THE FAIRY GOTHMOTHER: A COLLECTION OF CAUTIONARY TALES
By Jenn Preston Chushcoff, Autumn’s End Press, 2020.

Three cheers for THE FAIRY GOTHMOTHER: A COLLECTION OF CAUTHIONARY TALES!
This collection of eerily exciting stories, wickedly wonderful poems and devilishly delightful games and activities is a winner. Readers young and old who like a little tingle running up and down their spines will relish the beasts, boogeys, naughty children and adventurous activities that the Fairy Gothmother herself shares in this gem of a book.

Jenn Preston Chushcoff is a gifted poet, storyteller and artist. If the Brothers Grimm had a sister, it would be Jenn. Her lively, atmospheric writing makes it hard to put this book down once you’ve opened it. One of my many favorite parts is from LITTLE LUCY POPPLETRED, a stubborn girl who refuses to sleep or go to bed:

As Lucy watched her favorite shows
Her mind began to decompose.
With bugged out eyes and slimy drool
She caught the bus and went to school.
Her skin was pale and cold as snow.
She kicked a ball and lost her toe!

Jenn has deftly combined the talents of Arthur Rackham, J.J. Grandville and others to create the perfect mix of illustrations to bring this book to life. Biographies of the illustrators is also included.

As a children’s book author and former children’s librarian, I highly recommend adding this book to your collection and giving it as gifts for birthdays, Halloween and other special occasions. Afterall, who doesn’t like a little bone-chilling, heart-thrilling fun!

-Marcia Crews