Rainbow Magic books have captivated young readers for years, and Cara The Coding Fairy: Special Daisy Meadows continues this enchanting tradition. Designed specifically for girls around the age of seven, this book serves as an excellent bridge to chapter books, making reading an enjoyable adventure. Like other titles in the series, this story follows the familiar friends Kirsty and Rachel as they embark on a mission in Fairyland, this time to assist Cara the Coding Fairy in her ongoing struggle against the mischievous Jack Frost and his goblin cohorts.
The story begins with Kirsty and Rachel attending Funcode, a coding convention held at the Wetherbury city conference centre. Rachel’s father suggests they listen to a lecture by Professor Stark, but they find him in disarray. “I can’t understand it… Dad told me that Professor Stark has always been really well organised and brilliant at teaching, but he seems completely muddled. What’s gone wrong?” Rachel wonders, setting the stage for the magical intervention.
Soon, they encounter Cara the Coding Fairy, who reveals that Jack Frost and the goblins have stolen her three essential magical items. Jack Frost’s aim? To create an app centered entirely on himself. Cara explains the critical role of these items: “Without my magical objects, everything to do with coding will start to go wrong… The lucky laptop helps coders do things quickly and meet their deadlines… The crafty calculator keeps things clear and stops coders from getting confused, and the nifty notebook helps everyone stay organised.” This theft is the root cause of the chaos at Funcode.
The book cleverly structures itself around the recovery of each of these magical coding objects, dividing the narrative into three five-chapter stories. This “three stories in one” format, as highlighted on the cover, allows for episodic reading while also contributing to a larger overarching narrative. Readers can enjoy each item’s recovery as a mini-adventure, or delve into the book as a complete story.
To further engage young readers, the book includes simple and clear illustrations that bring the story to life. The large font size is perfect for those transitioning to chapter books, and the language is accessible and easy to understand. For young girls, seeing Kirsty and Rachel as central characters who are relatable (aside from the fairy magic) is a significant plus. These positive representations are crucial for engaging young female readers.
My own daughter thoroughly enjoyed the book, appreciating the storyline, the illustrations, and the charming opening poem. While seasoned readers of the Rainbow Fairy series might recognize the formulaic plot – Kirsty and Rachel aiding a fairy by retrieving stolen items from Jack Frost – this familiarity can be comforting for younger readers. The predictable structure provides a sense of security as they navigate the story.
One minor critique might be the missed opportunity for interactive engagement. Including a QR code linking to fictional apps like “The Jack Frost adventures” and “Fun in Fairyland,” mentioned within the book, could have enhanced the experience. This could have served as a promotional tool, guiding readers to the extensive world of Rainbow Fairies books and potentially linking to purchasing platforms like Amazon.
However, overall, Cara the Coding Fairy is a quintessential Rainbow Fairy book that young girls will undoubtedly adore. It successfully combines magic, friendship, and a gentle introduction to coding concepts within an engaging and age-appropriate narrative. It’s a delightful addition to the series and a recommended read for young girls ready to explore the world of chapter books.
