Belle and the Magic Makeover

Belle and the Magic Makeover is book two in the Fairies of Starshine Meadow series. Despite the word "makeover" in the title, this book, happily, has nothing to do with TV beauty programmes where attempts to jazz up the dowdy often make me wish for the return of the bride of Frankenstein as a reminder of how to leave well enough alone.

Neither does this book have anything to do with shopping malls, designer labels or children being forced to cope with the collapse of their parents' relationships. Instead, it is a sun-bathed, moonlit tale of bright, good-natured fairies entrusted by the Fairy Queen to save their oak tree from drought. In the process, they get involved in making the wish of three human girls to see the now-derelict park of their father's childhood restored to its former glory.

The whole book has a feel-good factor to it. No dark shadows, no threatening behaviour – just an observation of a world where wishes do come true in a way that will endear young readers to its charms.

The illustrations, the map of the village and the simple rhyming verses that are part of the narrative add to the delights.

Highly recommended for young ladies.

Belle and the Magic Makeover by Kate Bloom and Emma Pack. Published by Stripes €5.85, ages 8+