“As a mother of three redheaded children, each with their own unique challenges that make them “magnificent,” and a blogger and published writer in the area of special needs parenting, I found this book insightful, educational, and charming. Marky’s fearlessness in the face of ridicule and self-acceptance of what makes her different set a shining example for those with disabilities who might be struggling to find their worth, and an example to those without disabilities who haven’t yet discovered the inherent worth in every person. Mrs. OBrien helps readers understand that it’s okay to be different, and that being kind to everyone can unlock divine potential! The fanciful illustrations by Jeff Yesh only add to the endearing quality of this children’s book.”

– Kera Washburn, M.S., Speech and Language Pathology, Author, and Blogger, thespecialreds.blogspot.com

Marky the Magnificent Fairy is a sweetly written and brightly illustrated story that teaches young children we are more similar than we are different, regardless of what we look like. Marky is a fairy who looks different from the other fairies - one of her wings is smaller! But it doesn't bother her. She loves her wings just the way they are. But, the other woodland creatures make fun of the way she looks - not only her wings, but her hair color and more.
Marky is MAGNIFICENT as she stands up to them all and teaches them that she is not different than them. Even though she cannot fly, she enjoys many other activities like art and singing and has dreams to be a fashion designer. She shares about her other friends who are "different" but also have hopes and dreams. She teaches the woodland creatures that everyone has skills they are good at, activities they enjoy, and hopes and dreams they live for. So, they are not that different!
The author does a great job of consistently relaying the main message of the story. I love the repetition of the line "Marky was a MAGNIFICENT little fairy" to help reiterate that even though Marky had one small wing and couldn't fly, she was magnificent. The story also included the individual stories about Marky's friends which helped spread the message and can make it relatable to many readers.
What I really enjoyed about the story is that Marky did not let her physical difference stop her from doing things she loved and did not stop her from standing up for herself or her friends. She teaches the woodland creatures that make fun of her that we are not that different.
The illustrations are beautiful, bright, and colorful. Very eye-catching cover as well as interior pages. Children will not only enjoy reading the book, but the illustrations too. They will help keep them engaged. Marky the Magnificent Fairy is a must read.

– Busy Mom (KayB) Amazon, 5 Stars,We are more similar than we are different

Believing in yourself isn’t always easy. Marky learns that firsthand when the other woodland fairies make fun of her. They laugh at her one small wing and say mean things about her fiery-red hair, her glasses, and her freckles. It is hurtful, but through Marky’s determination, she helps them understand that everyone has exceptional qualities. Some are visible. Some are invisible. Through her kindness, Marky teaches her friends about self-love, confidence, acceptance, positivity, and compassion. She reminds them they are magnificent. Readers of all ages learn to believe in themselves and the importance of treating everyone with respect and kindness.

 – GROOVIN’ MOMS MERCI + LIZ

Marky The Magnificent Fairy is a work of fiction in the children's fantasy and adventure subgenres. It is intended for young readers aged around five to ten years and was penned by author Cynthia Kern OBrien with charming and lively illustrations provided by artist Jeff Yesh. In this bubbly and vivacious tale, we meet our protagonist Marky, who is often picked on because of her appearance and her glasses. But Marky is a plucky sort that’s able to pick herself up and ignore the ideas that other people have about her, forging new friendships and moving forward with confidence and love for everyone she meets.
This is a work that does an effortless job of elegantly teaching youngsters how to rise above criticism and not be defined by the way that others see them. Author Cynthia Kern Obrien delivers a variety of authentic and enjoyable characters, not all of whom are very nice to Marky at the start, but she shows how everyone has room to grow when they’re treated with love and respect, and that’s such a wonderful message for children and their caregivers and/or teachers to share. On top of this, the vibrant illustrations by artist Jeff Yesh bring the story to life in a gorgeously understated color palette that marries together a fairy world setting and the realism of kids in the playground playing dress-up really well. Overall, I would say that Marky The Magnificent Fairy is an adorable story for any youngster that may feel like an outsider, and an important book to teach love, acceptance, and confidence to all young minds and hearts.

