleasant to get to know. If you have read my previous book review here you will see that that one was carried out with my eldest son ‘M’. However, ‘The Golden Winged Fairy’ was clearly more suitable to be read with my youngest son ‘G’ who is 7.
Lala kindly sent me a complimentary copy of the book as opposed to a digital download review copy. The book is sold as a hardcopy and considering the illustrations which are phenomenal, its the only way to appreciate this book. It’s good to feel this books pages and the embossed paper, great for small children. The pages of the new book smelt wonderful too, there’s just something about it, maybe a throwback to my own childhood. It’s a proper story telling experience for the younger audience.
The story focuses on a fairy with a difference, as G said…’a difference that she felt embarrassed about.’ We talked about the difference the fairy heroine Lorelei has and how this made her feel. All Lorelei wants is to fit in with the Silver Moon Fairies. As the story progresses I found that it led me to the natural conclusion that we should celebrate our differences. It’s a great back up to many conversations I had with my two when they were younger in nursery and started to either be on the receiving end or the perpetrator of comments relating to individual differences.
I usually ask my partner to look through my posts and he’s done just that. Particularly if I feel that I’m missing something. When I know what I want to say but it’s not transferring through to the page. His feedback…..’it reads as if you’re being politically correct…why?
I thrive and enjoy being me and being honest. I had to stop and think and then we entered into a discussion. Was it his German straight forwardness or my english political correctness that led us both to think that my writing in this review lacked punch?! It lacked that special something needed to give the book, Lala and me the true airing this subject deserved. This post now is a very different piece than it was originally and it’s more grounded for it.
Understanding individual differences is not limited to what children should be doing, as adults we must remind ourselves that differences are not the exclusive details such as the colour of our skin or language we speak, it’s also the essence and personalities of who we are. Sometimes its easy to forget and as adults it’s actually really good to talk about. Often we are so caught up at home in parenting that proper intelligent conversations just don’t happen. Today we had one and it felt good! All because of reading a children’s book.
It demonstrates that this book manages to do that on its most basic level and to start small children with such a such a book, in my opinion is no bad thing.
I would say that the book is aimed at either very young learner readers or at children who are being read to as their relaxation or nighttime story. It’s relaxing, has a positive message and isn’t too long. It can be read in one 10 minute sitting and it’s of a fairytale quality that can be read again and again. It really is beautiful.
The book is enhanced to a magical quality by the illustrations drawn by Laura Siadak. Lala told me she is excited to announce that she has finished her second book and that one is also currently with Laura who is providing the illustrations once more. This lady can really draw.
You can see more on the youtube video here, it’s really worth watching:
If you fancy making contact with Lala then you can find her on some of her social media platforms here:
The book can be purchased here amongst other places.
In the words of Lala…May you always glow golden.
I am really pleased to have Lala onboard with responding to your comments for this post! You might hear back from either Lala or myself. Thank you as always for all comments and thoughts about the post x
Do you remember reading fairy tales as a child, was there one in particular. Have you heard of Lalas golden winged fairy?
Great review hun. I love a good story book, especially to read to LP at bedtime. Thanks for the recommendation and thanks for linking to #PoCoLo. xx
This sounds like just the kind of book i would love reading both for myself and to my little girl when she is a big bigger.I love that “difference” is a reason to celebrate not judge and that this is conveyed in a magical way so will “stick” in the minds of little ones.Thankyou for listing to #familyfun
The illustrations are stunning – and who doesn’t love a bit of fairy magic? Thanks for linking to #PoCoLo x
I think I am the only one who enjoys digital reading 😮 I love reading actual books but tend to read more on my phone/kindle these days however I think for kids books, especially ones with amazing illustrations such as this need to be actual books. They are so much better for kids to learn and read on an actual page #kcacols
I love a “proper” book. never did embrace the digital kindle type :/ I agree with you on writing about things you are interested in regarding blogging – it’s the best 🙂 #KCACOLS
There’s nothing like holding a book in your hand!
