Adam Prudhomme
Editor
Napanee illustrator Peggy Collins has once again teamed with author Lana Button to cover a topic of social development for kids.
The Only Lonely Fairy, recently released by Pajama Press, is the second of a three part series that covers topics that will resonate with school age kids.
“Each one of these delves into navigating the complicated world of early relations that’s outside of the family,” said Collins. “How to make friends, how to get over shyness and get over yourself basically and see what else is out there and make connections.”
The Only Lonely Fairy follows young Leah who wants to play fairies. Much to her dismay, none of her other classmates want to join the game.
“She has a pair of fairy wings and a wand and a little antenna and just wants somebody to play fairies with her but nobody wants to,” said Collins. “In the background there’s this little girl who is observing all the way along and she’s almost on every page. She’s very shy and trying to get Leah’s attention and say ‘I want to play with you’ but doesn’t actually say it. She’s just kind of following her around until Leah gives up and she throws her wings down in frustration because she’s very dramatic. Ally the little girl picks them up and they start playing together and make some wings and at the end they notice a third child also wants to play.”
The story could be particularly meaningful to youngsters who missed out on some social development during the pandemic.
“It’s simple, it’s sweet, these books are really fun to work on because they’re character driven,” said Collins. “It’s fun to play with those aspects of yourself that are still there even when you’re older.”
Collins says when drafting Leah’s look she used inspiration from both her own appearance and that of her daughter.
Those that have read Percy’s Perfect Friend, which was also penned by Button and illustrated by Collins, will recognize some of the characters from the first book, which involves students from the same fictional class. To pick up a copy, visit https://pajamapress.ca/book/the-only-lonely-fairy/.
When not illustrating books for children Collins’ art work can be found in storefronts throughout Hastings, including Deseronto. In an effort to encourage some economic development, Collins was called upon to spruce up empty storefronts with colourful art that highlights the potential of the building.
To see some of her other work, visit www.peggysillustration.com.