– K.C. Finn for Readers’ Favorite, 5 Stars!

Marky the Magnificent Fairy by Cynthia Kern OBrien is about a woodland fairy with one wing that’s smaller than the other, making her unable to fly. She also has red hair and freckles and wears glasses. As a result, the other creatures make fun of her. But she has big goals and dreams. She also has friends who have, in the book’s words, “exceptional qualities.” Her friends learn from Marky that everyone is “magnificent” and everyone has hopes and dreams too. The book includes discussion questions at the end, such as asking readers if they have been teased and how that made them feel, and conversely asking if they have ever made fun of someone else and how that makes them feel now. There’s also a resource guide for talking to children about those with disabilities. The book is illustrated by Jeff Yesh.
Marky the Magnificent Fairy by Cynthia Kern OBrien is a charming book for children. But more importantly, it carries a powerful message about acceptance and respecting others. It also teaches a wonderful lesson about having hopes and dreams The author never comes across as “preachy,” but sends her important messages through an entertaining tale. OBrien doesn’t say what ages she intends the book for, but children in the lower elementary grades would be able to read it and younger children would enjoy having it read to them. The illustrations by Jeff Yesh are beautiful and fit the story perfectly. Parents will find the resource guide to be invaluable. I recommend this book to children, their parents, and their grandparents.

– Joe Wisinski Readers’ Favorite, 5 Stars!

It has a forthright message to young and old alike. The illustrations are delightful, appropriate, and appealing. There is no downside to the approach or the message in this story. Even those who are apparently the most perfect among us have flaws and fears, and everyone is, at one time or another, the object of someone's derision. We all take it on the chin occasionally. We need a little help and understanding; more importantly, we need to be the source of that for others. This book delivers that in a positive, upbeat fashion. I love that it gives follow-up and resource references for the readers. By all means get a copy for your kids, grandkids, or students and share its message.

- 5 Stars! Wonderful Life Lessons, Amazon

What my wife & I like is that the book endeavors to show that all kids, no matter their disability, are still kids who can be friends with everyone else. The author shows her young readers that all of us should accept each other no matter what their condition is. I heartily recommend it!

– 5 Stars, Insightful & educational book for kids, Amazon

Marky was a magnificent woodland fairy that loved to play during the day and watch fireflies dance over her head at night. However, as a fairy, she could not fly like her counterparts because one of her wings was tiny. The tiny wing made her look different from the other fairies, but she loved it anyway. Marky believed her little wing was beautiful. She also had other gifts. She could dance, draw, sing, and do many things except fly. Unfortunately, other woodland creatures bullied Marky. They taunted her about her red hair, freckles, tiny wing, and spectacles. Yet, Marky was fearless, had healthy self-esteem, and did not let anyone put her down. Will the woodland creatures understand individual uniqueness? Read Marky the Magnificent Fairy by Cynthia Kern OBrien for more details.
Marky, the Magnificent Fairy by Cynthia Kern OBrien is a fun and educative book for children. This picture book is great for kindergartners and nursery school pupils because it is a three-way interactive story. The message addresses the bully, the bullied, and the teacher/parent on how to treat others, fight back and discuss. It also discusses the insecurities and anxiety of every child, reminding them of their uniqueness. Jeff Yesh illustrated this book to perfection. A child could grasp the story without reading a word because the images were explanatory. I loved the play of colors, font, and text. The questions at the end of the story will also engage the child and help them voice their thoughts. And if you have difficulty discussing disabilities as a parent/or teacher, this book is a guide for you. Great job, Cynthia!

- Jennifer Ibiam Readers’ Favorite, 5 Stars!

