It's comforting to know that fairies are like humans in that they aren't always whimsical and carefree and happy. This tale opens with Shade, a decidedly NOT whimsical sprite, having lost her home and (worse) her *library* in a fire started by some ill-used fireworks. Shade is not impressed with the "Hey, gang let's build her a new house!" reaction from the sprites who burned her out, so she leaves. As she moves through the forest, she has doubts about having left the safety and relative comfort of her home, despite the annoyingly whimsical populace. She's never been on her own and doesn't know what she'll find. All she wants is a quiet place to read, and really wishes she could find a nice library. What she finds, instead, are friends in the lest likely places.

This is a welcome relief from the sugar-sweet stories about fairies that are so popular right now. It reminded me a little of the first time I read the Artemis Fowl books, and how I loved the unconventional approach taken by the author. Kids who are just a bit different will eat this up and will find a friend in Shade. Well done.