Unfairies – at a glance
The School Reading Lists’ five word review: Journey, responsibilities, trust, friendship, tribes.
Children’s book title: Unfairies.
Children’s author: Huw Aaron.
Genre: Children’s fiction, Graphic Novel.
Published by: Puffin Books.
ISBN: 9780241683767.
Recommended for children aged: 7-9 year-olds.
First published: Paperback August 2025.
This children’s book is ideal for: looking at things from a different perspective, taking the expected and turning it on its head. Discussing how responsibilities and position can change someone’s outlook and personality.
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Our review:
Pip works in stores, which is right down in the roots of the Oakfold Oak Tree and that’s where he’s supposed to stay!
Unfortunately, for him and the rest of the Unfairies, a major problem has arisen and he has been chosen to take the information to the head of stores. Along with a little bug he finds along the way Pip, who, it has to be said, isn’t the brightest spark in the Oak Tree, starts his journey which gradually gets longer, more complicated, and definitely more dangerous the further he travels!
He meets other Unfairies, their leaders, and even makes friends with a soldier! Easily distracted Pip abandons his task quite a few times but always returns to it – eventually, until, as traitors are revealed, and information is shared, the most amazing thing happens … but book two will probably deal with that!
Our verdict:
Unfairies is a bright, action-packed, and funny graphic novel that moves along at a very fast pace and there are plenty of characters to meet, especially Pip, the main protagonist, who is on nearly every page. The story, which on the surface is about delivering an important message quickly, covers subjects familiar to most young children, including making friends, learning who to trust, being able to focus on the job at hand, and appreciating that actions have consequences.
Those in the suggested age range and above will appreciate both the humour and messages contained here. Pip, not your usual hero, is instantly likeable, relatable, and annoying! His brain flits here, there, and everywhere, but he does, eventually stick to the plan! There are scenes which could be used to start discussions or activities on many topics, including the importance of making friends, the responsibilities of everyone in a group, whether that’s a family, friendship group, or class of peers, and the issues surrounding how we decide who we trust and how we go about being trustworthy to others.
The fact that this is a graphic novel means it may appeal to reluctant readers as easier than a ‘proper’ book. There is no less of a story or thought-provoking ideas here, but in a very user-friendly format.
Teaching points and book club discussion ideas:
- Everyone knows about fairies, don’t they, but Unfairies? Maybe not so much! How has the generally accepted stereotype been changed in this story? Do you think the concept of Unfairies works better instead of or alongside fairies?
- The artwork in Unfairies is bright and colourful, even when Pip is in trouble. In the author’s notes at the end of the book, he shows what the pages looked like originally. How much better are they with the colour added?
- How do the cutaway drawings of the inside of the Oak Tree and the prison give the reader a better idea of where Pip is going? What other fictional buildings would you like to be able to see inside in this way?
- What did you think of the cliffhanger at the end of the book? Were you surprised by it? Do you like books to end this way, or would you prefer it to finish when everything is fine?
Many thanks to Puffin Books for the review copy.
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