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Herb Fairies #1
Stellaria's Big Find
Imagine the excitement of four children playing in the park when they discover a real, live fairy. Not just any fairy, but Stellaria, the chickweed fairy. Chickweed is one of their favorite healing plants and it turns out Stellaria was looking for them. She needs the children’s help to restore the fading magic in the Fairy Herb Garden. When Stellaria takes them to her fairy home, the children find that restoring the magic means facing a troll. Can they figure out how to use chickweed to heal the troll’s ailments? Will they be able to solve the riddle to guess her name? Herb Fairies is a magical tale of plants and their remedies that teaches kids about the healing herbs. This story is the start of the Herb Fairies thirteen book series.
56 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 2, 2015
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52 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
March 23, 2018
I have to say I'm pretty disappointed in this book after finally reading it with my youngest two kids. I am so glad I read it free on Kindle Unlimited instead of paying $8 for the Kindle version or $10 for paperback.
Our kids have grown up foraging and using wild medicinal plants, so I've really wanted to read these books to them. Now I kind of want to write my own series for them, since this isn't what I had hoped for.
This is a thin book very much like the Magic Treehouse series in several ways. It's about the same size (maybe a little shorter) and for about the same age range. Also like that series, it teaches but the writing quality is definitely not great literature. I kept thinking how much Charlotte Mason would deem this book "twaddle" (her term for dumbed down children's books without good literary merit).
The basic premise is that four kids are in the woods. One bloodies her knees and applies chickweed to the wounds. They magically get turned into tiny people and meet Stellaria, the pretty blonde chickweed fairy, who tells them that she needs their help. They meet an ugly troll and all of the fairies hate her, then they figure out that they can heal everything wrong with her (warts, aches and pains, pink eye) with the chickweed. They end up liking her once she's healed and looks pretty (I kid you not, the children actually say out loud with her right there that they kind of like her once she's not warty and hurting because now she's sort of pretty). They also shame her for having a really messy house because she's been in such pain and they clean it for her. The troll character is basically presented as some gross looking, mentally challenged adult that the children and the pretty little fairies need to take pity on and help.
On the one hand, I liked that my kids learned about chickweed. They're likely to remember the uses mentioned because it was woven into the story so much. I also like the fact that the latin name was used for the fairy -- Stellaria. Clever. But the cringe-worthy writing and rather offensive story line really diminished it for me. I had such high hopes and was so disappointed.
Our kids have grown up foraging and using wild medicinal plants, so I've really wanted to read these books to them. Now I kind of want to write my own series for them, since this isn't what I had hoped for.
This is a thin book very much like the Magic Treehouse series in several ways. It's about the same size (maybe a little shorter) and for about the same age range. Also like that series, it teaches but the writing quality is definitely not great literature. I kept thinking how much Charlotte Mason would deem this book "twaddle" (her term for dumbed down children's books without good literary merit).
The basic premise is that four kids are in the woods. One bloodies her knees and applies chickweed to the wounds. They magically get turned into tiny people and meet Stellaria, the pretty blonde chickweed fairy, who tells them that she needs their help. They meet an ugly troll and all of the fairies hate her, then they figure out that they can heal everything wrong with her (warts, aches and pains, pink eye) with the chickweed. They end up liking her once she's healed and looks pretty (I kid you not, the children actually say out loud with her right there that they kind of like her once she's not warty and hurting because now she's sort of pretty). They also shame her for having a really messy house because she's been in such pain and they clean it for her. The troll character is basically presented as some gross looking, mentally challenged adult that the children and the pretty little fairies need to take pity on and help.
On the one hand, I liked that my kids learned about chickweed. They're likely to remember the uses mentioned because it was woven into the story so much. I also like the fact that the latin name was used for the fairy -- Stellaria. Clever. But the cringe-worthy writing and rather offensive story line really diminished it for me. I had such high hopes and was so disappointed.
March 9, 2022
Good information about the properties and uses of chickweed, presented in a kid-friendly and light-hearted way. However, the pretty = good, ugly = evil theme was not what I expected or wanted to see. Hopefully the future books don't continue with that!
July 31, 2024
Thought it was quite creative & enjoyed the plant details, but a few things like the focus on beauty equaling goodness seemed a little off.
January 28, 2025
This review needs a more delicate touch than I am endowed with because I believe the author has great intentions. Unlike other reviews I think she's trying to show a world of diversity (in the fairies), of not judging and rejecting ideas because they're different to you (as in the friend who initially is grossed out by the use of chickweed chewed up on an injury), people who look different or scary (the troll), or in the way people react (the friend who was low-key triggered by the first aid because it reminded her of when her sister was sick.)
