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Thimble - New Fairytales #1

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Within a sunny glade in the forest not so far from where you are, a faun was born.

Join Thimble on her journey through the trials of the forest. Along with her bird companions, they'll learn about life, love, and the importance of community. This mythic fairytale introduces children to a new, fantastical, and gently emotional world. Perfect for lovers of Winnie the Pooh and The Wild Robot!

77 pages, ebook

Published December 19, 2025

1 person is currently reading
22 people want to read

About the author

Hannah Birss

15 books25 followers

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5 stars
21 (56%)
4 stars
13 (35%)
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2 (5%)
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1 (2%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
Profile Image for Ivonne Rovira.
2,572 reviews256 followers
January 9, 2026
Hannah Birss’ sweet seems as if imported from the 19th century — and I mean that in the best possible way. Thimble, the new-born faun, makes her way through the forest giving and getting assistance with all the denizens. The graceful language, the pen-and-ink illustrations and the gentle attitude recall the best of the fairytales that have beguiled children for centuries.

Near the beginning of this lovely, but never twee, book we read:
“Oh, I was just born this morning,” Thimble replied. “I assume I have a purpose, so I was just starting to look for mine.

“Aren’t we all,” Uno croaked….

Yes, indeed! I loved this short book, perfect for bedtime reads.

In the interest of full disclosure, I received this book from the Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Taylor.
205 reviews17 followers
January 28, 2026
Obviously I’m not quite in the correct age demographic for this, but as always, I’m easily lured in by a pretty cover, and I actually found this novella to be delightfully charming! Everything feels so cozy, lush, and inviting. I appreciate books like these that respect young readers’ intelligence and don’t dumb anything down. It’s easily accessible and to the point, but still allows for detailed descriptions and important takeaways. Plus, the illustrations are to die for; they really added to the comfort and ambience. I think if I’d read this years ago, when I was a kid obsessed with animals and anything magical, this would have become my whole personality. Even if it’s not quite the perfect fit for current-me, this was an adorably whimsical journey that helped brighten my mood for the day.

Thank you to NetGalley and Victory Editing for providing me with this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
1 review
January 6, 2026
Wow!! What an amazing book. This book deserves to be read, consumed and enjoyed by many. It is not often you get the chance to read a new fairy tale that brings so much to the table.

This is the story of how a newborn faun goes on a journey through the forest in order to find their purpose in life. Along the way Thimble the faun meets many creatures and learns about the importance of friendship and community.

The language used by the author creates vivid images as the descriptions used are fantastic. e.g. “Their bodies were as white as snow, but their heads, as well as the edges of their wings and tails, were black, as if they had been dipped in paint.” If the descriptions alone weren’t enough they are joined by some beautiful illustrations- some in colour and some black and white.

To add to this the messages of hope, friendship and community are throughout the tale and it deals so well with big issues such as death and grief (so delicately and carefully written - thank you), bullying and feelings of anger and fear being a few of them. It shows the importance of truly listening and for allowing time for yourself as well as others. I could go on but you need to read it for yourself!

This is the perfect read for confident young readers to read by themselves or to share at bedtime. It would also be perfect for use in a Key Stage 2 classroom (in the UK) either for pleasure, reading aloud or for becoming part of your English lessons.

Although I was lucky enough to receive a digital copy of this (THANK YOU SO MUCH TO NETGALLEY, THE PUBLISHER AND THE AMAZING AUTHOR), I have also ordered my own personal copy of this so I can share it with others for many years to come. If I could have rated it more than 5 stars I would have.
Profile Image for Ashton-Rae.
1 review
January 11, 2026
Thimble: A New Fairytale is an endearing children’s chapter book that is truly a modern classic in the making. Author Hannah Birss’ lyrical storytelling is perfectly complemented by charming illustrations by French artist Nalak-Bel, creating a truly enchanting reading experience.

