The False Queen


Children - Adventure
108 Pages
Reviewed on 10/16/2024
Buy on Amazon

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Author Biography

Tuula Pere (b. 1958) holds a Ph.D. in Law and is an award-winning children’s author from Helsinki, Finland. Her doctoral dissertation, published in 2015, examines the limits of freedom of speech in the Finnish mass media amidst the social and cultural shifts of the 1960s and 1970s. Prior to her doctoral research, Tuula Pere had a career spanning over two decades as a lawyer and held various expert and executive positions in large industrial companies.

Since 2010, Tuula Pere has published over sixty children's books, many of which have been translated into multiple languages. She has also authored poetry and aphorisms for children, as well as short stories and non-fiction for adults. Tuula Pere is an avid music and sports enthusiast and a keen baker. She is married and the mother of three.

    Book Review

Reviewed by Ann Linus for Readers' Favorite

The False Queen is a fitting title for this fable by Tuula Pere. One drizzly morning, Viola steps onto Swing Island, wearing a white lace dress and a toy crown, and by midday, the little fairy island population had convinced itself that a queen from a distant land was vacationing there. Soon the islanders were throwing themselves at Viola’s feet. Fairy gentleman Smithson gave her his late mother’s villa, Mrs. Florence Fields became her business partner, and other islanders gave her all sorts of gifts, from exotic foods to free manpower. And “Queen” Viola put on the show of a lifetime so that the island was the liveliest it had ever been. But a web of lies can only be spun for so long. Away on the highest point in the island sat a shy young observer who took account of everything that happened in Swing Island, and he had the most revealing things to say about the charade.

The False Queen is another story showing that Tuula Pere is a fantastic storyteller and writer. The story is a fairytale drama, and I enjoyed every moment of it. I loved that the story was both lighthearted and suspenseful—the dramatic charade and the inevitable revelation. I also liked that the story was unique, set on a sleepy fairy island. I especially liked the characters. Through their relationships, they demonstrated friendship, love, jealousy, malice, and forgiveness. The False Queen is a good blend of action, characters, and emotions. The biggest lesson I learned from it is that there is always room for improvement and forgiveness. I loved every bit of this tale, and I highly recommend it.

Courtnee Turner Hoyle

In The False Queen by Tuula Pere, after disembarking from a ship onto Swing Island, Daniel, a writer who watches the island from his post in a high tree, sees Viola, a young fairy with a crown, and tells his mother about her sudden appearance. People greet her and make grand gestures. At first, it baffles Viola, until she realizes they think she's a visiting royal family member. Deciding to play along, Viola exaggerates her importance. She's offered an amazing home and Selma agrees to be her housekeeper. Viola makes boutique clothes and custom jewelry with Selma's assistance until a fairy notices Viola made the clothes from curtains and tablecloths. Rumors circulate and ruin Viola's dreams of remaining an honored guest. After witnessing Viola's fall from grace, Daniel and Selma hope to make her a respectable community member again.

Tuula Pere spins an original story that has notes of hardship, happiness, and friendship. A case of mistaken identity puts Viola in a difficult position. After a certain point, Viola's unchecked lies back her into a corner, but a lesson can be learned from her circumstances: you always have a choice. Slowly, readers learn Viola's history, and they sympathize with her situation while smiling at her resourcefulness. Daniel and Selma have wonderful plans that become a great success, and many islanders see Viola's creativity when they notice Selma's and Daniel's talents, too. The narrative raises good points about honesty and shows readers the repercussions of broken trust - even with people you've just met. The False Queen is a good start for readers who are beginning chapter books, as it has short chapters and a great story.

Afifa Raisa

The False Queen by Tuula Pere tells the story of a mysterious fairy called Viola, who shows up on Swing Island one day with a crown on her head. Discovering that she is being mistaken for a queen by the inhabitants, she decides to play along. Viola continues to enjoy the royal treatment she receives and decides to keep on strengthening the lie her new life is built upon. However, this cannot go on forever. Although the fairies of Swing Island are initially delighted to have a queen among them, their attitude toward Viola slowly starts to change with time. Viola soon finds herself in a complicated situation. Meanwhile, Daniel, the shy playwright on the island, might have an idea that can save the day for everyone.
 
Tuula Pere’s The False Queen is a delightful story aimed at young children. Set on a fairy island, it will appeal to the target young reader audience. While it delivers the message that falsehood and deception are bound to be exposed someday, it also explores why certain individuals might get involved in such actions in the first place. Viola suffers the consequences of her mistakes, but at the same time, the author shows the beauty of compassion and forgiveness through Daniel and other characters. The book also beautifully portrays the impact that literature can have on people and how the power of words can be utilized for the betterment of society. The False Queen is recommended for children aged six to eight.

Emily-Jane Hills Orford

We all have the potential to be whatever we want to be, but it’s important to remember to be honest. In Tuula Pere’s The False Queen, Viola somehow forgot how to be honest. Arriving on Swing Island with a crown on her head, she convinced the other fairy folk that she really was royalty. And there were more lies until her web of lies caused her to trip. The island folk may have been simple fairies, somewhat down on their luck, but they could see through many of Viola’s lies. That is until Viola played a role in the fairy boy Daniel’s new play. Then everyone saw firsthand who the real Viola was, even if Viola wasn’t so sure herself.

Tuula Pere’s early chapter book, The False Queen, is a charming story. The plot follows a young fairy, Viola, who creates an image of herself that isn’t true. She works so hard to convince others she is royalty that she soon forgets who she really is. This story has a powerful lesson on being oneself, being truthful and not lying, and working hard on friends and community spirit. Told in simple language to help young readers with their reading skills, this story has a lasting appeal that will attract young audiences. The characters are well developed and the dialogue is used effectively to move the plot forward. A descriptive narrative sets the stage well. Readers will be enchanted by every element of the story and they certainly won’t be able to put the book down till the very end.

Doreen Chombu

The False Queen by Tuula Pere is a children’s storybook that follows the fairies of Swing Island. One day, the island is visited by Viola, a mysterious fairy wearing a crown. Her arrival sparks curiosity, as the residents assume she is a queen on vacation who has honored them with her presence. Everyone tries to earn her favor, offering her a place to stay, giving her food, and having welcoming festivals. Unbeknownst to them, Viola is an ordinary fairy down on her luck. The more she gets attention and favors from the island folk, the more she finds it hard to tell the truth and clear up the misunderstanding. However, as her disguise unravels amidst gossip and suspicion, Viola teams up with Daniel, a shy but observant boy, and Selma, her no-nonsense housekeeper, to channel their creative energies into a community theater production. This ultimately revitalizes island spirits and helps Viola find her true identity beyond pretense.

The False Queen is a beautiful story with profound lessons about identity, honesty, and the importance of self-acceptance. It has amazing characters that children and adults will easily relate to. Viola is a kind fairy who finds herself stuck in a web of lies, and Daniel is a misunderstood boy with a creative mind. Their journeys may seem different at first glance, but they emphasize the value of authenticity, showing readers that it is essential to embrace who you truly are rather than trying to conform to others' expectations. The story also has themes of creativity, loyalty, friendship, and teamwork that encourage young readers to appreciate not only the beauty of individuality but also the strength found in collaboration. Tuula Pere brings the characters and scenes to life with her engaging storytelling. Overall, The False Queen is a great read with a captivating tale and life-changing lessons.