A tiny moth-winged fairy, Ella loved the light. Although unable to venture out in daytime, because the sun would melt her delicate wings, every night she gathered the radiance of the moon and stars, and of the lamps in the nearby human town, sharing what she found with everyone who needed a reassuring glow in the darkness. Aiding and befriending Sable the fox and Luna the owl, with whom she spent her nights in play, Ella led a very happy life. Her grateful friends, mindful of the help she provided to others, decided to find a way to fulfill her great wish: to see the sunrise...

Although she had previously illustrated many picture-books and beginning chapter-books, UK artist Lucy Fleming made her authorial debut with the 2020 Ella's Night Lights, which tells a sweet tale of a helpful little fairy (a word not used in the narrative), and how her kindness was rewarded. I found the story engaging, but the chief draw for me (and the reason I picked this up from a library display recently) was the artwork. I found the visuals here very appealing, appreciating both the wintry vistas (something I always enjoy), and the depiction of Sable (unsurprising, as a fox lover). The scene in which Sable is curled up around the tiny sleeping Ella is just magical! Recommended to picture-book readers who enjoy stories about fairies, forest animals, and any combination thereto. ( )

Ella is a wonderful little fairy, but her wings burn in the sunlight. She can only come out at night, and she helps others by lighting their way. She makes other nocturnal friends, who in turn, help her have just a bit of day. This book was lovely. It was soft in all the right ways. The illustrations were charming and fit the story very well. ( )