Member Reviews
A cute book that makes a good addition to the "how to catch" series. As always we loved the pictures and rhymes.
This was a wonderful book to read. The illustrations were beautiful and really helped move this story along. We see the kids try a number of different traps yet none of them appear to work. Once this story comes to a close these kids are fine with not catching this being and learn a good lesson.
This series is absolutely adorable. Kids think of these mythical creatures, but have they ever considered how to catch one of them?
Well, to be fair, I think a ton of kids have thought about how to catch the tooth fairy and steal all her money, but the rest of them?
This Fairy Godmother is fresh out of Fairy College and a little intimidated about her job. These clever kids are dead set on catching her, and she knows she has her work cut out for her.
The art is so beautifully done, the rhyming scheme fun and easy. So many tiny details to be on the look out for, which is my second favorite thing when it comes to reading time with a child.
My kiddo's plan for how to catch a fairy godmother involved much tackling, which I'm pretty sure the book disproved that idea, but he's certain he would succeed. Dream big, kid.
My kiddos would have loved this book when they were little! It’s so cute and adorably illustrated! It’s a cute, funny quick read.
We own another “How To Catch A….” and this was just as cute! I think it could be just a fairy instead of fairy godmother as it felt more that way but still enjoyed!
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher Sourcebooks Kids giving me an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!
I really liked this book! While I was a bit confused at times at what was happening in the story it was still very well written.
One day a fairy godmother is sent to help some kids, but all they want to do is catch her for show and tell. The young fairy godmother has to dodge a lot of traps while still helping the kids. Will the fairy godmother be able to help the kids without getting trapped?
This was a very delightful and fun read! I recommend this for ages 2+. This book will teach kids all about never giving up even when things are tough.
I received a complementary ARC of this book from NetGalley on behalf of the author and the publisher.
I love the How to Catch a children's book series. This one is how to catch a Fairy Godmother. It's got bright eye catching illustrations to keep the kids checking out what's going on in the pages as the kids try to capture the fairy that they think they see. Another cute story to add to the collection.
I received an advance reader copy of this book to read in exchange for an honest review via netgalley and the publishers.
How to Catch a Fairy Godmother is a bright, colourful rhyming picture book for children about a newly qualified, nervous and shy fairy godmother trying her best to help the children on her first assignment. The book is engaging and fun for children to look through or have read to them. The only downfall for me was the rhyming as it didn't seem to flow as smoothly as other rhyming books I've read and I was on the fence a little with some of the words/terms used in the rhymes I'm relation to it being for children.
🧚 This is another fun book in the “How to Catch a” series. 🎉
🧚 This time it’s about a Fairy Godmother who is on her first day on the job and the kids are trying hard to trick and trap her! Fortunately, Fairy Godmother outsmarts the kids in the end!
🧚 This book is fun and colorful with full page illustrations. Kids will definitely enjoy this book!
Thank you @NetGalley and Sourcebook Kids for an eARC of this book, which I have read and reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
Alice Walstead’s How to Catch a Fairy Godmother is a delightful and enchanting tale that captivates young readers from start to finish. The story is imaginative and whimsical, filled with colorful illustrations and charming characters that bring the magical world to life. Walstead’s writing is engaging and accessible, making it perfect for children who love adventure and fantasy. The book beautifully blends humor and heart, teaching valuable lessons about kindness, perseverance, and believing in the impossible. How to Catch a Fairy Godmother is a must-read for children and parents alike, offering a joyful escape into a world where magic and wonder abound.
My daughter loves this series and absolutely loved this book! The pictures are bright and the story is engaging. She loves trying to read along with me!
Thank you Netgalley, the author and publisher for this ARC!
As always, another favorite in our house.
Just like all of the others in this series, the illustrations are bright, colorful, and entertaining. The content was very cute and kept my little giggling.
Thank you NetGalley, Alice Walstead, and Sourcebooks Kids for allowing us to review.
Another fun one in the “How to Catch” series! My children love this series and we are always looking to expand our collection. This one did not disappoint. There were several silly attempts to catch the Fairy Godmother which has my young kids giggling, The illustrations clearly show the details in each attempt, which my children love “studying” and analyzing the traps.
Thank you to NetGalley and Sourcebooks Kids for the ARC.
Another How to Catch book that will be added to my kids ever expanding library! I love the magic and excitement that was brought to my daughters. This book definitely seems to bring out laughs, magic and a never dwindling belief in that magic and fairytales. Reality is not needed with a little kid, the magic that ends so quickly in innocent children, was exactly what I wanted to read. I love this book and cannot wait for it to release to purchase a hardcopy to complete the set.
