“Raspberry Maude” by Wendy L. Googe, illustrated by artist Wanda Stanfill, is an enchanting opening to the magical Fairy Realms. The world of the Fae captivates in this debut book in the Tales from the Fairy Realms series. The book is nominated by the publisher for an IBPA Bens Award for Best New Voice: Children’s/Young Adult (first book by a new author).
Maude, described by Readers Favorite reviewer Savannah Aldridge as a “spunky Earth Fairy with wild magenta hair,” delights young and old as she performs a dazzling circus act. Aldridge continued in her five-star review: “Through magic powers, impersonations and funny faces, Raspberry Maude delights and charms. We see that Raspberry Maude is not just an entertainer but is a kind friend cheering up her performance partner and tossing treats to the crowd. The book ends with more information about circuses, Charlie Chaplin (whom Raspberry Maude impersonates) and care for the earth.”
You’ll meet Puddles, the Water Fairy, Maude’s assistant clown, and Leaflet, the Messenger Fairy, who shares helpful messages to children all over the world! You’ll admire Afan, the Cardigan Welsh Corgi, who is Maude’s handsome fairy steed!
Readers Favorite Reviewer Jamie Michelle said that “Raspberry Maude does an excellent job of showing young readers the power that a positive presence can have and encouraging imaginative thinking and play among children. Author Wendy Googe promotes simple pleasures and tells us that no matter how small and sprightly we are, we can have a huge impact on others…. (Illustrator) Stanfill breathes life into the fae world in restrained but gorgeous sketches of jeweled tones that almost present a watercolor feel to them. More than once, my youngest reader’s fingers lingered on the page, and as far as kid-lit artwork goes, Stanfill delivers some of the best I’ve come across all year.”
HillHelen Group Publishers 