Too Much Good Luck

Piper Green and the Fairy Tree #2

by Ellen Potter, Qin Leng (Illustrator)

Book two of Ellen Potter’s charming new illustrated early chapter book series set on an island off the coast of Maine, where kids, lobster boats, and a hint of magic are part of everyday life.
 
As far as Piper Green is concerned, the day started out
• Lucky thing #1: Her mom is painting Piper’s bedroom her favorite color.
• Lucky thing #2: Piper found a perfect strawberry at breakfast.
• Lucky thing #3: Piper lost a tooth. And as everyone knows, tooth + tooth fairy = ka- ching!
 
There’s just one problem. According to her friend Jacob, too much good luck can sometimes equal bad luck. And when Piper gets to school that day, Bad Luck is waiting for her. Will the Fairy Tree in Piper’s front yard be enough to break her unlucky streak?

Genres: Friendship, Chapter Books, Childrens, Fiction, Juvenile, Realistic Fiction, 2nd Grade

128 pages, Hardcover

First published August 4, 2015

About the author

Ellen Potter is the author of many children's books, including the Olivia Kidney series, Pish Posh, SLOB, and The Kneebone Boy. Her non-fiction book, Spilling Ink; a Young Writer’s Handbook, was co-authored by Anne Mazer

Olivia Kidney was awarded Child magazine’s “Best Children’s Book Award” and was selected as one of the “Books of the Year” by Parenting magazine.

SLOB is on more than 10 state book award lists and was selected for the Junior Library Guild.

Spilling Ink; A Young Writer’s Handbook was a New York Public Library Top 100 Children’s Book for 2010 and a Children’s Literature Assembly 2011 Notable Book.

Her newest series is Piper Green and the Fairy Tree.

Reviews

[Pop Bop · Rating 4 out of 5]

This Book Two Is, If Anything, Better Than Book One

You know that old prescription - "moderation in all things"? Well, these Fairy Tree books strike me as perfect examples of how well that works as a guiding principle when it comes to early chapter books, and kids books generally.

Our heroine, Piper, is energetic, reckless, opinionated, and a little scatterbrained. But not too much. She's romantic, loyal, friendly, and considerate. But not too much. She's quirky and full of personality. But not too much. The reader never gets tired of her always-on personality. The reader never feels manipulated to like a kid who is unlikable. I think this is partly because the author presents Piper to us with generous good humor and a light touch, and mostly because the book is paced so well. Piper is good and friendly, then she does something thoughtless, then she feels bad and apologizes, then she gets a little manic, then she's thoughtful, then she's selfish, then she's considerate. It's up and down and up and down, and then there's a quiet scene, and then she's up and down again. It's sort of like watching a pinball machine, but that's what kids are like, (especially when you boil it all down for a short chapter book), and this is a pinball you like and are rooting for.

A couple of other things elevate this book above the crowd. Potter writes adults really well; better than anyone else I can think of who's writing these kinds of books for early readers. Mom and Dad are smart, alert to what's going on, and patient up to a point, after which they actually parent. Teachers know what's going on and have a believable presence. Even minor characters, like the lobster boat captain, or a neighbor, or another kid's parents, feel like reliable adults who are watchful and active in their kids lives. A lot of what Piper thinks about is how adults are reacting to her actions, and isn't that what the readers of these books are wrestling with themselves? And isn't it nice when the adult reactions are calm, supportive and understanding, while still human and believable.

In the same vein, the other kids in these books feel authentic. They can be supportive, or mean, or obtuse, or silly, or distracted, often changing from moment to moment. There is a lot of socializing in these books, and Piper is alert to what other kids are doing and how they are reacting in the same way she keeps taking the temperature of the important adults. This is not silly stuff; this is important stuff to the readers.

It helps that the "magic" angle is minimal. The angle is that Piper puts a gift in the Fairy Tree and then something else appears in exchange. It usually isn't a gift that makes sense until that thing comes into play further along in the plot. No wands or spells or magic. It's more like a funky convenient coincidence and just adds some winking fun to the story. I like it when a kid who gets herself into a mess has to get herself out using her own wits and character, and that's what happens in these books.

So, the upshot is that you get a reasonably complex heroine, a satisfying and layered story for an early chapter book, and some very subtle and unobtrusive fine writing holding it all together. A very nice find.

Please note that I received a free advance ecopy of this book in exchange for a candid review. Apart from that I have no connection at all to either the author or the publisher of this book. (That said, I've read enough Potter to really admire her work, and to wish she were better known, so I should divulge that bias.)

[Prince William Public Libraries · Rating 3 out of 5]

This second installment in the Piper Green series for early readers provides a good lesson on friendship, cooperation, and finding creative solutions to problems.

Readers will wish they had a fairy tree of their own or a chance to take a lobster boat (with freshly baked pastries!) to school each morning.

- Andréa F.

Click here to find the book at Prince William Public Libraries.