Marky the Magnificent Fairy, written by Cynthia Kern OBrien and illustrated by Jeff Yesh, is a children's picture book that revolves around a little woodland fairy named Marky who is different from the other fairies. Marky's primary difference is that she has one wing that is significantly smaller than the other, and as a result, she is unable to fly. The woodland creatures also question and make fun of some of Marky's other unusual physical features, such as her red hair, her freckles, and her glasses. Marky's feelings are momentarily hurt but as she is fearless, she takes the creatures to task and points out the things they all have in common.
Marky the Magnificent Fairy does well in its representation of a fairy that does not conform to what the small group of woodland creatures thinks is normal. One element that stood out positively for me is that Marky's red hair, glasses, and freckles are not the sole feature picked on as different by the creatures. In a lot of children's books, these arguments are often put forward as compared to those like the fairy Nixie, who Cynthia Kern OBrien describes as deaf. Marky has a feature that requires her to find different ways to complete her tasks, whereas her looks would have nothing to do with this. The illustrations by Jeff Yesh are exceptional and do a beautiful job of breathing life into the story. The use of a bold primary palette softened with watercolor-style pastels is absolute perfection. Recommended.

– Jamie Michele Readers’ Favorite, 4 Stars!

Marky the Magnificent Fairy is a children’s book by Cynthia Kern OBrien. Marky is a woodland fairy who enjoys playing with her friends and watching fireflies before she falls asleep. One day, Marky’s feelings were hurt when some woodland creatures make fun of her glasses, freckles, and one smaller wing. Unlike most of her other fairy friends, she can’t fly, but she lists her “magnificent” abilities, causing the creatures who teased her to rethink their actions. The chastised woodland creatures ask to be Marky’s friend, and she accepts their request. The book ends with information about children with disabilities and it contains text parents can reference when they speak to their children about those with differences.
Cynthia Kern OBrien has written a gem. Marky’s character is loveable and relatable, and the situation could have practical applications as children try to cope with bullying peers. Other children and their disabilities are also mentioned, illustrating their similarities and differences. The vibrant pictures delight the reader’s eyes and depict the characters with beautiful detail. When the story ends, the author enlists the help of Michael Cope, CPO to help explain the best way to include children with disabilities. In addition, the guided questions assist caregivers and educators as they relate the story’s message through discussion. Marky the Magnificent Fairy would be well-received in a public or school library, and the book would make a suitable addition to any child’s bookcase.

– Courtnee Turner Hoyle Readers’ Favorite, 5 Stars!

This is a sweet story about inclusion and acceptance. Perfect for kids of all ages (and adults, too). The illustrations are so bright and cute, and Marky the Fairy is so lovable. Highly recommend this book for schools, public libraries, doctors’ offices, anywhere!

– 5 Stars, Great for everyone! Amazon

This is a wonderful story that highlights the many differences that make us each unique and special. It’s a great lesson for our children to believe in themselves despite the insecurities we all have. Our family has read several books from this Author, and this may be the best one yet.

– 5 Stars! Great message for children! Amazon

I bought Marky the Magnificent Fairy for my 5-year-old granddaughter. She loved the story, and the beautiful illustrations. The story is about acceptance, inclusion, and kindness. It teaches our kids about it in a fun way. I highly recommend this book.

– 5 Stars! Great message and beautiful illustration’s. Amazon

Great Lesson! My daughter received this book as a Christmas present. What a great lesson for Littles. Beautifully written and the illustrations are AMAZING!!!!

– 5 Stars!Great for everyone! Amazon

As a parent of a special needs child who has always been looked at as “different”, I can’t thank you enough for putting this together and the message it sends; what an amazing book!!! Luis Carmona

"Magnificent" book! Colorful illustrations and impactful text. From the discussion questions to the resource guide, this book is first rate when dealing with the difficult topics of inclusion and bullying. I made so many connections to this story and wish I had it to read when I was going through elementary school. A must for every classroom library!

Brenda Lucca - Teacher, 5 Stars!

This book was beautifully illustrated and was clearly written - love the interaction at the end to talk about how people are different and to be kind, that we all have the same hopes and dreams. Absolutely an adorable book!

- Great book with interactive talking points at the end! Amazon, 5 Stars!