June 1, 2020
Gr 2-5-The Summer Time Fair is almost here, and the Forest Fairy Kingdom has promised prizes for the winners of the produce competition. While everyone in the orchard has amazing ideas, Callaway, who sells crabapples and has an apple-shaped head, can't think of anything. Worst of all, she becomes so worried that her head keeps popping off. During one of these episodes she meets Thistle the fairy, who helps get her head back on straight, literally and figuratively. Callaway is a relatable character who's so overwhelmed by an impending deadline that she is unable to function, but Thistle's "you do you" attitude gives her the reassurance she needs to figure out her contribution to the fair. While the other fairies disapprove of Thistle's unorthodox methods, he doesn't care what they think of him and focuses instead on accomplishing his goals. Together, the two convey a message of self-acceptance-it's OK to take time to discover oneself and one's role in a community. Vandorn's vivid pastel illustrations are enchanting and surreal-like Callaway, all the other orchard characters have heads made of the fruits or vegetables that they are responsible for producing. VERDICT With whimsical artwork and honesty, this is ideal for young readers needing reassurance that they do not have to be like everyone else.-Amanda Melilli, Univ. of Nevada, Las Vegas
Copyright 2020 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.
June 1, 2020
Anthropomorphized-produce people prepare for a fairy food festival in this transitional graphic novel. Callaway, an overalls-clad girl with a crabapple head that floats above her body, is nervous about the Forest Fairy Kingdom's upcoming Summertime Fair. All her friends are great at creating tasty treats from their produce, but Calla catastrophizes about her potential contribution to the fair, to the point of literally losing her head from worry--it abruptly disassociates from her and rolls away! It's not painful, but it is disorienting, and Calla is lucky to get help from a new fairy friend named Thistle, who helps her practice managing her anxiety. In order to distract herself from her worries, Calla practices keeping busy by helping her community and, in doing so, finds self-worth in ways beyond traditional productivity. When the day of the festival arrives, Calla realizes that Clementine, another farmer she admires, is feeling just as insecure as she is, and in a particularly charming and satisfying moment, the two share their feelings and together enjoy the festival without stress. A secondary plot in which Thistle and his fairy community reconcile their different approaches to productivity ties in nicely with the book's themes of emotional intelligence and community. The artwork is soft, friendly, and cheerful, with a candy-colored palette and aesthetic not far from the work of Rebecca Sugar's, although with sketchier lines. Readers will be delighted to pick up this sweet treat. (Graphic fantasy. 5-8)
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June 29, 2020
The Forest Fairy Kingdom’s summertime fair is coming up, and its produce-headed orchard denizens are excited to show off their skills at its annual competition. Callaway, an apple-headed girl who struggles with feelings of inadequacy stemming from the comparatively small fruit of the crab apple tree she tends, is so anxious about the competition that she literally loses her head. Rolling away into the nearby forest, it attracts the attention of fairy Thistle, whom other fairies deride for his laid-back approach to life. Thistle helps Callaway reassemble herself and, as the two bond, assists her in staving off worry—by focusing on the present and busily assisting others—and finding her anxiety’s source. Via expressive art in a colorful, slightly muted palette, debut creator Vandorn depicts
the adorably anthropomorphic fruit- and veg-headed farmers and flower fairies. The low-conflict plot effectively normalizes the experience of anxiety, offering strategies to deal with fretful feelings (particularly around interpersonal comparisons and high expectations), and shows how each person’s experience can help them understand others. Light, summery, and warm. Ages 5–8.
July 1, 2020
Grades K-2 There's a produce contest at the Summertime Fair, and all the fruit-headed denizens of the orchard are as excited as can be, except for crabapple Callaway. When she tries to come up with an idea of what to bring, she can't stop thinking about what other people will say. She's so worried, in fact, that her head pops right off. Enter Thistle the fairy, who helps her recover her noggin, but also makes soothing suggestions about how to deal with her anxiety?between her frequent naps, that is. Callaway is a great helper, a good friend, and a creative thinker, but with the help of her new pal, she realizes she just does not like the spotlight, and after she finds out that the much-admired Clementine has similar losing-her-head problems with anxiety, they all find a way to participate without pushing themselves into uncomfortable situations. An age-appropriate bull's-eye for gently examining social anxiety, Crabapple Trouble offsets potential discomfort through lively characters and warmly engaging art filled with bright colors, upbeat faces, and magical fairy dust.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2020, American Library Association.)