[DaNae · Rating 3 out of 5]

A fun voice, if a little on the quirky side. The fun of living on an island and taking a boat to school is very appealing.

[Andréa · Rating 3 out of 5]

This second installment in the Piper Green series for early readers provides a good lesson on friendship, cooperation, and finding creative solutions to problems. Readers will wish they had a fairy tree of their own or a chance to take a lobster boat (with freshly baked pastries!) to school each morning.

Note: I received a digital galley of this book through NetGalley.

[Barbara · Rating 3 out of 5]

Piper Green is trying to make the best of her second grade year, and when a lot of lucky things happen to her, she is filled with joy. But sometimes a streak of good luck can turn into bad luck, and that seems to be what's happening. When the class bunny has to find a new home because Camilla, a new girl who is allergic to pets, is entering the school, Piper decides to scare her away by telling her that their teacher, Ms. Arabella, is a wicked witch. but Piper quickly realizes that she's done something very mean, and with the guidance of her parents, she makes up for it. Many of the characters is this new series are sweet and irresistible because adults such as Mrs. Pennypocket actually talk to children as though they are intelligent and not to be condescended to. This is a refreshingly different series featuring a feisty girl who lives on an island off Maine. I'm looking forward to more titles in the series.

[Connie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Children will love the spunky, main character, Piper who jumps into everything both feet first without thinking anything through first. Add her very own fairy tree that gives her an unexpected surprise when she drops something nice into the fairy hole this book definitely has an original story and some interesting situations.

The grown-ups--Piper's parents and teacher-- might sigh a lot when Piper gets into some of the situations she does, but they help guide her through them. I like that it has just enough adult help to smooth things out.


The second book is as good as the first, and children will be wanting know when the next book is coming out. I believe this going to be a very popular series.

[Michele Knott · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed the first Piper Green book. She's a spunky, fun character whose escapades are great fun to read about.
The second book in the series surpassed the first. Still love the characters, but this one made me laugh out loud over and over.
This book made me know for sure that this is a series you want in your classroom and library.

[Michele · Rating 5 out of 5]

Piper Green is a second grade girl who lives life to the fullest. In this book she fully embodies a second grader who says something without thinking, regrets it later, makes it right, and makes a friend. A must read for emerging chapter book readers!

[Adrienne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book that not only teaches basic life lessons/manners throughout the story but also has a "fairy" aspect that plays on the children's imaginations! Easy read that was very well written.

[Gillian French · Rating 5 out of 5]

My sons and I adore the Piper Green books! Ellen Potter has a rare talent for capturing the energy, humor, and impulsive spirit of childhood, creating impish, unforgettable characters and plots which deftly circle back to themes touched upon early in the book, which I think gives beginning readers a real grasp of story structure and arc. Also, the Maine island setting is a refreshing change, and we all love the way the definition of magic and luck is left up to interpretation—are there really fairies in the Fairy Tree? Is good luck something we stumble upon or are we responsible for creating it in our own lives and the lives of those around us? Bravo, Ellen Potter, on this outstanding series for families!

[Chloe (Always Booked) · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was another fine book. Piper thinks she's having the best day-- her room is being painted green, she finds a perfect strawberry, she gets a cinnamon roll on the ferry and then loses a tooth, etc. However, she thinks its too much good luck and the tides start to turn. The class rabbit is gone because they're getting a new kid in class and she's allergic. That girl is also her new neighbor. Again, she puts something in the fairy tree. I kind of wish this series went further into the fairy magic OR stayed completely contemporary because the mix is weird.

[Simply LauraLee · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the second book in the Piper Green and the Fairy Tree series. In this book Piper has had a streak of "good luck" that turns bad. When she tries to put a stop to the bad luck, she has some explaining to do. In the end the fairy tree knows just what she needs.

[The Book Girl · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this series. Review to come!

[Lily · Rating 4 out of 5]

I laughed out loud several times while reading this. Simple, funny, and well-written, it's a great early chapter book!

[Emily · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. I can’t wait for the next one! Piper learned a good lesson in this story and I think kids will learn from her mistakes as well. Wonderful!

[Renel Ralston · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was so funny. We really enjoyed reading about Piper's latest adventures and her quirky thought process. My 5 year old was laughing out loud while I read.

[Cathi · Rating 5 out of 5]

An enjoyable series.

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

My 7 year old son and I enjoyed this book a lot. It was very funny and cute. The brother Leo is hilarious and adorable!

[Fia Rapson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cause they got a new pet that was a parakeet. And gave it lots of care. They named it yikes. They picked it out of a tote bag. It was probably from an old person.

[MayBelle · Rating 2 out of 5]

I didn't really like it so I stop reading it

[J. · Rating 5 out of 5]

A week after finishing, J was finally able to take an AR test on it. She scored 10/10! We love these books. On to Book #3 now! AR 3.7

[Lucca · Rating 5 out of 5]

We loved this adventure with Piper Green. We started the series out of order but we couldn’t tell.

