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The Worst Fairy Godmother Ever! (The Wish List #1)
It takes more than a sprinkle of magic to be a great fairy godmother! What do you need to become a great fairy godmother?a) kindnessb) determinationc) gusto d) all of the aboveFairy-godmother-in-training Isabelle doesn't know what gusto is, but she's pretty sure she has what it takes to pass fairy godmother training with flying colors.But then Isabelle is assigned a practice princess who is not a princess at all. Nora is just a normal girl -- a normal girl who doesn't believe in fairy godmothers, or wishes come true, or happily ever afters. Isabelle has to change Nora's mind about magic and grant a wish for her. If she can't, Isabelle will flunk training and never become a great fairy godmother!
176 pages, Hardcover
Published May 30, 2017
14 people are currently reading
113 people want to read
About the author
Sarah Aronson
13 books81 followersSarah Aronson began writing for kids and teens when someone in an exercise class dared her to try. Since then, she has earned an MFA in Writing for Children and Young Adults from Vermont College of Fine Arts.
She loves working with writers at The Highlights Foundation and writers.com.
Her books include:
Head Case
Beyond Lucky
Believe
The Wish List series, and
Just Like Rube Goldberg--winner of the Crystal Kite (Midwest)!
Brand New Bubbe arrives Aug 23!
Find out more: http://www.saraharonson.com.
She loves working with writers at The Highlights Foundation and writers.com.
Her books include:
Head Case
Beyond Lucky
Believe
The Wish List series, and
Just Like Rube Goldberg--winner of the Crystal Kite (Midwest)!
Brand New Bubbe arrives Aug 23!
Find out more: http://www.saraharonson.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
July 3, 2022
This was a really cute and fun middlegrade read.
It's book one in a series, and there is more than enough here to create a bunch more books.
Highly looking forward to spending more time in Fairyland with Isabelle.
It's book one in a series, and there is more than enough here to create a bunch more books.
Highly looking forward to spending more time in Fairyland with Isabelle.
December 30, 2016
Get ready to sparkle! You’re going to love The Wish List – The Worst Fairy Godmother Ever! by Sarah Aronson. Aronson does a wonderful job creating the imaginative and colorful Fairy Godmother World, filled with sparkles, wishes, training, the Bests, the Worsts, and the lovable Isabelle. Isabelle is the imperfect, spunky fairy godmother in training. The reader can’t help but root for Isabelle to pass her test, earn her wand, and get her practice princess to happily ever after. Isabelle’s story is set in the creatively captured Fairy Godmother World. While this world is fictitious and fun, it uses sparkles, heart and humor to tackle relatable and real issues like, sibling jealousy, fear of imperfection, loss, and competition. Aronson’s comedic wit is perfectly sprinkled throughout Isabelle’s quest. Reading this story is like diving into your favorite piece of pie. Wonderfully delightful the whole way through, and when you’re finished, it leaves you wanting more. Happily, there’s more coming. The Wish List, Book #1 – a must read!
I received an arc for an honest review of this book.
I received an arc for an honest review of this book.
June 3, 2017
An adorable romp through the trials and tribulations of becoming a Fairy Godmother! Isabelle is not your typical matronly, effervescent fairy godmother, but a kid learning to be the best FG she can be. Older sister, Clotilda makes it looks so easy! Will Isabelle be able to grant a special wish to her "practice princess", who's really just a "regular girl"? You'll have to read it yourself to find out!
I'm excited for this new series full of spunk, heart and learning what it means to be a friend!
I'm excited for this new series full of spunk, heart and learning what it means to be a friend!
January 10, 2017
I received an uncorrected proof of this book in exchange for an honest review.
THE WORST FAIRY GODMOTHER EVER! is an adorable young middle grade book about Isabelle, a fairy godmother-in-training. She knows she's not ready. She knows she'll never match up to her big sister. But she needs to prove she can cut it to her very high standards and very short tempered grandmother, who just happens to be the current President of the Fairy Godmothers Alliance and author of The Official Rulebook for Fairy Godmothers, 11th Edition.