This book was pretty cute. The rhyming was a little off so it didn’t flow as well as some of the other books in this series. We loved How to Catch a Tooth Fairy. I’m also not sure if “hot mess” is the right term to use on a kid’s book. I think of that as a sloppy drunk term. I know that the cover is supposed to purposefully shield the fairy godmother’s face, but it looks like it was cut off. Thank you NetGalley for the opportunity to read this one.
I was super excited to check out ‘How to Catch a Fairy Godmother’ by Alice Walstead, but unfortunately, it felt like an immense letdown. My first comment to my partner after reading it was, “Children are not that stupid.” This book definitely felt like it was talking down to children, which was very disappointing.
Plot: ★☆☆☆☆
The plot was very weak. It lacked the creativity and depth that make children's stories captivating. It felt rushed and underdeveloped, leaving much to be desired.
Character: ★☆☆☆☆
The character of the fairy godmother honestly just annoyed me. There was little development or relatability, making it hard to connect with her or care about her journey.
Illustrations: ★★★☆☆
The illustrations were cute, which was one of the few redeeming qualities of the book. They added a bit of charm and visual interest, but unfortunately, they couldn’t save the overall experience.
Engagement: ★☆☆☆☆
The book was not very engaging. Children do not enjoy being spoken down to, and this story definitely had a condescending tone. It failed to capture and hold attention, making it a struggle to get through.
Readability: ★★★☆☆
The readability was alright, but the tone and manner of storytelling were definitely talking down to children. It could have been so much more if it respected its young audience’s intelligence.
Enjoyment: ★☆☆☆☆
Overall, it was not an enjoyable read. The weak plot, annoying character, and condescending tone made it a letdown. It’s unfortunate because the concept had potential, but the execution fell flat.
‘How to Catch a Fairy Godmother’ by Alice Walstead was a very promising read that turned out to be a big disappointment. With a weak plot, an annoying character, and a condescending tone, it’s not a book I would recommend. Children deserve stories that respect their intelligence and engage their imaginations, and this book missed the mark. Despite the cute illustrations, it’s not an enjoyable read, and there are much better options out there for young readers.
From the New York Times and USA Today bestselling "How to Catch" series comes a new magical adventure by Alice Walstead and Andy Elkerton. This enchanting addition, "How to Catch a Fairy Godmother," introduces us to a young and shy fairy godmother on her very first assignment. Her primary goal is to assist the How to Catch kids in any way she can.
What sets this book apart is its focus on a fairy godmother, a character that is surprisingly rare in picture books. The narrative is bursting with colorful art and hilarious rhymes that will keep young readers entertained and engaged. The story invites readers into an all-new fairy tale world, where they meet a resilient and endearing fairy godmother who captures hearts with her determination and kindness.
As someone who has enjoyed the "How to Catch" series immensely, this book continues the tradition of fun and adventure that has made the series a favorite. When I worked in a library and organized school visits for primary-aged children, the "How to Catch" books were my go-to. Their blend of humor, imagination, and interactive elements always captivated the young audience.
"How to Catch a Fairy Godmother" is perfect for children aged 3-8 years. The vibrant illustrations and rhythmic text make it an excellent read-aloud choice for parents, teachers, and librarians. Moreover, the book prompts readers to think creatively, encouraging them to consider what kind of fun and strange items they might bring to show and tell.
This delightful story not only entertains but also sparks the imagination, making it a valuable addition to any child's library. Whether you're a long-time fan of the "How to Catch" series or new to these magical adventures, "How to Catch a Fairy Godmother" is sure to enchant and delight readers of all ages.
Overall, this book is a fantastic blend of whimsy and warmth, delivering a message of resilience and creativity. It's a must-read for young children and a wonderful resource for anyone looking to inspire a love of reading and imagination in the little ones.
The artwork was cute.
The story really had no arc, no message or lesson.
I found the “plot” to be a bit advanced for the audience - this is a rhyming picture book, I would think is for younger kids.
I wouldn’t buy this one.
If you appreciate the other “How to Catch a….” stories, this is a cute addition to your collection. I think it’s a nice throwback to what a fairy godmother is, especially if children have not been exposed to fairy tales. The story starts with a fairy godmother who graduates and will become a fairy godmother to a child. She has some angst about doing her job well.
To the fairy godmother’s chagrin, the children want to catch her for show n tell, but she worries that she won’t be able to help them if she gets caught. The tale tells of the adventures of the children setting their traps. Will they be able to finally successfully trap a mythical creature? You will have to read this charming rhyming tale to find out.
Is this ground-breaking literature? No, but children will appreciate the book for what it’s worth.
We love this series and my kids own almost all of them by this point. My kids from being absolutely thrilled to have a sneak peak. I think that these stories are so much fun for both kids and adults it's always fun to see the fun traps that the children in the story build. This one I was super excited to see that she left them a little surprise at the end. The writing in these books are always lyrical and positive, the Illustrations as always are beautiful and vibrant. We cannot wait to add this to our How to Catch collection!