[liso · Rating 4 out of 5]

My five year old loves this book. And my 8 yo loves to read it to her. I love that it’s clean and the character learns little lessons without being too much the focus. We’ll def read the series!

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great series. My 7-year-old says she gives this book 5,000 stars.

[Molly]

#ReadAloud

[Samyukta Rajesh · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm feeling overwhelmed with this book and it felt realistic. Overall it is a good book to read.

[Clare · Rating 3 out of 5]

This story has a message about thinking about how others feel and putting your own wishes aside.

[Katie Fitzgerald · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a review of books 1 and 2 of the Piper Green series.

Second grader Piper Green lives on Peek-a-Boo Island off the coast of Maine, and she takes a lobster boat to school each day. At home, she has a fairy tree, which her neighbor, Mrs. Pennypocket, claims will give Piper whatever she needs. In the first book, Piper Green and the Fairy Tree, Piper misses her older brother, who has moved to the mainland boarding school, so to feel close to him, she insists on wearing his earmuffs, even after her new teacher requests that she take them off. In the second book, Too Much Good Luck, Piper experiences four strokes of good luck in a row, which a friend tells her translates to very bad luck. Immediately, that bad luck begins as Piper learns that a new girl with allergies, Camilla, is joining her class, meaning that the classroom rabbit has to be removed. Piper blames Camilla for the loss of the class pet, and begins to take it out on her in unkind ways.

With its unique setting and hints of magic, this new series by Olivia Kidney author Ellen Potter brings a fresh voice to the world of beginning chapter books. Piper has much in common with beloved spunky heroines like Clementine, Amber Brown, and Judy Moody, but she is also very much a personality unto herself. Early elementary readers will relate to her big emotions and the ways she tries to cope with them, and they will enjoy the involvement of possible fairies in resolving each of her problems. These first two books of the series are both very quick reads, and they can easily appeal to kids as young as four or five, if they happen to be ready for chapter books. The author makes great use of believable and readable dialogue, which adds to the quick pace of the stories, and her descriptions of things like "doing a binky" (imitating a motion frequently made by the class rabbit) and the fog which sits "smack-plop" on top of the island add to the charming appeal of Piper's world.

Format-wise, the books are reminiscent of the Princess Posy series, in the sense that there are many visual elements to break up the text, including cover pages for each chapter.The full-page black-and-white illustrations which appear throughout the books help to contextualize each scene, and they capture visually the highs and lows of Piper's experiences. This welcoming layout of the books helps to combat any trepidation kids may have about transitioning into chapter books, and will help the series stand out on library and bookstore shelves.

[Allison Ketchell · Rating 5 out of 5]

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Lilah and I were both eager to see what Piper is up to this time, and it’s a doozy. Piper is such a realistic little girl, not perfect, but not mean-spirited, and she sometimes makes big mistakes. When she has a run of good luck, she starts to worry that bad luck will soon follow, and it does, in the form of a new student who is allergic to the class rabbit, Nacho. Piper adores Nacho, so she decides to loathe the new girl, Camilla, and tells her a horrible story that their teacher is actually a witch. (“Oh, Piper,” Lilah said at this point. “That is just not okay.”) Her parents make her apologize (while sympathizing with how much she misses Nacho – that’s something I love about the adults in these books – they listen) and the fairy tree helps her in an unexpected way.

The magic of the remote island setting (Camilla lives in the lighthouse) is charming, and the fairy tree provides a touch of the supernatural without giving Piper solutions to her problems outright. She lives in a supportive community (the lobster boatman who takes the children to Mink Island to school every day has a wife who sends baked goods for them every morning, for example). Her parents don’t just yell at her when she behaves…well, like a child. They listen and understand (though note that they still made her apologize when it was called for) and try to help Piper deal with her emotions. She’s navigating childhood the best she can, and she’s charming while doing it.

Lilah and I might have liked this second book in the series even better than the first, and we look forward to more.

Source disclosure: I received an e-galley of this title courtesy of the publisher.

[Carla · Rating 5 out of 5]

In the second book in this series, we see more of Piper, that spunky second grade student, who jumps into everything feet first, without thinking about what might happen. Piper's second-grade year isn't off to a very good start, especially when a new girl joins their class. Not only does she not stop talking, but she's allergic to bunnies, which means their class pet has to be given away. Piper is determined to scare off this girl, but without thinking about the consequences. The grown-ups (Piper's parents and teacher) might sigh a lot when Piper gets into some of the situations she does, but they help guide her through them. I like that it has just enough adult support to guide her towards solving the problems, but she makes the decisions.

Great book that not only teaches basic life lessons/manners throughout the story but also has a "fairy" aspect that plays on the children's imaginations! Easy read that was very well written with cute illustrations. This book needs to be in every second grade classroom.

Thank you Netgalley and Random House Children's for the opportunity to read and review this book.