Cassie's Library: Book Review: Vidia and the Fairy Crown by Laura Driscoll

As part of "Disney week" here is a review of one of the Disney Fairies books. If you have been following for a minute you may remember that I reviewed the manga of this book. You can read that review HERE. The book version was published long before the manga version, just to clarify on their publication order. I hope you enjoy this review!

Vidia and the Fairy Crown

By Laura Driscoll

Published by Random House in 2006

"Prilla looked Vidia in the eye. "I want to help you," she said,

"because I remember what it's like to feel alone."

Central Theme:

This version of the "Vidia and the Fairy Crown" story focuses much on the same themes that were present in the manga version as well. This being that someone has to be responsible for the words that they say. In this case, don't say you are going to do something unless you are ready to be held accountable for saying that you were going to do it. In this Vidia said to two fairies (Tinker Bell and Raini) that she was going to steal the Faerie Queen Crown during an important party. When the crown comes up missing the first suspect? Vidia, of course. The other central theme is that you have to be willing sometimes to prove when you are actually right and you should defend yourself when appropriate.

My Feelings:

This version of the story was very similar to the manga version. The main difference between the manga and the book was that due to the way that a visual representation of the story had to be presented there were moments were characters had to explain things a bit more in the manga. In the book version things seem to flow better. Between the two I would highly recommend the book version of the story over the manga. This being said though, both are very good for enjoyable reading.

The story seemed to be quicker in the book version. I think this is because I knew were it was going due to having read the manga. Also I felt less distracted from the overall plot, even though there are illustrations within the book version. These illustrations seemed focused on providing just some visualization that children would need. The illustrations are very beautiful here, as well. I actually preferred them over the artwork in the manga. They were stunningly beautiful. The below picture is just one example of the artwork contained within.

I really loved the message of this book. Stick up for yourself when you are right, even if it comes across as having a bad attitude. When you know that you are right and that you didn't do something you are being blamed for, let people know. Figure out how you can change mindsets. It may mean going on a wild goose chase to figure out what happened, but at the end people will know if you put in effort that you must be telling the truth. Your character will be better for it. Vidia doesn't become this instantly likable character through this, since she is really the meanest of the Disney faeries, but she has a charm to her throughout this. I also feel that Prilla really helps to make her more likable in this. Prilla is someone that helps her greatly within the context of the story. Prilla's story is explained here and lets you know exactly why she would help someone that has done truly heinous things to Pixie Hollow (the faerie's home). One of these evils that she has done to Pixie Hollow is mentioned here, so you get a glimpse of some of the other tales that have came before this particular book as well.

Who I Would and Wouldn't Recommend This Book To:

I wouldn't recommend this book to someone that isn't into the magical world of fairies. The entire book is focused around them, so why put yourself through that? Also if you are wanting to just focus on Tinker Bell you won't find that here. She is a side character and mentioned, but she is in it barely for like 2 pages for the most part. The main character of this book is in the title, which is true for any of the Disney Fairies books (see about that below). For someone looking for a serious story or high class literature do you really think this is that? If so you are mistaken. This is a children's book.

I would recommend this to people that don't mind that this a children's book and that it will be a quick read for those of us that may be older than the target audience. There is still enjoyment to be found within the pages of this book. Not every book has to be a "To Kill A Mockingbird" type of read. We, as readers, are allowed to read fun, short reads when we want. For those of you that realize this, you will enjoy this. Also if you love Disney Fairies this book is going to make you happy because as said earlier that is all there is here; Beautiful fairies are the main characters.

Other Things to Consider:

Remember that there is a manga version of this book available as well by Tokyopop. This was already reviewed on the site previously (The link was mentioned above for the review). If you are a visual person this was published on July 25, 2017 and may be a better overall fit for you. Both, however, are enjoyable if you want to read them both.

Disney Fairies is also a book series that has had numerous titles within it. These are covers for just a few of them. There are many others, if you are interested in reading about other faeries from Pixie Hollow.