The story follows a newborn faun on a quest to discover her purpose. As Thimble navigates the wonders and perils of the forest she inhabits, she encounters a cast of whimsical creatures and finds herself facing a multitude of unexpected hurdles. While the narrative recognises the inherent values of kindness, friendship, and quiet introspection, it also doesn't shy away from deeper themes like bullying, grief, and isolation, handling them with a gentle, age-appropriate touch.

As such, one of the book’s greatest strengths is its empowering message: it’s okay to be uncertain, it’s okay to stumble, and – as Birss beautifully conveys – “you are not defined by what you think you are supposed to be.”

Whether shared as a cozy bedtime story or explored by young readers independently, this is a story to be shared, whispered, and cherished by generations to come.


Thank you to NetGalley and Victory Editing NetGalley Co-Op for this eARC in exchange for an honest review.
- Rae of ‘Řaèkō Rĕadṣ’
Profile Image for Rosie.
40 reviews3 followers
January 19, 2026
This book was so sweet and perfect! When I saw it said for fans of the Wild Robot and Winnie the Pooh I knew my kid would love it. This is our first chapter book we've read together and the small illustrations throughout kept her interested, but even the pages without pictures she was paying attention and asking questions or making comments throughout. I love kids books that explore themes about community and helping others without bashing you over the head with it. Also the description of the food made me think of Redwall feasts, so good.
Profile Image for Vanna Book-Mage.
942 reviews3 followers
January 5, 2026
Fauns aren’t generally the MCs in anthropomorphic stories, so this was refreshing. The story shares Thimble’s interactions with the various animals of the forest and the forest itself as the newly born faun goes on their journey.

Loved the small illustrations throughout and the nuance with which the plot was executed. Found some deep quotes and messages in this cozy children’s book and it’s probably my favourite read of 2026 so far.

The imagery was rich and the author’s descriptions capture the readers’ senses and allow them to really delve into the story.

This gave me A Psalm for the Wild-Built energy, but I see why it was compared to Wild Robot & Winnie the Pooh with its themes of helping those in need, friendships and finding one’s purpose.

Thanks NetGalley and Victory Editing for this free arc/copy of Thimble — A New Fairytale by Hannah Birss; all opinions are my own and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Profile Image for Magen.
712 reviews
January 9, 2026
I would've been obsessed with 'Thimble' as a little girl, it's the perfect little fairytale adventure, I will be getting a copy for my library. I've got a few little patrons who will love this! Love the art, the characters, everything!

Thank you to NetGalley and the Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op for the eARC in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Peter Baran.
883 reviews64 followers
January 25, 2026
Thimble, which is the name of the faun protagonist, calls itself a new fairytale, and that is an apposite description. It is not a fairy tale for adults; there's no great subtext or intentional allusions here. The language is simple, but not dumbed down. It is long for a fairy tale, and is presented over 13 short chapters, which would probably be perfect to read to a child. And as befits a modern fairytale, it isn't full of that much peril or nastiness, and is chock full of goodness. Indeed the one thing that stands against it in the canon of fairytales is quite how nice it is, which all comes down to its lead character.

Thimble, a faun, is born on the first page of the tale, and we are told that fauns are born fully clothed, adult though with a child's spirit at heart. But having no parents or ties to the world Thimble sets out looking for a purpose. And as she ventures through the wood, being polite and helpful to the woodland creatures, she develops a plan to travel over the great lake in search of her purpose. Though on the way, she solves an infection in an old oak, calms down a murderous wild boar, and solves a dispute between a stag and a bear. It is quite clear that in the process of making so many friends, she has found her purpose already (indeed it in many ways mirrors a fantasy version of The Wild Robot). It is a sweet tale, told well, and perhaps the only criticism I have is that is sometimes shows its teachable moments a little too openly (the wild boar who is lonely because he scares potential friends off, the Stag and Bear who hate each other but are actually much more similar). But then isn't that often the case with all fairy tales, and perhaps what it loses in old school weirdness is such a commitment to politeness that it is impossible to hate.
Profile Image for Taryn.
48 reviews5 followers
January 20, 2026
This is an adorable little fairytale about a faun who learns about friendship, life, and helping others while looking for her purpose in an enchanted forest. The faun encounters and befriends various forest animals who all teach her an important lesson and she helps them solve their different troubles in creative and inventive ways.. Thimbles kindness is inspiring and makes the story light hearted and sweet. The story has a perfect whimsical tone and the drawings included really add to the narrative. This is a wonderful story that I can see myself reading to my children. The faun character is also very unique and something I haven't seen in a fairy tale before. Great Job Hannah!

