The Day I Fell Into a Fairytale

By Author / Illustrator

Ben Miller, Daniela Jaglenka Terrazzini

Genre

Magical Realism

Age range(s)

Publisher

Simon & Schuster Ltd

ISBN

9781471192432

Format

Hardback

Published

01-10-2020

Synopsis

Lana loves stories. Especially the ones she and her brother, Harrison, share in their make-believe games. But when Harrison decides he's too grown-up to play with Lana she finds herself feeling lonely. Until something magical happens . . . Hidden in the strange new supermarket in town, Lana discovers a portal to a fairytale world! But these aren't the happy-ever-after fairytales that Lana knows, they are darker and more dangerous, and the characters need Lana's help to defeat an evil witch. But she can't do it alone. Can she convince Harrison to believe in stories again and journey to the world with her . . . before it's too late?

This is a story about stories, but it's also about a brother and a sister finding their way back to each other through the power of imagination, featuring beautiful illustrations throughout from Daniela Jaglenka Terrazzini.

"Inspired by the stories of the Brothers Grimm, this adventure will be enjoyed by fans of Anna James and Abi Elphinstone, and is great for reading aloud." - The Week Junior

Ben Miller is an actor, director, and comedian, best known for writing and starring in The Armstrong and Miller Show and his role as Rowan Atkinson's sidekick, Bough, in Johnny English Strikes Back.

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Reviews

The Day I Fell into a Fairytale by Ben Miller is an exciting adventure story that will capture the imagination of children everywhere. Siblings, sweets, evil witches princesses and traditional tales come together in this fun tale.

Nine-year-old Lana loves all kinds of stories and is excited to find an old, mysterious book in a new supermarket in town. Hidden in this supermarket is a portal to a fairytale world. A darker and less traditional world than Lana knows but one she is excited to explore. Her relationship with brother Harrison has left her feeling lonely following his start at secondary school but Lana uses all of her persuasion to get him to believe in stories and help her on her way.

A warm story with a fun plot. The traditional tales are combined with modern sections and both Lana and Harrison are well-rounded characters. The fairytale cast is excellent with a scary baddy and many other familiar faces.

The reader is taken on a powerful journey of imagination and finds them self rooting for Lana and Harrison. Suited for Year 3 and upwards, Miller wrote this story to be read aloud and shared. Stunning illustrations by Daniela Jaglenka Terrazzini enhance the story and bring key plot points to life.

304 pages / Reviewed by Bryony Davies, teacher