A Magical Fairy Adventure That Turns Ottawa into One Big Storybook
Author: Mary-Jean Harris
Illustrator: Seema Haider
Age range: 3+ years
Year: 2026
It’s funny how quickly children’s interests change. One day we’re roaring like dinosaurs, the next we’re sprinkling imaginary pixie dust all over the living room. (The dinosaur era quietly packed its bags around here. 😄) So Pixie Dusted Ottawa was an easy yes for us.
When Calla discovers that her mischievous brother has run off with her precious pixie dust, she sets off on a magical chase across Ottawa before spring can be ruined. Along the way, young readers visit some of the city’s best-known landmarks, turning a sightseeing tour into a whimsical fairy adventure filled with curiosity and imagination.
One thing I especially enjoyed is that the activities don’t feel like an afterthought. The fairy passport, counting games, map, crafts, and other interactive pages naturally become part of the adventure. My daughter’s favorite was definitely following Calla’s journey on the map and pointing out where she had been.
Mary-Jean Harris, who lives in Ottawa herself, wrote the story to inspire children to explore their city with fresh eyes. She even partnered with local businesses to include them in the book, making the adventure feel even more connected to the real Ottawa. Whether you live there or you’re planning a visit, this book adds a little extra magic to every stop.
Why you need this book
- Introduces Ottawa through a fun fairy adventure
- Encourages curiosity and exploration
- Blends imagination with real places
- Includes interactive activities beyond the story
- Beautiful choice for little fairy lovers
- Makes travel and local history exciting for young children
Try this at home
Create your own Fairy Explorer Passport. Whether you’re visiting a new city or simply walking around your own neighborhood, let your child collect stamps, stickers, or little drawings for each place they discover. Add a bit of imagination by pretending a fairy has hidden tiny clues along the way. Sometimes the best adventures happen just a few streets from home.
Pixie Dusted Ottawa is a delightful mix of fairy magic, adventure, and real-world exploration that encourages little readers to see everyday places through enchanted eyes.
This post may contain affiliate links. If you purchase through these links, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
More Books You Don’t Want to Miss
Meet Mimi: she’s a dreamer, a map-maker, and a master of the “meow!” Alongside her human best friend, Flora, Mimi takes readers on a vibrant adventure south of the border. Armed with a magical map, this duo explores everything from
Pack your bags and grab your leash! Join Balu, the world’s most adventurous black Labrador, as he jet-sets (and paw-sets) across the globe to visit the Seven Modern Wonders of the World. From climbing the Great Wall of China to
Pack your virtual bags and get ready to go bananas! Meet Duncan, the world’s most curious primate traveler, and his savvy guide, Aaron. In this first installment of their global journey, the duo lands in Hawaii to explore everything from