This sounds like a lovely story with a meaningful message running through it. I love the illustrations. Really beautiful.
Laura xx
Thanks so much for linking up at #KCACOLS. Hope you come back again next Sunday 🙂
Thank you:)
I do have the means to read digital books, but there is nothing like the real thing! I love them! Sounds like a great book with a meaningful message.
#KCACOLS
#fortheloveofBLOG
What a lovely message to put through in a story and the illustrations look just beautiful. I agree, teaching children these sort of messages is so important and we should indeed celebrate the things that make us unique. #fortheloveofblog
Thanks Kat:) glad you liked it and enjoyed the illustrations.
Real books all the way for me, I spend too much time in front of a screen I certainly don’t want to do it in my own time. This sounds like a magical book to inspire youngsters with a good message to share. #KCACOLS
I agree, I also spend too much time with phones, tablets or laptops. Books help me to switch off from that. Thanks for your comments X
I like the illustrations, I’m another fan of real books. Wouldn’t even entertain a Kindle. Although I never get time to read any more anyway… I do love reading to the kids and pictures are the most important part when you’re two 😉
And I should have said #KCACOLS but i leave it out every time 😉
Happens to me a lot too:) thank you so much for your comments fran X
I love it when a book is heavy and solid, and feels very firm to hold and read – it makes it feel special. What struck me about the book was that it was quick to read with your children ideal for bedtime, and provided a thought provoking message that you can discuss with your children, as well as your husband. I know what you mean about having lots of kid conversations with your partner, it’s great that a children’s book has enabled you to have an adult conversation. Thank you so much for linking up to #fortheloveofBLOG. Claire x
Oh this sounds like a lovely book! I like that it focuses on individual differences and how we should be accepting of these differences. You’re right, we as adults need to remember this as well. Thanks for sharing with #StayClassy!
Thank you:)
I think there is innate goodness in all humans and, when gently guided to grow from the inside out, children become their true selves and learn to appreciate differences in themselves and others.
My hope is that my book might offer a little gentle guidance.
Thank you for your kind comment regarding the book! ~ Lala
I love reading books! I like reading online blogs, but I LOVE having a book with me in bed or on the sofa and flipping through the pages and moving into to story in a way I cannot do electronically. I also have a little one, and though he is only 11 months old, we read together everyday. This is a great way to get children reading. #abrandnewday
Yeah I agree, It’s good to have a real book on the go to have a change from all the electronic media I go through:) x
For me, the tactile experience of holding a book seems so much “softer and warmer” for a little one than a cold, hard tablet. ~ Lala
You can’t beat holding a book. Kids books for definate, I think they get something from being able to feel the books. I love how you had a debate with your husband about it! I know what you mean about wanting to write honestly and correctly about things that are reviewed. It is rather important I feel. The book itself sounds like it has good morals, its definately very pretty. Thanks for linking to #abrandnewday — I’ll stumble for you x
Fabulous thank you so much Karen:) thanks for your comments X
I can never get on with digital books on my tablet, I much prefer actual books with paper pages. Sounds like a good book with a great message – thanks for sharing! #stayclassy
thank you:)
I find my eyes become more strained reading from tablets and computer screens than hard copy books. ~ Lala
There is something about feeling and smelling the pages of a real book that will never be matched in a digital version. The illustrations do look beautiful and as a mum of a son with autism I love the idea that this book is teaching children to embrace difference. TY for linking up your post to #FamilyFun ?
thank you Catie, yes the book does have a great message, it was one of the reasons I enjoyed reviewing the book.x
I’m so glad that the book sparked a family conversation about differences and individuality! My hope is to inspire young readers in a clear yet subtle and seemingly effortless manner.
My next book explores the opposite end of individuality – feeling overly proud and boastful of one’s differences.
Thanks much for the wonderful review and all the repsonses!
~ Lala
It’s lovely to have you commenting Lala, having the author involved is great, thank you:) X
Books smell like magic! ~ Lala