BLOOM by Doreen Cronin. Illustrated by David Small. New York: Atheneum Books for Young Readers, 2016. 32p.  ISBN 978-1442406209 hc. $17.99   Gr. K-3    E-PIC


Bloom is an extraordinary fairy who is quite happy to help in the gardens, making things grow with her magic. She also turns sand into glass, helping to build the castle on the hill. The only catch is that she leaves a trail of mud wherever she goes, which doesn't gain her any favors from the very clean gentry who live in the glass castle. Tired of the complaints, Bloom leaves for a new home in the forest.  Many years later, the castle begins to deteriorate, leading the king on a quest to find the magical Bloom who can save the castle.  However, he finds a messy fairy who works with mud instead.  Not believing this humble creature has the powers he seeks, he returns to the castle.  The queen tries next, but is also doubtful of the messy fairy's powers.  Finally, the haughty rulers send their servant girl, who not too proud to get her hands dirty.  She learns to make bricks from mud without any magic, and ends up building a new castle by using her new skill.  She also finds that by listening and learning, an ordinary person can do ANYTHNG!
Lynette Suckow, Superiorland Preview Center, Marquette, MI