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dgrstory's review
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? N/A
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
katykelly's review
4.0
Story-in-verse with a familiar character but a very moving read with intelligible life lessons for young readers.
4.5 stars.
If you and your children have read any of Haig's Father Christmas series, you'll remember the Truth Pixie, a creature who is cursed to only tell the truth. Here she has her own story, and we see her story.
Struggling to make connections in her home town because of her inability to stop saying hurtful (if true) things, she ends up meeting a sad human child, but finds her curse may actually sometimes prove to be a blessing...
I found the build-up to the main section a little overlong, but once we got to the section where 'TP' meets human Aada, her sage advice was beautifully potent, eloquent and the sort of thing you want on posters and up on every classroom wall.
Mostly the poetry flows nicely, but there are a few lines that felt awkward to read aloud. I read it over two bedtimes to my 7-year-old, he liked the story and I could see he got quite thoughtful when we reached Aada, who is about to move house as my own boy did last year. We did talk about the Truth Pixie's advice, but there was so much covered in the book that I felt we could only talk about a few main points.
It's the sort of book you want to revisit, a line at a time, and talk about. There is so much here that is great guidance, it comes at you very quickly. It could be dissected by teachers with classes at primary or secondary level.
As the characters from other books in the series don't appear, you don't need to have read the others to benefit from reading this.
Lovely illustrations from regular collaborator, Chris Riddell, and this little volume makes a wonderful 'self help' guide for children told in verse. A beautiful stocking filler for ages 7-12.
4.5 stars.
If you and your children have read any of Haig's Father Christmas series, you'll remember the Truth Pixie, a creature who is cursed to only tell the truth. Here she has her own story, and we see her story.
Struggling to make connections in her home town because of her inability to stop saying hurtful (if true) things, she ends up meeting a sad human child, but finds her curse may actually sometimes prove to be a blessing...
I found the build-up to the main section a little overlong, but once we got to the section where 'TP' meets human Aada, her sage advice was beautifully potent, eloquent and the sort of thing you want on posters and up on every classroom wall.
Mostly the poetry flows nicely, but there are a few lines that felt awkward to read aloud. I read it over two bedtimes to my 7-year-old, he liked the story and I could see he got quite thoughtful when we reached Aada, who is about to move house as my own boy did last year. We did talk about the Truth Pixie's advice, but there was so much covered in the book that I felt we could only talk about a few main points.
It's the sort of book you want to revisit, a line at a time, and talk about. There is so much here that is great guidance, it comes at you very quickly. It could be dissected by teachers with classes at primary or secondary level.
As the characters from other books in the series don't appear, you don't need to have read the others to benefit from reading this.
Lovely illustrations from regular collaborator, Chris Riddell, and this little volume makes a wonderful 'self help' guide for children told in verse. A beautiful stocking filler for ages 7-12.
annettebooksofhopeanddreams's review
4.0
I personally believe there's only one way to judge a children's book if you're not actually a child: By reading it out loud and seeing if you can have fun with the book. So, that's what I did when reading this cute little book! I really loved the rhyming sentences, giving the book rhythm and I also really loved how the lay-out was partly really helpful when determining what kind of voice to use and what kind of emotion. I therefore had a lot of fun playing around with the characters, giving them their own character and turning this cute and touching story into a little play. Just like most Haig's the eventual message of the story is quite cliche and maybe a little over the top sweet, but I think that especially children will love it and will find courage, comfort and hope in it. I will certainly also get the next book when I get the chance!
barbarab's review against another edition
3.0
Ich habe das Audiobuch gehört und die Vorleserin hat mir nicht gefallen, auch die Übersetzung scheint mir nicht so 100% , aber ich habe das Original nicht gelesen. Kann sein dass mir die Reimerei auch auf Englisch nicht gefallen hätte.
mehsi's review
4.0
This was a delightful little book about a sweet pixie named the Truth Pixie. She cannot lie and that causes her to lead a lonely life. No one really wants to hear the truth, and she can be pretty blunt about it when people ask her or she has to tell the truth. But I still felt sorry for her that she was cursed/blessed by this power. All she wants is friends, a family, someone who loves her. The ending was so beautiful and so sweet, and I was so happy. Of course the book is also delightfully illustrated and made the story even more fun to read!
xsunflowerkatx's review against another edition
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
love Matt Haig so very much :)
jessica10r's review
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
1.0
knynas1's review
4.0
4 ⭐
Fantastic art and rhythmic writing style make this a heartwarming read for young children.
Fantastic art and rhythmic writing style make this a heartwarming read for young children.
nickymaund's review
5.0
Read this for myself (I'm not ashamed to admit!) and it is just lovely! It has a powerful message and will get you all emotional! I'd definitely recommend it!
aimeesbookishlife's review
3.0
A fun story with a nice message, but the rhyming scheme was a bit awkward and some bits didn't scan very well.