The Fairy Tale Matchmaker by E.D. Baker

cover image

Bloomsbury, 2014. ISBN 9781619638006
(Age: 11-14) Recommended. Themes: Fairy Tales; Adventure; Relationships. This is a delightful and simple Fairy tale for older readers who like the addition of a little 'essence of romance' in a magical story that has fairy tale characters that are beyond school age and finding their way in the world. The story begins with Cory recognising that she cannot continue in her work role as Tooth Fairy any longer as it brings her no joy, and not much income! She thinks that any job is better than a job she despises, despite being raised and trained to fulfil the role. The family tension this creates is nothing compared to the forces that are unleashed by the Tooth Fairy Guild as they seek to return her to their fold. Cory has a wonderful cohort of interesting friends, and as she seeks to explore new career directions she meets an abundance of quirky and recognisable characters from the world of fairy tale and nursery rhyme. She also moonlights as a drummer in a band that is experiencing growing success! The increasing attempts of the Tooth Fairy Guild to return her to the role from which she has resigned unleash a flurry of disastrous events. Amidst this drama, she also begins to take on the role of Matchmaker for her friends and acquaintances, attempting to fix their dating life while also discovering her own future and the power of a kiss.
This can be recommended for readers who like more grown-up Fairy Stories. Suited for readers aged 11 - 14. This is an exciting, but gentle adventure that allows the reader to rediscover affection for Fairy tale characters in an uncomplicated narrative. In some ways this is not unlike Emily Rodda's Rondo series in the way it weaves the back stories of traditional fairy tale and Nursery Rhyme characters into an adventure. The cover image tends to suggest this book is for a child, yet the inferred age of the characters is that they are post-school age. The simplicity of the narrative though will make it accessible for readers who are just beginning to consider a future beyond childhood.
Carolyn Hull