We were generously sent a copy of The Wish List: The Worst Fairy Godmother Ever by Sarah Aronson, and I can already tell that it is going to be a hit in my third grade classroom. It tells the story of Isabelle, a fairy godmother in training that doesn’t want to put in the work to learn all of the rules. When Isabelle finally gets assigned her practice princess, she is less than thrilled to learn that she isn’t a princess at all, and needs to figure out how to grant her her wish when she isn’t a believer in the first place. The Wish List is a light-hearted story of friendship and magic. Continue reading to learn about the author behind The Wish List: The Worst Fairy Godmother Ever, and be sure to look for her second book in the series coming out December 26th!
3 Questions about The Wish List: The Worst Fairy Godmother Ever
What three words would you use to describe your book?
Oh no! You’re going to give me choices right off the bat? I am just like Isabelle—I over-think these kinds of questions. I don’t know if I can come up with just three words.
Here’s my best try:
Mostly this book is about happiness!
But it’s also about:
Sparkly wishes
Friendship and family
Girl Power
Can I add fun?
And overcoming learning obstacles?
All of the above?
This story is unique in that it is told from the fairy godmother’s perspective. What gave you the idea for this new spin on fairy tale stories?
When I started brainstorming, I first focused on non-traditional princesses and what they had to do to get what they wanted. Along the way, I read tons of classic fairy tales—from all over the world. I discovered that fairy godmothers are not all that powerful! Having grown up with “bibbidy bobbidy boo—“ that interested me. It presented an interesting set of challenges.
I thought about what today’s fairy godmother would need to help today’s princess achieve happily ever after and realized quickly—it wouldn’t be easy. Or traditional. I figured they would need a training program. And rules. And then I had an ah-ha moment! Having been a kid who had a hard time in school, I imagined that a fairy godmother trainee with learning issues (but spunk) would have a whole host of interesting problems. Even worse, I wondered what her story would be if she had a very smart sister, a mother with a history, and a very powerful grandmomma (with the emphasis on grand).
As I’ve met with readers, I have realized something else about fairy godmothers. We all say we want someone to answer all our wishes. But life is better when we are fairy godmothers—when we do the granting—when we make others happily after—when we make our world better!
There was a lot of talk about their mother being gone, without it playing a major role in the story’s plot. Will this come into play more in future books?
YES! (But no spoilers!!!) Isabelle and Clotilda’s mom, the worst fairy godmother ever, changed this world! Her story will be part of every book.
3 Questions about You
If you weren’t a writer, what would you want to be and why?
When I was young, I wanted to be Barbra Streisand! (There was only one problem: I didn’t have a great voice. And someone already had that job.)
And even though being her (or Bette Midler) might be fun, realistically speaking, if I couldn’t write, I would teach. I love hanging out with kids! (It’s one of the best parts of being a writer!!
What is one book that has stuck with you since you’ve read it?
It’s so hard to choose! Harriet the Spy has definitely stayed with me. (As a kid, I filled about five journals full of spying.) But The Carrot Seed is the book that I think about the most. I love books about determination—and kids who aren’t afraid to go for what they want—even when the odds are stacked against them.
What is one item in your fridge that tells us about you?
Jalapeno peppers. I like everything extra spicy!
Be sure to check out our post on instagram to enter a giveaway for a copy of The Wish List: The Worst Fairy Godmother Ever **Giveaway Closed**
Thanks so much for checking out Isabelle’s story and sharing this interview! Waving my wand for a great school year! Share that sparkle!!!!