The Candle Fairy (Stories, Fairy Tales & Verse for Children)

Author: Catherine Mansfield Illustrator: Gabriella Klepatski

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From the back cover: "I feel always trembling on the brink of poetry..." wrote Katherine Mansfield, New Zealand's greatest writer. Her poems and tales for children have a simple and mysterious beauty."

National Library of NZ Entry

This large (A4-sized) hardcover book is a slim yet evocative collection, spanning 36 pages of poems penned by Katherine Mansfield during her youth, some dating back to her school days. The work serves as a tender homage to her childhood in Wellington, New Zealand, capturing the innocence and imagination of those early years.

The book’s black-and-white pages are brought to life with full illustrations, complementing the whimsical and nostalgic tone of the poetry. Among the highlights is Mansfield’s affectionate nickname for her younger brother, “Half-past-six,” a reference to his bedtime. The siblings shared a deep bond, and his tragic death during training at the outset of the Great War left her grief-stricken. These poems, dedicated to him, weave a tapestry of their shared childhood, touching on life in the nursery, fears, favourite foods, tantrums, parental dynamics, and flights of fancy.

Parents should note that the poems, written over a century ago, reflect the language and attitudes of their time. Terms like “blackie” and “nigger” appear, as does a mention of smacking, which may require context or discussion when shared with modern readers.

For those enriching a homeschool curriculum, or any home where poetry is cherished, this collection of Mansfield’s early works is a worthy addition. It offers not only a glimpse into her formative years but also a poignant reminder of the power of verse to preserve memory and emotion.

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Many of Katherine's Poems can be found at Project Gutenberg