Emily Rodda and Raoul Vitale (artist The Fairy Realm: The Water Sprites

The Fairy Realm: The Water Sprites

Emily Rodda and Raoul Vitale (artist)

Harper Collins, Oct 2005, $8.99, 128 pp.

ISBN: 0060777613

The leaf she found on her dresser was actually an invitation to a party in Liralee village by her friend Patrice, the palace housekeeper. Also invited are their pals Giff the Elf and Maybelle the miniature horse. Meanwhile someone is stealing items from people, with everyone suspecting one of the neighbors is the thief. Jessie soon realizes that the Water Sprites are outraged because someone stole their precious Moon Stoon. Anything that floats to the Finding Pool, the sprites find and now claim as theirs rather than returning it. Before troubles escalate, Jessie believes she must find the purloined Moon Stone by using human, elf, and horse common sense.

The eighth Fairy realm tale is a fun mystery that targets elementary school children. The storyline is fun, as Jessie and her buddies only want to go to a party, but also must solve the case of the stolen items, especially as the ire of the Water Sprites grows. Emily Rodda provides a fine tale starring a likable young heroine accompanied by a mythological who's who, and enhanced by the terrific pictures by illustrator Raoul Vitale.

Harriet Klausner