Beck and the Great Berry Battle

Beck and the Great Berry Battle by, Laura Driscoll. ISBN-10: 0-736423737

Disney, more than just about any corporation ever, knows what kids like. This story, of the Disney Fairies series, is one of a multitude of Disney Fairies products that include books, music, clothing, jewelry, toys, school supplies, movies, and a website. The stories take place in and around Pixie Hollow, the secret heart of Never Land. Though we are most familiar with the second star on the right from Peter Pan, he is not a character in the series, which centers around various fairies and animals that live in or nearby the Home Tree. In this story Beck, one of the best animal-talent fairies in Pixie Hollow, is challenged to find a way to end a berry battle that has erupted between the hummingbirds and the chipmunks due to a misunderstanding over a lost nest. The fairies can barely go outside for fear of getting hit with berries! As tension in the forest builds to a fervor, the animals encounter a terrible, though slightly contrived, danger that could only be safely navigated if the two sides would call a truce and work together. Will they be able to do it?

The story is light, easy to read, and has no real depth. It has a nice message about getting along with others, which adds value to the story in a very typically Disney sort of way. Beyond that, it's a fairy book with scattered color illustrations in that very classic Disney style that appeals to young girls. The reason there are over 40 Disney fairy books is because young tween girls still love fairies. This book bridges the genres of animal books with fairy books to create a book that has a lot of appeal to tween girls.