The Fairy Ring, Or Elsie and Frances Fool the World. By Mary Losure. 2 CDs. 2:26 hrs. Brilliance Audio. 2012. ISBN 978-1-4558-5194-2. $49.97.
Gr 4-8–This is the true tale of Elsie Wright, 15, and Frances Griffith, 9, who concocted a fairy hoax in the early 1900s that grew well beyond their expectations. Tired of being teased by their parents for their stories, Elsie painted and then cut out detailed illustrations of fairies. The girls photographed the “fairies” with themselves in the picture. When Elsie’s mother mentioned at a Theosophist meeting that her daughter had taken a picture of fairies, the hoax quickly escalated. A number of adults, including Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, promoted the photos as the real deal. Mary Losure’s narrative account does an excellent job of explaining how a childish fabrication became an international sensation in her intriguing book (Candlewick, 2012). Narrator Nicola Barber provides excellent pacing, unique voices for the girls, and an inviting tone that will maintain listeners’ attention. Have the book available so listeners can peruse the fascinating photos and drawing.–Deanna Romriell, Salt Lake City Public Library, UT
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