Piper Green and the Fairy Tree: Too Much Good Luck

by Ellen Potter
Published by LiveOak Media
Children's Literature

Narrator Tavia Gilbert has the vocal spunk and enthusiasm to keep up with self-proclaimed “motor mouth” Piper Green. With her child-friendly, high-pitched voice, Gilbert is tuned in to Piper and sounds equally excited about each of Piper’s various pieces of good luck–from her newly painted lime-green bedroom to a perfect strawberry and a freshly lost tooth. Gilbert’s voice turns grumbling and mournful when Piper’s luck starts to turn, especially upon the arrival of a new student in her class. Gilbert maintains a brisk pace throughout and is also believable as an exasperated mother, advice-giving neighbor, and authoritative teacher. Young listeners will listen and relisten as Piper navigates luck and friendship on Peek-a-Boo Island. AudioFile Magazine

 

Piper Green is an inquisitive and imaginative girl who lives on Peek-a-boo Island with her mother, father, and brother, Leo. Piper rides a lobster boat to school, and she and her friend Jacob stay on deck while the other island children ride below with the captain. Piper tells everyone she meets that she is having a lucky day. Her mother is painting her bedroom lime green, Piper has found the perfect strawberry for breakfast, and she has lost a tooth. But when she gets to her classroom, class pet Nacho is gone and a new student with an allergy to rabbits has taken his place. Is Piper’s luck turning? Is this what happens when one has too much good luck? Piper Green, a girl who vocalizes many heartfelt childhood sentiments, is an endearing character. Narrator Tavia Gilbert creates a winsome voice for Piper and convincing voices for the other characters in the story. VERDICT Will appeal to a variety of young readers. School Library Journal