While studying is hardly Isabelle's strong suit, she definitely
a) has it in the bag
b) will get the right princess at the right time
c) will end up with a real happily ever after
d) any of the above
e) all of the above
Or maybe she'll learn that happily ever after isn't only about magic. Or that magic doesn't only come from sparkles.
Sarah Aronson has created a sweet story about perseverance, family, friendship, and happily ever afters. Which, as Isabelle learns, can also be beginnings. Highly recommended for middle grade readers.
THE WORST FAIRY GODMOTHER EVER! is an adorable young middle grade book about Isabelle, a fairy godmother-in-training. She knows she's not ready. She knows she'll never match up to her big sister. But she needs to prove she can cut it to her very high standards and very short tempered grandmother, who just happens to be the current President of the Fairy Godmothers Alliance and author of The Official Rulebook for Fairy Godmothers, 11th Edition.
While studying is hardly Isabelle's strong suit, she definitely
a) has it in the bag
b) will get the right princess at the right time
c) will end up with a real happily ever after
d) any of the above
e) all of the above
Or maybe she'll learn that happily ever after isn't only about magic. Or that magic doesn't only come from sparkles.
Sarah Aronson has created a sweet story about perseverance, family, friendship, and happily ever afters. Which, as Isabelle learns, can also be beginnings. Highly recommended for middle grade readers.
May 30, 2017
This was straight up adorable! All pink and sparkles! The main character, Isabelle, is not one for studying or reading the rules. But she learns really well through experience. Isabelle is a character that I think little girls will be able to relate to well. Even though her world is different from ours, she struggles with issues and temptations just like her readers.
And would you believe that this little book ended on a cliffhanger?! It's true! I am seriously curious about what's going to happen in Book 2.
I was never reading this book without a smile on my face. I will be giving this book to my little niece in hopes that she has as much fun reading it as I did!
Full review on Book Nerds Across America: http://www.booknerdsacrossamerica.com...
And would you believe that this little book ended on a cliffhanger?! It's true! I am seriously curious about what's going to happen in Book 2.
I was never reading this book without a smile on my face. I will be giving this book to my little niece in hopes that she has as much fun reading it as I did!
Full review on Book Nerds Across America: http://www.booknerdsacrossamerica.com...
July 29, 2017
The debut book in "The Wish List" series is likely to be very popular with girls in the 3rd and 4th grade and 1st-2nd grade girls who have someone reading to them. It is full of princesses and magical fairy godmothers and wanna-be princesses and fairy godmothers. There are bossy and perfect older sisters and little sisters who strive to measure up to everyone's expectations. Lessons on friendship, determination, and honesty abound. There is much to recommend for those who enjoy a Disney princess type book.
December 10, 2016
I received an ARC via work, with no obligation to leave a personal review.
I read this book in a little over a half hour, I think, and I thoroughly enjoyed it! It's cute, light, fun--and very sweet. The ending is dramatic, but sets up well for the sequel, with some intrigue, without feeling too overwhelming or bleak for young readers, I think.
I read this book in a little over a half hour, I think, and I thoroughly enjoyed it! It's cute, light, fun--and very sweet. The ending is dramatic, but sets up well for the sequel, with some intrigue, without feeling too overwhelming or bleak for young readers, I think.
April 24, 2017
I love this book because it's so super fun and exactly the way kids think-their kid logic. Isabelle is fun and I know that kids will fall in love with this book and want to train to be a fairy godmother!
June 6, 2017
Finished this in one afternoon. It's a delightful story that, even though it's a book for kids, held my attention as a 30-year-old woman. It's a nice balance of cutesy fantasy and intrigue, and the ending has me excited to see what the sequel will bring.
June 12, 2017
Isabel did not want to go to the Fairy Godmother Home For Normal Girls. Who would want to be in a place with no princesses? No wands? No sparkles!
Failure in Fairy Godmother Training meant a life of non-magical jobs. Unfortunately for Isabel, scholarly effort was not her strong suit. She’d far rather build cloud castles than study The Official Rule Book for Fairy Godmothers. It was hard to compete with her sister, Clotilda. Highly skilled at the fine art of fairy godmother gift-giving, Clotilda knew which magical blessings to give new babies, how to turn raisins into black convertibles, and how to put a princess into a long sleep when all else failed.
Isabel was not one to play by the rules. At her first opportunity, she snuck into Grandmomma’s forbidden office. Though she didn’t know how sparkles worked, she picked up two fistfuls. At first, the room seemed lighter and brighter, almost like it was alive. Then something completely unexpected happened. Isabel knew she had to get away, before she caused more damage.
Off to class went young Isabel. While her friends were busy turning mice into unicorns, Isabel lost track of her mouse entirely. When the time came to find out who her first Princess would be, Isabel was shocked to learn she’d be paired with a young lady named Nora who didn’t care about charming princes. Nora was far more concerned about the world of nature, and helping other people. Isabel was at a loss. What’s a Fairy Godmother to do for a serious princess?
Sarah Aronson turns the world of Sparkly Princesses upside down. What starts out as a funny story takes a serious turn when Nora’s stepmother confides in Isabel that she’d made a wish on a shooting star. Such wishes call on very old, very powerful magic. Suddenly Isabel finds herself confronting unsettling problems and deep-rooted fears. One broken rule might mean banishment from the School—or far deeper consequences.
Sarah Aronson earned her MFA at the Vermont College of Fine Arts. Discover more Sparkle Power at: www.saraharonson.com
--Kate Calina
Failure in Fairy Godmother Training meant a life of non-magical jobs. Unfortunately for Isabel, scholarly effort was not her strong suit. She’d far rather build cloud castles than study The Official Rule Book for Fairy Godmothers. It was hard to compete with her sister, Clotilda. Highly skilled at the fine art of fairy godmother gift-giving, Clotilda knew which magical blessings to give new babies, how to turn raisins into black convertibles, and how to put a princess into a long sleep when all else failed.
Isabel was not one to play by the rules. At her first opportunity, she snuck into Grandmomma’s forbidden office. Though she didn’t know how sparkles worked, she picked up two fistfuls. At first, the room seemed lighter and brighter, almost like it was alive. Then something completely unexpected happened. Isabel knew she had to get away, before she caused more damage.
Off to class went young Isabel. While her friends were busy turning mice into unicorns, Isabel lost track of her mouse entirely. When the time came to find out who her first Princess would be, Isabel was shocked to learn she’d be paired with a young lady named Nora who didn’t care about charming princes. Nora was far more concerned about the world of nature, and helping other people. Isabel was at a loss. What’s a Fairy Godmother to do for a serious princess?
Sarah Aronson turns the world of Sparkly Princesses upside down. What starts out as a funny story takes a serious turn when Nora’s stepmother confides in Isabel that she’d made a wish on a shooting star. Such wishes call on very old, very powerful magic. Suddenly Isabel finds herself confronting unsettling problems and deep-rooted fears. One broken rule might mean banishment from the School—or far deeper consequences.
Sarah Aronson earned her MFA at the Vermont College of Fine Arts. Discover more Sparkle Power at: www.saraharonson.com
--Kate Calina
April 18, 2018
Reviewed for School Library Journal 4/1/17
Gr 3–5—Isabelle is a fairy godmother in training. Her Grandmomma is the current president of the Fairy Godmother Alliance, and her sister is the fourth-best fairy godmother in the land. Given Isabelle's familial background, one would think she'd be a natural, but she would much rather play and daydream than study rule books or practice with her wand. Despite her questionable academic prowess, she is soon assigned a "practice princess" for six weeks with the objective of delivering a "happily ever after" to said girl. Isabelle is dismayed when she realizes she has been given an ordinary little girl (a "normal") to work with, and her worst fears about failing seem destined to come true. This is the first installment in the series, and, unfortunately, it never finds its rhythm. The narrative is disjointed, and the plot detours involving Isabelle's mother (a fairy godmother banished years ago) are confusing rather than intriguing. This novel might have worked better for a younger audience, considering the subject matter, but its length, along with the vocabulary, puts it squarely in the tween section. VERDICT: An optional title at best.—Amy Nolan, St. Joseph Public Library, MI
Gr 3–5—Isabelle is a fairy godmother in training. Her Grandmomma is the current president of the Fairy Godmother Alliance, and her sister is the fourth-best fairy godmother in the land. Given Isabelle's familial background, one would think she'd be a natural, but she would much rather play and daydream than study rule books or practice with her wand. Despite her questionable academic prowess, she is soon assigned a "practice princess" for six weeks with the objective of delivering a "happily ever after" to said girl. Isabelle is dismayed when she realizes she has been given an ordinary little girl (a "normal") to work with, and her worst fears about failing seem destined to come true. This is the first installment in the series, and, unfortunately, it never finds its rhythm. The narrative is disjointed, and the plot detours involving Isabelle's mother (a fairy godmother banished years ago) are confusing rather than intriguing. This novel might have worked better for a younger audience, considering the subject matter, but its length, along with the vocabulary, puts it squarely in the tween section. VERDICT: An optional title at best.—Amy Nolan, St. Joseph Public Library, MI
April 20, 2018
Isabelle is a fairy-godmother-in-training and is so nervous that she's going to wind up being terrible like her mother was. She isn't good at studying and she's even worse at answering questions. Her Grandmomma and sister are a couple of the top-ranked fairy godmothers, so Isabelle has a lot to live up to.
When Isabelle gets her practice princess, she is surprised to receive a regular girl instead of a princess. This is the first time this has ever happened and is made harder when Nora doesn't even make a wish. Isabelle struggles to live up to expectations, but soon discovers that there's more to being a fairy godmother than she originally believed.
THE WORST FAIRY GODMOTHER EVER is a cute read that teaches you should always have faith in yourself. It also teaches that if you work hard enough, you can do anything. I really liked the interactions between Isabelle and Nora. This was a completely different story from what I anticipated it was going to be and it's in the best way.
Final Verdict: I would recommend this to fans of magic, wishes, fairytales, and fairy godmothers. Even regular girls deserve to be happy.
When Isabelle gets her practice princess, she is surprised to receive a regular girl instead of a princess. This is the first time this has ever happened and is made harder when Nora doesn't even make a wish. Isabelle struggles to live up to expectations, but soon discovers that there's more to being a fairy godmother than she originally believed.
THE WORST FAIRY GODMOTHER EVER is a cute read that teaches you should always have faith in yourself. It also teaches that if you work hard enough, you can do anything. I really liked the interactions between Isabelle and Nora. This was a completely different story from what I anticipated it was going to be and it's in the best way.
Final Verdict: I would recommend this to fans of magic, wishes, fairytales, and fairy godmothers. Even regular girls deserve to be happy.
February 5, 2019
{My thoughts} – Every child that has ever been read the story of Cinderella wishes they too, could have a fairy godmother. In this book, Isabelle is one of the worst fairy godmothers ever. She seems to think that she is, however, she is just trying to find her way. She doesn’t do it by conventional methods though. Everyone around her is book smart and learns be reading all the rules and stuff. She doesn’t learn that ways o she doesn’t bother to learn the training manual. Instead she’d rather learn through her own experiences.
Isabelle has a lot to live up to, her grandmomma is the head of the training program, her older sister is an exceptional fairy godmother. She’s hoping to be better then her mother, whom didn’t fair well as a fairy godmother.
When Isabelle meets Nora, she has problems figuring out how she is meant to help her. Howe is she suppose to grant a wish for her. Nora isn’t like other practice princesses. Nora is more interested in nature and not so much in the princes.
This book has the potential to become a loved book for children that enjoy a good story about fairy godmothers, sparkles and princesses.
Isabelle has a lot to live up to, her grandmomma is the head of the training program, her older sister is an exceptional fairy godmother. She’s hoping to be better then her mother, whom didn’t fair well as a fairy godmother.
When Isabelle meets Nora, she has problems figuring out how she is meant to help her. Howe is she suppose to grant a wish for her. Nora isn’t like other practice princesses. Nora is more interested in nature and not so much in the princes.
This book has the potential to become a loved book for children that enjoy a good story about fairy godmothers, sparkles and princesses.
May 3, 2018
The Wish List: The Worst Fairy Godmother Ever! isn’t your typical fairy godmother book. It’s not your typical princess book, either. Isabelle is a spunky fairy godmother-in-training who is expected to adhere to a strict set of rules (written by her grandmother who heads up training), shine in the sparkly perfection of her older sister, and compete with other girls who seem to fit perfectly into the fairy godmother mold. But when Isabelle is assigned to work with a practice princess, she realizes that she must use her smarts and her heart – and not the rules – to make a wish come true.
A lively adventure about being true to yourself and others, even in a world of rules. This first book is sure to make readers want more of a wonderful, new series.
I received an uncorrected proof of this book in exchange for an honest review.
A lively adventure about being true to yourself and others, even in a world of rules. This first book is sure to make readers want more of a wonderful, new series.
I received an uncorrected proof of this book in exchange for an honest review.
January 7, 2018
There are too few books about fairy magic that are done well, but this is definitely one of them!
Isabelle is not a naturally-gifted fairy godmother. She’s not like her talented sister, or Grandmomma, and she can’t see why it’s necessary to read instructions and follow rules. When she’s given a practice princess to grant a wish who is just an average girl, she doesn’t know how she’s supposed to make Norah’s wish come true if she doesn’t even have one! So Isabelle takes matters into her own hands, determined to help Norah, or face the possibility of flunking out of fairy godmother training.
This is a very sweet story that will be hugely appealing to readers who loves sparkles, magic, and a main character who doesn’t like to follow the rules. I have no doubt this one won’t spend long on my new books shelf.
Isabelle is not a naturally-gifted fairy godmother. She’s not like her talented sister, or Grandmomma, and she can’t see why it’s necessary to read instructions and follow rules. When she’s given a practice princess to grant a wish who is just an average girl, she doesn’t know how she’s supposed to make Norah’s wish come true if she doesn’t even have one! So Isabelle takes matters into her own hands, determined to help Norah, or face the possibility of flunking out of fairy godmother training.
This is a very sweet story that will be hugely appealing to readers who loves sparkles, magic, and a main character who doesn’t like to follow the rules. I have no doubt this one won’t spend long on my new books shelf.
September 30, 2018
Playful!
It's the one word that kept resonating with me as I read this novel for young readers. Isabelle is training to be a fairy godmother (her grandmomma is president of the Fairy Godmother Alliance) so the pressure is on for her to be good at it-in fact, her sister already is. But Isabelle would rather play than study-she might just fail her training! So she is assigned a "practice princess" to prove herself worthy. Unfortunately Isabelle finds out she has been assigned a "normal" girl and her worst fears might just be realized. I read a lot of 'heavy' and serious kidlit books, so it is fun to get some time with whimsical books for younger readers-and she's got a great website (http://www.saraharonson.com ) with a #TipsonTuesday section for writers of all ages. A fun read that I needed this week.
It's the one word that kept resonating with me as I read this novel for young readers. Isabelle is training to be a fairy godmother (her grandmomma is president of the Fairy Godmother Alliance) so the pressure is on for her to be good at it-in fact, her sister already is. But Isabelle would rather play than study-she might just fail her training! So she is assigned a "practice princess" to prove herself worthy. Unfortunately Isabelle finds out she has been assigned a "normal" girl and her worst fears might just be realized. I read a lot of 'heavy' and serious kidlit books, so it is fun to get some time with whimsical books for younger readers-and she's got a great website (http://www.saraharonson.com ) with a #TipsonTuesday section for writers of all ages. A fun read that I needed this week.
