Describing the "Whistle Bright Magic, a Nutfolk Tale", a midgrade novel about divorce, the strength of family and friendship, and the magic of wood fairies who live in a stump, by author Barb Bentler Ullman.
Time for Kids - Winter's best books:
"I would rate this book a 9 because it is a heart warming story that jumps from an adventure to a love story at the end. Zelly is spunky and fun, and all kids can relate to her. Though a fantasy book, these children face real-life problems. From the first paragraph to the last, this book kept me on my toes and biting my fingernails."
One Librarian - Things I Liked:
"I liked the sweet, yet serious feel of the book. The story of Zelly managed to be both light and serious at the same time. Instead of being silly or fluffy, since it's about fairies, it managed to have a depth that I hadn't expected. I liked Zelly as well. She would sometimes initially have opinions of people or things that she didn't particularly like, but she didn't have a problem changing them when she learned she was wrong. "
Where the Best Books Are - Fast Reads for the Road
"Pair this engaging sequel with the first book for the trip there and back."
Sacramento
Book Review
"Zellie is a sympathetic character, trying to be strong and rational, while opening the Pandora’s box of her feelings about her missing father. Saving Whistle Bright’s village and finding Zellie’s father become intertwined stories, each with their own heartwarming resolution. The characters, both human and fey, are charmingly real. One can only hope for sequels."
BOOKLIST
Online review, American Library Association
"...Ullman skillfully weaves the distressed-fairy thread and the lost-father thread into a winsome first-person narrative with an ending that is both magical and unconventionally happy. "
Children's Literature
"...This fist person narrative blends fantasy with reality into a cohesive and credible whole."
School Library Journal Starred Review, via Perma-bound books
Elementary New & Notables Perma-Picks Jan 2010