My daughter simply will not go to sleep without a story, and this has easily become our favorite. It is the kind of magical fairy book I used to get lost in as a child; a kind of old, fairytale-like book. Queen Kailey, the story’s protagonist, is described as both brave and sweet. Truth is Kailey is only three inches tall and makes the whole meadow world seem very big and full of adventure for a five-year-old.

I bought this for my classroom library and my students are constantly fighting over who gets to take it home next. It is the best fairy book for kids ages 4 to 7. The author creates this gorgeous, secret world right under our feet where Queen Kailey has to protect her meadow friends. Kids love the funny, unexpected challenges she runs into while looking for a king, and the message about finding true royalty in love and courage rather than a crown is beautiful. 

It takes genuine talent to talk about the darkest corners of addiction while making the reader feel safe, warm, and inspired. I posted a thread last week asking for inspirational recovery memoirs, and someone suggested Cracked but not Broken. It is a stunning healing memoir that perfectly balances heavy trauma with laugh-out-loud mountain chaos.