May 18, 2018
This is a cute story of one fairy-godmother-in-training that learns just because your Grandmother is in charge of the school, you can't skate by. Isabelle doesn't study or doesn't take her duties seriously until she gets her first practice princess, a normal girl named Nora. Isabelle is not a very likable character. She's selfish, thoughtless, and decides to cheat to succeed at fulling the wish of her practice girl. While Isabelle learns to be a better person by being the fairy godmother to Nora, Isabelle only learns this after asking her sister, a Best fairy, for help. I felt cheated that Isabelle didn't come to the realization to persevere, to choose to not to be the worst fairy godmother herself.
August 23, 2017
A middle-grade princess story as seen from behind the fairy godmother curtain. Who knew there were rules or that not all fairy godmothers were exactly the same!? This is a humorous and touching princess story that comes from a different angle with a little more heart than I'd expected. By the end of the story I was really rooting for Isabelle to not end up as the Worst Fairy Godmother Ever, despite some of her less than perfect choices. Highly recommended for those who love princess stories but also for those who don't, as it reveals an interesting aspect of "happily ever after" that few have probably thought about.
February 9, 2019
I enjoyed this cute story about Isabelle as she goes through her Fairy Godmother training. Isabelle struggles with reading the rules of becoming a fairy godmother, but she has fortitude and sticktuitiveness that help her forge ahead. Isabelle has her flaws and challenges, but she is also caring, imaginative, and kind. This will be a fun read for kids who like a bit of magic, cool tennis shoes, lists, and chapter books.
I picked up a copy to take on a trip, then donated to the library. Spreading the book love.
I picked up a copy to take on a trip, then donated to the library. Spreading the book love.
August 25, 2018
8/23/2018 ~~ Cotton candy with a side of friendship. I nearly abandoned the book after the first few chapters; Nora was a bit of a brat. However, I persevered and found some appealing thoughts on friendship. Do I have readers who will eat this up? Yes. Will I order it for my elementary library? Probably. Is it a book with issues to grapple with, discuss, and ponder? Not really - but, hey, we all need some vacation reading once in a while.
July 28, 2017
To be a fairy godmother in training is not as easy as it sounds even (or especially) when your grandmother is in charge and your own sister is the fourth best fairy godmother. Isabelle learns a lot about what it means to make wishes, make wishes come true, the rules, and friendship. great first book in a new series.
April 28, 2017
Sparkles and all, I loved this book! This book is going to appeal to many, many readers! With its universal theme of friendship, readers will love following Isabelle's plight as she tries to do what is right and grant the best wish of all!
May 5, 2017
This is going to be a very popular series with middle grade readers. It's a great magical, humorous story about friendship. The book is filled with wonderful word choice and fun characters. I can't wait until this book comes out in May 2017.
November 12, 2017
Cute book that follows the story of a fairy godmother in training. I am excited to place it in the hands of some students I know will enjoy it. I think my Princess in Black fans will love this series. Thank you to the author Sarah Aronson for sharing this book with our #BookVoyage book club!
October 22, 2018
165 pages. This is a fantasy story about a fairy named Isabelle who is training to be a fairy godmother. So far it’s good and a nice plot line. I read two chapters. I would buy for my school library. Recommended for Grades 4-5.
July 5, 2017
Great for younger readers! Cute story.
August 22, 2017
I like that this is a different twist in the fairy tale genre... it's all about the fairy godmother world! Cute story that third through fifth grade girls will love!
3.5 stars
3.5 stars
November 27, 2017
I give this four stars because my 5 year old daughter loved it as a nighttime read aloud.
December 22, 2020
Read this with my 6 year old. It was a really cute book! A fun read and we both enjoyed it. Looking forward to reading book 2 in the series.
January 17, 2019
I loved the book because she never gave up until her princess was happy and she left sparkles
Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews