The Rainbow Magic Fairies by Daisy Meadows

Last week we had our fortnightly library trip. G2 got out about 10 books, all of them were Rainbow Magic Fairy books. I tolerate this because G2 is a 7 year old girl.

The first thing I want to say about these books is Daisy Meadows is not a real person, it is a pseudonym for a group of writers.  This does not effect my opinions of these books, but it points to their purpose. They are not great literature, they are based on a formula to sell books.

The writing style is good, the words age appropriate, grammar correct. Their length and format  is suitable for that age where children are ready to move on to chapter books but find books with out pictures daunting. I would have placed these as books for 7-8 year old girls who are emergent readers. The publishers website gives the age guide of 9-12.

It is the subject matter that leaves me non-pulsed. They all follow the same plot and there are now 77 books in the series. Basically there are two girls who have entry to the fairy world. They help the fairies defeat Jack Frost. The fairies always win, Jack Frost and his goblins, who are always stupid, loose.

I know some Christians don’t like books about magic and fairies. I not super keen, not because I think they will lead my children into doctrinal error but because I think the subject matter is silly. I do, however, remind the girls that these books are imaginary, that fairies do not exist and that there really are spiritual powers in the world that are evil.

They have had two benefits for our children. They have served as scaffolding books, both girls gained reading confidence from them. Secondly they have enable discussions about what the spiritual realm is really like.

I know these will be a passing fad in our household. G2 said to me last night that she thought the books were all the same. I take this as an indication that she will be moving on soon.

I think reading these books is a matter of Christian freedom. I would not think less of anyone who banned them from their house. If you’re not sure grab a couple to read first. They are not long, an adult could knock one off in an evening.

I must also place a disclaimer here. I don’t really like fantasy books. I’ve read Harry Potter and also thought it was stupid, anyone else agree? When I’ve said this in public people have treated me as though I was deranged. This aversion to fantasy books could have two effects. I could be under playing the potential effect or I could be missing the great literary significance of the Rainbow Magic Fairy Books.