Unfortunately the subtle touch needed is more like a sledgehammer at times and it doesn't always hit its mark. The diversity feels weird in the way it's described (maybe this is a me thing) such as when Willow is described as having "Chinese facial features." I'm not sure what that means myself much less how to tell a child. I'm all for noticing the beautiful diversity in our bodies but I'm not sure that's the right way to teach kids how to do that? I immediately thought of Eyes that Kiss in the Corners that I remember approaching this so well - describing something in both a poetic and beautiful way that is also acknowledging a physical trait. I absolutely love that the author wants to have diversity in the characters! But it feels extra weird to have the kids and fairies explicitly talk about how many different skin colors there are and how they're from a white town and then two pages later everyone is ready to punch and kick the troll for....looking different?
I don't think the author was intentionally trying to say if someone's beautiful then they're clearly trustworthy but it's inadvertently set up in a way that many might see it. After all the troll doesn't get her name back - Trust - until she is all cleaned up. The fairies hate the troll until the kids make her "beautiful" and then everything is okay. There's also some problematic content where the kids are just going off with random strangers - with the fairies no one questions it, with the troll everyone questions it - at no point is there an exploration of whether it was okay to go with either? Granted this is a kids' book but the book itself brings it up so it seems like a conversation that might be warranted.
As far as the actual herbalism, I loved learning about chickweed but didn't feel like I learned that much about its actual use - they used it as a poultice thrice and in a bath once. They use a poultice for pinkeye but my meager research indicates it should be made into a tea, cooled, and used as an eyewash instead for that purpose (not sure if accurate). I have a hard time with the wart removal one too both on a "is this that effective I see little evidence online of that" and because I feel like skin ailments are so stigmatized it was odd when the kids just jumped to treating them as warts without asking the troll. As a solidly "use what works, what you have, and what's sustainable - safely" I love that the kids are jumping in with the herbs they have around them AND I wish they did so in a more safe, consent-getting, and inclusive way. No one should feel bad if they use Neosporin at home (the book doesn't imply this but a character mentions they don't use herbs). If you're helping someone with an injury you should use PPE (gloves for a leg gash and at LEAST washing hands before/after!!), ask for consent explicitly before treating anything, and ask about prior medical issues. Maybe those warts aren't warts but are neurofibromas!
"But Katie, you're asking a lot of a kids' book." You're absolutely right, I am. But it's important that kids be informed FULLY. Some people aren't comfortable being treated with chickweed and spit and that's their decision and kiddos should recognize that too. I guess I'm just not sure if this book is trying to be fantasy or educational because it seems to be lacking a bit in both areas.
That being said my child LOVED it, and maybe the series gets better? I hope so! It's a great concept.
Unfortunately the subtle touch needed is more like a sledgehammer at times and it doesn't always hit its mark. The diversity feels weird in the way it's described (maybe this is a me thing) such as when Willow is described as having "Chinese facial features." I'm not sure what that means myself much less how to tell a child. I'm all for noticing the beautiful diversity in our bodies but I'm not sure that's the right way to teach kids how to do that? I immediately thought of Eyes that Kiss in the Corners that I remember approaching this so well - describing something in both a poetic and beautiful way that is also acknowledging a physical trait. I absolutely love that the author wants to have diversity in the characters! But it feels extra weird to have the kids and fairies explicitly talk about how many different skin colors there are and how they're from a white town and then two pages later everyone is ready to punch and kick the troll for....looking different?
I don't think the author was intentionally trying to say if someone's beautiful then they're clearly trustworthy but it's inadvertently set up in a way that many might see it. After all the troll doesn't get her name back - Trust - until she is all cleaned up. The fairies hate the troll until the kids make her "beautiful" and then everything is okay. There's also some problematic content where the kids are just going off with random strangers - with the fairies no one questions it, with the troll everyone questions it - at no point is there an exploration of whether it was okay to go with either? Granted this is a kids' book but the book itself brings it up so it seems like a conversation that might be warranted.
As far as the actual herbalism, I loved learning about chickweed but didn't feel like I learned that much about its actual use - they used it as a poultice thrice and in a bath once. They use a poultice for pinkeye but my meager research indicates it should be made into a tea, cooled, and used as an eyewash instead for that purpose (not sure if accurate). I have a hard time with the wart removal one too both on a "is this that effective I see little evidence online of that" and because I feel like skin ailments are so stigmatized it was odd when the kids just jumped to treating them as warts without asking the troll. As a solidly "use what works, what you have, and what's sustainable - safely" I love that the kids are jumping in with the herbs they have around them AND I wish they did so in a more safe, consent-getting, and inclusive way. No one should feel bad if they use Neosporin at home (the book doesn't imply this but a character mentions they don't use herbs). If you're helping someone with an injury you should use PPE (gloves for a leg gash and at LEAST washing hands before/after!!), ask for consent explicitly before treating anything, and ask about prior medical issues. Maybe those warts aren't warts but are neurofibromas!
