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Take It All In
A Fairy on My Sleeve follows a woman who encounters a fairy while reading under a tree and causes her to contemplate the belief and magic of the ordinary. What was the inspiration for your story?
Many years ago on a glorious summer afternoon, I was digging in my flower garden, watching the bees, dragonflies, and butterflies, which were all flitting about me.
Without warning, a little one landed on the sleeve of my shirt.
It sat there for a short time, slowly opening and closing its wings.
As I gazed at it, I swear it looked back at me, just for an instant before it flew off.
It was a rather idyllic moment on its own, but in my mind, I changed it from an insect to a fairy.
With that simple revision, it had suddenly become a wondrous, magical event.
What were some ideas that were important for you to share in this book?
I think that the most important message in this story is to just slow down, smell the flowers, and pay attention to the little things that are all around.
Turn off your phone, go outside, and have a look around – and a listen. It’s amazing what you can discover when you start to pay attention.
What is one thing that you hope readers take away from A Fairy on My Sleeve?
One thing I hope that readers take away is to put down the devices, go outside, and take it all in. Just by looking into a simple flower pot you can see an extraordinary hidden world, full of life.
Insects and other organisms that live in the dirt and hide amongst the leaves all have their own story. If you look at them long enough, they will tell you that story.
What is the next book that you are working on, and when will it be available?
I have a new book called Where Do All The Fairies Live? along with two others that are currently ready for illustration.
I also have my first children’s song recorded which is in the process of being mixed.
The song is called “Full Moon Friend,” a happy little bedtime song, which will hopefully be ready for release next month.
Author Links: GoodReads | Amazon
Join author, poet, and actress Mari Sherkin as she glimpses a magical world where things are as real as they seem.
A Fairy On My Sleeve
Mari Sherkin’s A Fairy on My Sleeve offers a delightful exploration of imagination and attentiveness, wrapped in a narrative that appeals to the child in all of us. The book centers on a young girl, inspired by her childhood readings about fairies and toadstools, who finds solace in her make-believe world of gentle creatures. As an adult, she grapples with the line between fantasy and reality when she encounters a fairy while reading under a tree. This encounter prompts a thoughtful reflection on belief and the magic of the ordinary.
Sherkin’s tale serves as a charming reminder that magic can be found in everyday life if only one takes the time to look closely. It encourages young readers—and perhaps adults too—to pause and observe the world with wonder, suggesting that even the most familiar environments, like a backyard or a local park, hold unseen treasures. The illustrations by David Gnass enrich this enchanting story, turning each page into a visual delight that pulls the reader deeper into the narrative. The depiction of the fairy is particularly striking, leaving readers to ponder whether those fleeting glimmers in the twilight could indeed be more than mere tricks of light.
A Fairy on My Sleeve is perfectly pitched for young readers while also offering a whimsical escape for adults. It encourages a slower, more observant approach to our fast-paced world and is a refreshing read for anyone open to finding a bit of magic in the mundane. This book is a delightful addition to any reader’s collection, promising to inspire a renewed appreciation for the power of imagination.
Pages: 38 | ISBN : 1645434354
Zero Discrimination
Fairy Day Games follows a creative and imaginative child who goes on a whimsical adventure to the Fairy Day Games, meets fairies and discovers new friends. What was the inspiration for your story?
I was actually writing another fairy story at the time and one night my husband and I decided to watch an old movie. The movie was located in a very small, quaint town which was holding an old fashioned county fair.
My mind turned to fairies as it often does when I am writing and I wondered, what if the fairies had a fair? A whole day of fun and games organized by the fairy folk and their magical friends. What would that be like? After that, the rhymes just started coming to me.
What were some ideas that were important for you to share in this book?
One thing that was important to me was that I wanted to have a lot of diversity in Fairy World. That was one of the things I remembered from the fairy stories of my childhood – everyone was a different creature but it didn’t matter. They all lived and worked together and were helpful and kind, no matter if you were a fairy, a mole or an imp. There was zero discrimination.
The art in this book is fantastic. What was the art collaboration process like with illustrator David Gnass?
David Gnass, the very talented illustrator of Fairy Day Games, did the art for my first book A Fairy On My Sleeve, so I knew I wanted him again for Fairy Day Games. I gave him some broad guidelines and my vision for the book, then basically just gave him the reins.
He really did a beautiful job with the illustrations. One thing I wanted was a lot of detail in the pictures, so even younger children who didn’t read yet could look at the pictures for hours and see something new each time. He certainly did accomplish this.
As I had collaborated with him before, I wanted to see what he came up with on his own, character wise and I absolutely adore the characters he created.
Is this the first book in the series? If so, when is the next book coming out and what can your fans expect in the next story?
This is my second fairy book but it is not exactly a series, it is more of a theme. I have two more books ready for illustration – both with fairies – and two more works in progress, one being my first chapter book.
I am also working on a musical project, a wonderful album of songs for children. The first song is going to be filmed as a video this summer and hopefully will be released in the autumn. It is all very exciting!
Author Links: GoodReads | Twitter
Fairy Day Games
In Fairy Day Games by Mari Sherkin, readers are invited into an enchanting narrative where the author, portraying herself as a child, vividly imagines participating in the delightful activities of a fairy world. This book stands out with its unique perspective of a young Sherkin observing and longing to join the fairies in their joyful celebrations. The sense of wonder and yearning to dance, sing, and share sweet treats alongside the fairies permeates the story, highlighting the themes of love and friendship.
As a reader, I was immediately captivated by this approach. I felt as if I were beside the author, sharing in the awe of the fairy world’s charm. The use of a childlike viewpoint adds a refreshing element to the narrative, making the reader feel part of the magical Fairy Day Games. This engaging style evokes a sense of eagerness and joy in participating in the fairies’ festivities. One of the book’s notable aspects is its rhyming verse, a feature that enhances its appeal. The attention to detail in the rhyme is exceptional, making it a delightful read from the outset. The rhythmic quality of the text is likely to resonate with children, making it enjoyable both for being read to and for young readers vocalizing the story themselves. David Gnass’s illustrations complement the narrative beautifully, with full-page, vibrant imagery that brings the festive and magical scenes to life. These illustrations are a joy for both children and adults, perfectly capturing the essence of Sherkin’s fairy world and adding depth to the story.
Fairy Day Games is a charming book particularly suited for children aged 4-8. Its blend of imaginative storytelling, lyrical rhymes, and captivating illustrations make it an engaging read. This book is an enjoyable journey into a whimsical world, one that I highly recommend for its ability to transport readers into the heart of a day filled with fairy games.
Pages: 38 | ISBN : 1637555067
LITERARY TITAN 