Synopsis
“Freddie and the Fairy” is a delightful tale written by Julia Donaldson and illustrated by Karen George. The story follows Freddie, a young boy who is desperate for a pet. He meets a fairy named Bessie-Belle who is stuck in a tree and rescues her. As a reward, Bessie-Belle offers to grant Freddie’s wishes, but things don’t quite go as planned. Freddie’s mumbled wishes lead to unexpected outcomes, and he becomes frustrated. Luckily, the Fairy Queen is on hand to explain and teach Freddie three golden rules for effective communication: do not mumble, do not turn your head away, and do not cover your mouth.
Key Features
- A story about a young boy with hearing loss and his journey to learn effective communication skills
- A subtle message about the importance of clear speech and understanding for people with hearing impairments
- A delightful and witty tale with Julia Donaldson’s trademark rhyme and wit
- Beautiful illustrations by Karen George
- A great book to help children understand the needs of people with hearing difficulties and to encourage clear speech
Themes
- Communication skills
- Hearing impairments
- Effective speech
- Empathy and understanding
Target Audience
- Children aged 4-8 years old
- Parents and caregivers seeking books that promote empathy and understanding of hearing impairments
- Speech and language therapists looking for a story to use in therapy sessions
Awards and Recognition
- Winner of the Waterstone’s/Macmillan Children’s Books Picture This competition
Reviews
- “A delightful tale full of Julia Donaldson’s trademark rhyme and wit, with a subtle message about those who are hard of hearing.” – Amazon Review
- “A great book to help children who are mumblers to realise the importance of clear speech for getting their message across effectively.”
