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Cover of No flying in the house

No flying in the house

Betty Brock

157 pages

A whimsical exploration of hidden magic that culminates in a tender choice between extraordinary abilities and loyal friendship.

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What it feels like

Reading this book feels like stepping into a cozy, sunlit room where the ordinary rules of the world gently bend. It offers a brisk, charming experience steeped in childhood wonder, where talking animal guardians and sudden magical abilities feel perfectly natural. The narrative balances the lighthearted joy of discovering hidden fairy talents with a surprisingly earnest emotional core. As the story unfolds, the whimsical atmosphere deepens into a poignant exploration of loyalty, identity, and the sacrifices we make for love. Written in an accessible, gentle prose style, it is a perfect fit for young readers who dream of secret magic, as well as anyone who appreciates a tender story about choosing found family over extraordinary power.

Mood
  • cozy
  • wondrous
  • magical
  • bittersweet
Tone
  • whimsical
  • earnest
  • gentle
  • tender
Pace
brisk
Themes
found family · hidden identity · the cost of magic · loyalty and friendship · childhood wonder
The writing
Accessible and charming, blending everyday domesticity with gentle magical realism.
The arc
Moves from the lighthearted joy of discovering hidden magical abilities to a poignant, heartfelt choice between extraordinary power and loyal friendship.
Who it's for
Young readers who dream of secret fairy heritage and talking animal companions, or anyone who loves a gentle story about found family.
Content notes
  • difficult choices
  • potential separation from a loved one

About the book

From the back cover: Most little girls have parents to take care of them, but not Annabel Tippens. She has Gloria, a tiny white dog who talks and wears a gold collar. Annabel never thought it was strange that she had Gloria instead of real parents. Until one day a cat named Belinda comes to tell her the truth- she not just a little girl, she's half-fairy!

And she can do lots of things that other kids can't do, such as kiss her own elbow and fly around the house. But being a fairy isn't all fun and games, and soon Annabel must make a choice. If she chooses to be a fairy, she'll have to say good-bye to Gloria forever. How can she decide between her newly found magic and her dearest friend?

Description from Open Library.

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