Fairy Beach by SHEILA KNAGGS and JENNIFER FALKNER is a whimsical and unique Australian fairy story. Good Reading caught up with Sheila to discuss fairies and to find out what inspired her book.
What sparked the idea for Fairy Beach?
Well, the idea for Fairy Beach came about by accident. One day, during lockdown, I drove down to the beach with my husband to take a walk. It was a very windy day and when we got out of the car, I could hear all this giggling and chattering. I looked around, but there was nobody else there. I was so confused! Until I realised the noises were coming from inside my pocket – from my phone! A friend had accidentally pocket-dialled a group of us. It was very funny! So, as I walked along the beach that day, the idea grew from little pocket fairies to shy sand sprites, who hide and live and play along our lovely beaches.
What can you tell us about the fairies in your story?
I think the sand sprites in the story that Jennifer (the illustrator) and I have created, are a little bit like you and I – chilled little Aussies – just in miniature! They love nothing more than to play in the sand, doing what we all like to do at the beach. Mostly they are shy, and sometimes, a little bit cheeky! They come in all shapes, colours, ages and sizes, and they all have their own sense of style, too! These fairies may be small, but they have big hearts and know how to take care of one another. Most of all, they love to have fun! Of course, not all the fairies could appear in this story, because there are just too many of them! But, if you can imagine your very own sand sprite, I’m pretty sure one, just like it, will be living its best fairy life, somewhere amongst the beautiful sand dunes of Australia.
What kind of magic appears when the sun sets?
Oh, what a great question! I want you to imagine drifting off to sleep after a wonderful day at the beach. As you snuggle, you can still hear the waves gently lapping at the shore. And as you begin to fall deeper into sleep, you’re filled with all the happy thoughts and magical memories of your day. It is at this very moment, awash in the gentle light of the moon, little sand sprites all around Australia, sneak from their fairy beach caves to play upon our empty shores, creating a special kind of magic, all their own.
What are some of your favourite fairy books?
I’ve read many lovely fairy books over the years. But the one I treasure most is Flower Fairies of the Garden, which features the most beautiful fairy illustrations, by Cicely Mary Barker. Her fairy books were first published back in 1923. So, that’s quite a long time ago!
What was your favourite part of writing this book?
I loved writing this story so much because I got to spend lots of time at the beach, my happy place, searching for fairy caves and little fairy treasures and special shells. My whole world at that time became just about the sand sprites, and I always went home smiling.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Sheila was born in Liverpool, England and spent her childhood years on the Isle of Man, where her parents ran a small guest house. When she was fifteen, her family emigrated to Melbourne, where she fell head-over-heels in love with Australia. Sheila has written poetry for as long as she can remember, but it was working in a primary school, supporting students with additional learning needs, that inspired her to begin writing stories for children. She lives on the Mornington Peninsula in Victoria.
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