"But Katie, you're asking a lot of a kids' book." You're absolutely right, I am. But it's important that kids be informed FULLY. Some people aren't comfortable being treated with chickweed and spit and that's their decision and kiddos should recognize that too. I guess I'm just not sure if this book is trying to be fantasy or educational because it seems to be lacking a bit in both areas.
That being said my child LOVED it, and maybe the series gets better? I hope so! It's a great concept.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 19, 2020
Good book, with an herbal background. I was looking at it and I noticed... not really educational as they said.
Turns out we are missing some parts of the "layers".
Turns out we are missing some parts of the "layers".
June 1, 2022
The herbalism educational value is high. The theme of beauty versus ugly is unnecessary. Thankfully I have an ongoing conversation about such things with my children.
January 13, 2021
Extremely Entertaining
I have always loved fairies and flowers. I always was interested when my grandmother used talk and use herbs. I wanted teach my girls but by time mine came along, well you don't see much nature in cities which is a shame. So much good could come from herbs for the homeless and or Drs. To much poison goes into our bodies instead of what God provided. When we all came back home place, most of fields my grandmother and I used wall through were plowed under for another kind poison! Smoking with more poison sprayed over other parts land. Only if you found her busy would you get see the beauty but mostly that's all was. Some herbs can be as dangerous as things given by Drs. You have know quantity how much plus make sure what's been sprayed in our ever evolving forgetful world. When the little girl chewed up chickened its because she was taught what look for. But putting a weed, unfortunately a lot people call lots herbs weeds, anything in the mouth is always dangerous. I am so glad I found these stories! What a coincidence, I have the game in my basket on Amazon trying think way introduce it to my 6 yr. old grandson. Thanks for writing these books! Can't wait read rest. Many even him and I can join club.
I have always loved fairies and flowers. I always was interested when my grandmother used talk and use herbs. I wanted teach my girls but by time mine came along, well you don't see much nature in cities which is a shame. So much good could come from herbs for the homeless and or Drs. To much poison goes into our bodies instead of what God provided. When we all came back home place, most of fields my grandmother and I used wall through were plowed under for another kind poison! Smoking with more poison sprayed over other parts land. Only if you found her busy would you get see the beauty but mostly that's all was. Some herbs can be as dangerous as things given by Drs. You have know quantity how much plus make sure what's been sprayed in our ever evolving forgetful world. When the little girl chewed up chickened its because she was taught what look for. But putting a weed, unfortunately a lot people call lots herbs weeds, anything in the mouth is always dangerous. I am so glad I found these stories! What a coincidence, I have the game in my basket on Amazon trying think way introduce it to my 6 yr. old grandson. Thanks for writing these books! Can't wait read rest. Many even him and I can join club.
February 1, 2022
This is such a sweet and magical book series! My children absolutely adore it. Each book features a fairy representing an herb. The author is inclusive with a variety of ethnicities for the fairies, based on where the herb originated from! Each book weaves a wonderful story that also teaches about the use of herbs and their healing powers. There is a bigger and connected story about plant medicine that is being “lost” to the humans and how the children in this series can help recover it.
May 6, 2018
Wonderful way to help remember...
What a wonderful way to help remember what the various uses for herbs! I am an avid unschooler/Charlotte mason advocate and these books fit right into finding a way to make learning interesting and memorable! My five year old son loved this first book and so did I
! We are looking forward to joining the community and getting the next books!!!!!
What a wonderful way to help remember what the various uses for herbs! I am an avid unschooler/Charlotte mason advocate and these books fit right into finding a way to make learning interesting and memorable! My five year old son loved this first book and so did I
! We are looking forward to joining the community and getting the next books!!!!!
August 26, 2019
It was a great book. I like that the pictures are hand-painted and it is my favorite part. I also like that fairies are the scientific genus name of the plant they are, like Stellaria is the name of the chickweed fairy and is the scientific genus name of the chickweed plant. i can't wait to read the next book.
September 16, 2021
I’m impressed how well the author teaches young children the uses of chickweed. It also helps adults reading to children how to keep it in their brains too. Though the story is very childish and I don’t recommend it for adults, it was helpful to me.
April 10, 2018
A delightful children's book to introduce children to the beauty and medicine of herbs. Lovely tale for kids. :)
March 4, 2020
A very cool children's book to help teach about healing herbs. Enjoyed.
July 1, 2016
Love this series! has been a great way to introduce my kids to some very common herbs. They love the fairies and characters and I love that each book teaches a different character quality to emulate/live by. I also love how every fairy matches it's corresponding herb and is associated with a culture (the region in which the herb is from).
Super well thought out. Plus the website has coloring pages and recipes to go along with each urban you're part of the herb fairy club.
Super well thought out. Plus the website has coloring pages and recipes to go along with each urban you're part of the herb fairy club.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews