Karma, how we love thee. Karma for kids is a delicious lure in a story, particularly when a nasty character seems to win the day only to receive their comeuppance through their own selfish actions.
We fell completely in love with this book the moment we saw some of the teased images that leaked out to Twitter of the cover and the two main characters.
On one side of the story you have an ordinary everyday little girl called Imelda, who is a great friend to the fairies who live in her local woodlands. Life is wonderful and idyllic until a newcomer arrives to upset the applecart. The nefarious Goblin King.
He's rude, he's greedy, he's despotic - in fact though we sometimes love a baddie in a story, there's absolutely no redeeming features about The Goblin King and he shows his truly despicable colours by kidnapping the fairy queen and proclaiming himself ultimate ruler of the woodlands and beyond.
The fairies have only one person to turn to for help. Brave Imelda hatches a plan that proves not only is she brave, but fair too. Her plan involves baking a very special pie for The Goblin King, one that will determine his fate if he takes the bait...
We'll have to stop there for fear of ruining the way the story ends completely but Briony has woven an amazingly beautiful book that entertains, but may also prove to be food for thought for children dealing with bullying or disruptive behaviour at school. Sometimes that unshakeable belief in karma (which I durned well wish I had as an adult) can make a huge difference and should never be understated.
Charlotte's favourite bit: The fairy queen is glorious, resplendent in her gown and crown but Imelda is the true star of the story, with brains and bravery to match.
Daddy's favourite bit: Instantly destined to become a well loved children's classic, once again Flying Eye publish a book that is both visually stunning and gorgeously well written and a real treat to read aloud. We do believe in fairies!!
(Kindly sent to us for review by Flying Eye Books)
"Imelda and the Goblin King"
Written and Illustrated by Briony May Smith
Published by Flying Eye Books
Release Date (Hardback): 1st September 2015