Books for children

IT’S NOT FAIRY by Ros Asquith (Frances Lincoln €14.92 HB).

The ‘not fair’ fairy is fed up with youngsters moaning and fussing about the unfairness of life. The bad behaviour of quarrelsome Billy and Mary finally drives her into serious action — especially when they declare to their harassed parents that they don’t believe in her.

“The very next kids I meet/ I’m pretty sure I’m going to eat!” the fairy snarls. They being Billy and Mary. However, Mum and Dad don’t escape unscathed from the fairy wrath. The combination of comical illustrations and rollicking verse are laugh-aloud fun. Age 8+.