Thank you to Hannah Birss & NetGalley for this ARC to review.
Profile Image for Bella.
218 reviews
January 28, 2026
4.3 stars!
Thank you to Victory Editing, Hannah Birss and Netgalley for the ARC!!
This was such a cute little story that’s perfect for all ages just wanting to get lost in a simple story about helping others, treating others with respect, and finding yourself while making friends!
I found it to be so sweet how Thimble, new to the world, wanted to help others and find their purpose
And their purpose was to help and eventually make a difference, as well as strong friendships
ALSO THE ART???? Literally so good and so whimsical
I loved this!!
Profile Image for MoonlightCupOfCocoa.
186 reviews5 followers
February 6, 2026
Thank you to the author and Netgalley for the advance review copy! As always all opinions shared below are 100% my own!

This is a beautiful fairytale to add to your collection that holds up well side by side with the classics.

Thimble by Hannah Birss is the story of Thimble the Faun that is searching for her purpose. Along the way, she encounters the other creatures of the forest, learns from them and helps and teaches them in return.

This is a story about self-discovery, true purpose and kindness. It's told through lush, dreamlike and lyrical writing that makes you feel right at home from the very first page. Children will adore it, and I imagine this working perfectly at bedtime, but I know that even as an adult I experienced a strong feeling of nostalgia reading it.

And on top of that, the book features gorgeous illustrations that will make you smile and see the characters even clearer.

But what I love the most about this fairytale is it is not dumbed down for younger readers. Yes, its wording is both beautiful and accessible, but the topics and the delivery are still powerful and relatable even to adult readers. This is a balance that much of the children literature gets wrong, but Hannah Birss absolutely lands.

This is a book for children and for the young at heart. I guarantee you that you need to read its message just the same. Your heart will feel full afterwards.

You can also find me on: Instagram (MoonlightCocoa) and Instagram (MoonlightCupOfStories)
Profile Image for Steve Bewley.
39 reviews1 follower
January 19, 2026
Thimble - A New Fairytale by Hannah Birss

Rating : 5 ⭐
Format : eBook 💻
Pages : 79
Duration : 2 Days

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This book! Oh how I wish this was around when my children were younger. A incredibly beautiful tale about friendship, finding your purpose and overcoming challenges.

The story centers around Thimble, a newly born Faun as she journeys through the forest to find her purpose, along the way she meets and befriends the other woodland creatures and help them with their problems.

This is just magical, I'm 43 and way older than the intended audience but I was just in awe at the beautiful story unfolding in front of me.

We have to read to and fill our little ones minds with beautiful stories like these

I have recommended this to everyone with young children as I truly believe it's that good


Thank you to Netgalley for the Advanced Review Copy of this book, though I am grateful for the ARC the words above are my own

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You can find more reviews on my blog here : https://bookshelf018.wordpress.com/

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Profile Image for C.
69 reviews
January 31, 2026
Thimble is a charming and gently nostalgic early chapter book about a young faun on a journey to discover her life’s purpose. As Thimble travels through the forest, she meets animal friends in need and problem-solves her way through each encounter, learning more about herself along the way.

The story explores themes of community, emotions, change, and belonging in a thoughtful, age-appropriate way. The episodic structure and simple overall arc work well for emerging readers, making this an easy book to enjoy in short sittings. Thimble’s curiosity and kindness make her a relatable protagonist, and the story offers positive messaging without feeling heavy-handed.

