Tale of the Fairy Tree

A Read Aloud Book

Cameron Pendergraft's seventh picture book and first rhyming one begins "Oh, to whisper. / Oh, to wonder. / Oh, to wait and see." This magical refrain repeats endearingly and is easy to remember and chant along with the reader. Fairies live in "an aged oak tree in [their] grandmother's yard." Charming details about the fairies' home are woven throughout the book. During the night, fairies leave gifts for people. Coins, rings, necklaces, ribbons, a sparkling wand, pieces of lace, tiny seashells, and an ancient brass bell. At night in bed, the children wonder if they should sneak out and get close to the tree. During messy or windy weather, fairies stay indoors to keep dry, so they don't leave gifts. Eventually the author asks readers if they've ever found a fairy tree and then suggests looking for gifts on the morning dew. You'll be enchanted by pixie dust. Sparkling, golden stars that encircle the stanzas light up readers' and listeners' eyes. Cameron's timeless, classic tale will encourage your little ones to watch for fairies and their gifts left during the night.