Raspberry Maude written by Wendy L. Googe and Illustrated by Wanda Stanfill is the first book in the Tales from the Fairy Realms series. In this rhyming picture book, Raspberry Maude—a spunky earth fairy with wild magenta hair—entertains children with tricks in a fairy circus act. Through magic powers, impersonations, and funny faces, Raspberry Maude delights and charms. Accompanying her daredevil and silliness act is her friend, Puddles the Water Fairy. We see that Raspberry Maude is not just an entertainer, but is a kind friend, cheering up her performance partner and tossing treats to the crowd. The book ends with more information about circuses, Charlie Chaplin (whom Raspberry Maude impersonates), and care for the earth.

Raspberry Maude takes young readers into a whimsical, creative, and wholesome world of magic! I enjoyed the vibrant art in this story. Between creative names, acts, and abilities among the Fae, and the visually appealing hand-drawn art, the world of the story alone is enough to captivate young and older readers alike. Adults reading along will catch references to famous performers and fun turns of phrase. Wendy L. Googe’s end notes will help kids learn more about these culturally significant items—a fantastic way for families and friends to generate discussion and bond over the story. Above all, Raspberry Maude is a fun character! She is a delight to kids in the exciting circus set-up of the story, has a big and expressive persona, and is a great friend. I recommend this book to young readers ready for a challenge with more advanced vocabulary, families seeking a great storytime read, and fairy lovers of all ages!

In the children's picture book Raspberry Maude, written by Wendy L. Googe and illustrated by Wanda Stanfill, the titular character, Maude, a lively and adventurous fairy, delights the other fae with her circus-like antics and playful performances. With a knack for acrobatics and comedy, she can morph her face and size in front of audiences that include both children and adults. Maude has a Welsh Corgi, gives gifts of raspberry treats, and is a master of aerial stunts. Most importantly, though, Maude possesses a heartwarming kindness that can uplift those who might be feeling down, sometimes even with just the mention of her name; she is a beloved and comforting presence in times of need. Raspberry Maude is book one in Googe and Stanfill's Tales from the Fairy Realms series.

Raspberry Maude does an excellent job of showing young readers the power that a positive presence can have and encouraging imaginative thinking and play among children. Author Wendy Googe promotes simple pleasures and tells us that no matter how small and sprightly we are, we can have a huge impact on others. This is a book that conveys a message without having a plot and is exclusively a character portrayal of the fairy Maude herself. The intended lyrical nature of the narrative can sometimes feel bumpy, but this is made up for by the extraordinary illustrations by Wanda Stanfill. Stanfill breathes life into the fae world in restrained but gorgeous sketches of jeweled tones that almost present a watercolor feel to them. More than once, my youngest reader's fingers lingered on the page, and as far as kid-lit artwork goes, Stanfill delivers some of the best I've come across all year.