Librarians / Children’s Program Facilitators,
Treat your little library patrons to a magical session of musical and movement storytelling with the most faithful and fun Book Fairy, Fairy Poppilina, as part of your school holiday program or as a special story-time guest (especially for the First-Five Forever program)! Fairy Poppilina sparks literary love and fun for everyone.
Signature Library Session – Recommended 4 – 10 Years
Fairy Poppilina’s signature library session (from approximately three to ten) will take your little library patrons (and their carers) on a magical odyssey like never before! ‘The Journey Home’ by Alison Lester and ‘Never Say No To A Princess’ ** by Tracey Corderoy are retold in her own special + MAGICAL way. Expect your library patrons to be filled with the wonderment of imaginative stories and partake in various interactive elements, including the mermaid-pokey! There is the opportunity for library patrons to choose their favourite magical character and then share their imaginary meeting. Follow up craft is also included. This session also touches lightly on ocean pollution, the joy of togetherness, helping out, the importance of good manners and the comfort of home. The second story, ‘Never Say No To A Princess’ touches on what it means to be insightful + how friendship and love and treating others kindly are more important than material things (and being shouty and demanding).
What one book reviewer thinks of ‘The Journey Home’: This is a story bursting at the seams with good things to teach, without one hint of preachiness: there’s tenacity, joy in the journey and siblings sticking together, there’s the ease with which the children adapt to the various cultural, geographic and economic circumstances (everything from a castle to a creaking pirate ship to a mermaid’s ocean home), there’s recognition of the importance of childhood playtime and freedom, there’s love and caring—at every place they visit, they are welcomed, and sent on their way home. And every time, they look happy, rested and comforted; there’s an acknowledgement that while there are splendours and adventures to be had, home is always the destination. And, when they finally arrive home, their parents are waiting for them with literally open arms. This is one of my favourite books. I think it’s because, of all the things I want children to know, perhaps most of all is that no matter how big the hole they fall into, no matter how many fascinating stops they make along the way and no matter how long it takes, it will always be good to be home and their parents will always be waiting for them with cups of hot chocolate (metaphorically anyway.
What one book reviewer thinks of ‘Never Say No To A Princess’: ** This story is instantly engaging but the true delight of this story is that it is so relatable! I know, I know – it’s a princess and a dragon and you are probably scratching your head, but let me explain: this is the story of an unhappy little girl who gets everything she wants by being mean and shouty and spoiled. The story is about her discovery that the only way she can really be happy (and get the thing she wants most) is by learning how to be polite and nice and by saying, please and thank you and understanding how to treat others. In summary, I really love this story. We (my four-year old daughter and I) were both captivated by the journey the story took and, though we do especially love a happy ending, we don’t want one at any cost. Pleasingly, my daughter understood the concept immediately and we were enchanted from start to end.
** Due to ‘Never Say No To A Princess’ now being out of print, I am offering the option of replacing this story with ‘Thelma The Unicorn’ by Aaron Blabey. This story is presented with lovingly handmade puppets, a sing-along and so much fun! It is like a mini musical with a soft focus on exploring the theme ‘you are enough’.
What one book reviewer thinks of ‘Thelma The Unicorn’: Written by the award-winning author Aaron Blabey, Thelma the Unicorn is a heart-warming tale about a pony who has dreams of becoming a beautiful unicorn…with lots of sparkles. Through a random turn of events, Thelma’s dreams come true and she is immediately thrust into the spotlight and becomes an worldwide celebrity! But Thelma soon finds out that being a unicorn isn’t all it’s cracked up to be and ditches the horn and sparkles to return home to be back with her best friend Otis. Powered by the fun rhyming pattern and comedic illustrations that made Blabey’s other works so successful, Thelma the Unicorn is a great story promoting the important message of learning to love who you are. Why We Recommend It: Although the message of ‘being yourself’ is a common theme among children’s books, Aaron Blabey’s Thelma the Unicorn does a great job of driving this point home in a way that is not only heart-warming but also very funny. This story is a popular one among preschoolers and primary school aged children thanks to it’s fun illustrations and simple story format. The humorous rhyming pattern makes it a great option for story time with a group as well.
After the story component, your little library patrons are invited to draw their own three wishes (as three wishes from a fairy is featured in the story of ‘The Journey Home’). Fairy Poppilina checks in with each child regarding their wishes and, saying her magical words, ‘Bippidy boppidy boo; may your wish come true’. Fairy Poppilina also bestows a special personalised magical name to each child (sealing it with a smidge of skin glitter). It is a lovely activity!
Zero to Five Years – Suitable for The First Five Forever Program (Babies/Toddlers/Preschoolers)
‘Where Singing Meets Imaginative Movement and Storytelling PLUS More! Fairy Poppilina’s session encompasses simple magical movement, singing, imaginative fun and a cuddly story. The session commences with an imaginative scarf flight dance (yes, you will imagine being stuck in a bubblegum bush and having to hop through lollipop lightning), followed by some time in ‘Sing-Song-Land’ where .. you guessed it .. there will be songs (accompanied with Fairy Poppilina’s ukulele). Songs support very young children in making connections with words they know. Fairy Poppilina segues into wish making and a lovely, cuddly story, ‘A Cuddle For Claude’ by David Wojtowycz. Then, a quick ‘sleeping fairies’ activity where the children open their eyes to little surprise (a feather or bauble). The magical finale – standing under Fairy Poppilina’s rainbow and saying goodbye with a dollop of twinkledust and love-hearted cheek! The session is approximately 35 minutes.
“Thanks, Poppy, I’ve had fantastic feedback about your library sessions; the librarians and everyone in general loved having you there. Thank you for your lovely presence and I look forward to seeing you again”. Business Engagement Team Leader, Sandra Sayaxang, Cairns Libraries.
“Thank you for bringing such joy to the library”. Michael Marks, Acting Co-ordinator, Library Experience, Waverley Library, Sydney, NSW.
The Fairy Fine-print’:
Movement, music and interaction are included – ie there will be some noise/sound/possible movement [dancing and singing]. A separate room/area in your library may be wise!
Fairy Poppilina considers up to 40 fairy friends to be a good size!
30 minutes bump in, bump out time.
Working With Children # WWC1219122E (exp 16 May 2027) and Blue Card# 332251/2 + Duck For Cover Performance Insurance #71 0182031 LCP