Perfect for readers who enjoy cozy, forest-based stories, this would be a lovely choice for independent readers around ages 6–9, as well as a read-aloud that invites gentle discussion.


Thank you to NetGalley and Victory Editing for the ARC. All opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Astrophel R.
282 reviews2 followers
January 14, 2026
Thank you to NetGalley and Victory Editing for an arc. All opinions are my own.

Rating: ★ ★ ★ ★
Genre: Fantasy

This was such a sweet fairytale about spreading kindness and community. It's a children's book so it's very quick and straightforward, but I think it has some good messages for young kids. I loved how whimsical it was, and I definitely think I would have loved it as a little kid. In fact, some parts of it loosely reminded me of There's No Such Place as Far Away which I was obsessed with growing up. Honesty, I spent a lot of this book picturing it being read aloud by a school librarian, which I do think would be the absolute best way to read this book.

Also! The art was so charming!
Profile Image for Caitlyn.
293 reviews33 followers
January 21, 2026
ARC review

Thimble is an original fairytale about a new faun seeking their purpose with the help of companions they find along the way. Bonus: illustrations!! Hannah Birss does a great job of creating a landscape and colourful cast in a short amount of time by playing with the memories we have of our favourite childrens' stories.

This is a fresh take on fairytales with the nostalgia and warm feelings that feel like home. Children and adults alike will find joy and comfort in the journey of Thimble, a timely reminder that there is always good and kindness around you in times of need. I know this would be a great pick-me-up that can be read in one sitting after a tough week.

I am very excited what else comes from Hannah Birss!
Profile Image for IV.
185 reviews32 followers
January 14, 2026
✨️ ARC review ✨️

Thimble is a cozy, whimsical fairytale about friendship, community, and finding a purpose.

I received an e-ARC of this book via NetGalley. I am leaving a review voluntarily and it is my honest opinion.

The story is so sweet and wholesome. I enjoyed the writing style a lot as well as the beautiful little illustrations speckled throughout. The book takes a gentle and whimsical approach to portraying Thimble's journey and paints a wonderful picture of community and mutual support throughout.

Without spoiling anything, I loved the ending a lot. Such a beautiful children's book!
5 reviews
January 14, 2026
I received an e-arc in exchange for an honest review.


I loved this. Such a sweet story that I can already envision becoming a beloved fairy tale. Thimble is a lovely character and I fell in love with her immediately.
The message of the story is so important; your purpose doesn't have to be some grand gesture or journey, it can simply be to be kind and helpful. I think that's a lovely lesson for children and this story did it really well. It's all about overcoming differences and thinking outside the box to problem solve.
The different animals that Thimble meets on her journey all help her to learn this lesson in different ways and the ending is so sweet and had me getting emotional.
Profile Image for Melanie Marchetti.
18 reviews3 followers
February 2, 2026
Thimble: A New Fairytale is a charming story about a newly born faun who sets out into the forest to discover her purpose. Along her journey, she encounters a variety of woodland creatures, forming friendships and helping to resolve their problems.

The book is structured in short, accessible chapters that make it especially well suited for younger readers. The narrative is simple and straightforward, yet still engaging. Although clearly written with a children’s audience in mind, I found it thoroughly enjoyable. The story ultimately delivers a gentle moral centered on kindness, helpfulness, and the value of being a good friend.
Profile Image for Heloísa.
22 reviews3 followers
February 2, 2026
Ah, I love this one through and through! It is a sweet, cozy and endearing story, and it reads like a fairy tale. I found the vibes of this very similar to Anne of Green Gables — the blissful portrayals of nature and the hopeful attitude of our main character seemed very reminiscent of Montgomery’s aptitude for showing the bright side of everything.

The illustrations were so charming, I only wish there were more of them peppered throughout the novel! The characters, albeit simple, gave a comforting feel to the journey Thimble goes through.

This book is a perfect bedtime story for children of all ages, but it’s also a vey warm tale for tired adults.
Profile Image for Bibliotekarien läser.
494 reviews16 followers
January 17, 2026
A big thanks to #NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to read this e-ARC of #ThimbleANewFairytale

A sweet and heart warming fairy tale about finding once purpose.

As a newborn faun, Thimble sets off through the forest in search of her purpose. On her journey, she encounters several different kinds of animals, whom she helps in one way or another to the best of her ability, and when the challenge becomes too great even for Thimble, she in turn enlists the help of her newfound friends.

I really like this new fairy tale, as it contains several of the classic ingredients.
Profile Image for Carrie Griffin.
1,139 reviews58 followers
January 24, 2026
A sweet little fairytale that felt reminiscent of Winnie the Pooh by A. A. Milne and The Boy, The Mole, The Fox, and the Horse by Charlie Mackesy. Thimble goes on an adventure through the forest with some birds in hopes of finding a purpose to her life. Along the way, they make many new friends and learn some lessons about a life. A great book with beautiful illustrations for children and those young at heart.


*Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for my ARC of this book. All opinions are my own.*
Profile Image for Sarah Sjodahl.
26 reviews
January 27, 2026
Thank you NetGalley and Victory Editing for the ARC.

This is the fairytale I've been looking for. It truly is a wonderful story of one trying to find their purpose.

The cover alone is enough to pull you in, then you get two lines in, and you're completely hooked.

I will definitely be picking up a physical copy of this book. As well as copies for loved ones, both little and grown.

I am truly so glad I read this.
Profile Image for Kat M.
5,273 reviews18 followers
February 2, 2026
this was everything that I wanted and enjoyed from the introduction to this world and characters. It was everything that was in the genre and was hooked in reading this. It had characters that I cared about and was invested in what was going on. Hannah Birss wrote this so well and was glad I was able to read this.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Emma.
72 reviews2 followers
January 3, 2026
Thank you Netgalley, Victory Editing, and the author for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This was a children’s fairytale about a faun and their adventures. Unfortunately, I do not think I was the target audience. I’m not a fan of anything cozy and since this was aimed more for kids it was too cozy. I liked the drawings on every other page (and the boar being named Pickle was funny to me) but that’s about it. It didn’t feel “new” either. It just felt sorta like a Grimm’s Fairytales knockoff and not in a good way. I found myself skimming through all of it, even though it was incredibly short.
If you like zero-stakes cozy fairytales, or want something to read to a younger audience, I would recommend this. Unfortunately, it was not for me.
Profile Image for Giniro.
213 reviews3 followers
January 26, 2026
A wonderful fairy tale with unique art. A sweet and lovely story that is great for growing readers in subject and format. Full chapters with small graphics and a small cast of characters. The question of 'what is my purpose' is highlighted with a journey through life. I feel like this book will be revisited in time and should be on a bookshelf of favorite books.
29 reviews
January 6, 2026
Thank you to Netgalley for providing a free copy of this book.

A fawn is born and finds its way through the world, forging friendships along the way. This story has a classic feel to it and is a breath of fresh air. Full of whimsy and charm, it is a worthy read. This is a book that could be enjoyed by children off all ages. It is lengthier than most picture books, but the chapters are a perfect length for enjoying this book in several sittings with young children.
Profile Image for Stas.
281 reviews1 follower
February 5, 2026
I really liked this short story, it explores important themes in a way young children would be able to follow without being so dull an adult reader isn't able to enjoy it. the descriptions made the world feel very studio ghibli and I wish I was frolicking in a forest rn.

thanks netgalley for access!
Profile Image for charmayne  Vernon.
44 reviews
January 21, 2026
Thank you NetGalley and author for this beautiful book.It was really short but a very good read a fairytale about finding purpose,friendship and helping others.Definitely a 5 star read.
Profile Image for Clara Lash.
180 reviews2 followers
January 28, 2026
Not only is the cover gorgeous, but so is the writing. Hannah Birss does a great job setting the scene for the newborn faun named Thimble, and her help she gets from the ones who live in the forest.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews

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