Unfairies: Death by Toad – at a glance
The School Reading Lists’ five word review: Graphic novel, hero, quest, betrayal.
Children’s book title: Unfairies: Death by Toad.
Children’s author: Huw Aaron.
Genre: Children’s fiction.
Published by: Puffin.
ISBN: 9780241683774.
Recommended for children aged: 7-9.
First published: Paperback May 2026.
This children’s book is ideal for: younger readers who enjoy graphic novels, fantasy in a recognisable location, as well as drawing their own characters.
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Our review:
Now Pip is ruler of Oakhold, the Treefairy is dismayed to discover he has to attend actual meetings! Eager to escape as soon as possible, he is just a little bit pleased when his best friend is kidnapped and, along with Squeek, who he is convinced is also his close friend, sets out on a quest to find and rescue Twig.
However, there are things happening in the garden, including fashion shows, secret tunnels and broken machinery, all of which he deals with as part of his dangerous adventure/rescue, after which, maybe, eventually, he’ll consider returning home! As the two fairies begin looking for clues, they too are captured, escape, face baddies and goodies, meet other fairies who definitely don’t think like Pip, discover a huge secret, and try to solve a big problem. None of that will matter, though, if they can’t avoid the punishment of Death by Toad!
Our verdict:
The second book in this series continues in the same chaotic, colourful and exciting manner as Pip’s first outing. Once again, this is full of brilliantly detailed drawings by the author, which are definitely worth revisiting once the book has been completed.
There are instructions on how to write and draw a graphic novel, alongside details of what happens to turn the storyline into the finished item. The first book does set the scene for this one, but it can still be read as a standalone and, with a third instalment coming next year, this is a series that should catch the attention of reluctant readers who could find this a realistic independent reading project to begin with.
Teaching points and book club discussion ideas:
- Pip isn’t the ruler the Treefairies really want! What are some of the slightly weird things he has done?
- In a cross-curricular activity with art, begin by making a list of different areas of a garden or park to include on a map. This will be similar to the one at the start of the book. Once your drawing is complete, you can name and add your fairies.
- Alternatively, draw one area of a garden in a similar style to the Pond or the Rockery Castle and detail the different areas you’d want to find there.
- Why do you think Squeek began to question his loyalty to the immortal toad? Did Pip have anything to do with it?
- Look at the section at the back of the book that shows how the author produces his graphic novels. Are you surprised by any of the things he does?
- Do you prefer reading an ordinary novel or a graphic one? Why is this?
Many thanks to Puffin for the review copy.
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