Why am I passionate about this?

I have loved stories since before I could read, and writing is a wonderful way to share that joy with others. I am the owner of Fairytale Princess Parties in Ottawa, Canada, bringing beloved princess and superhero characters to life for kids every weekend! After running the business for eight years, I decided to expand it to create Fairytale Stories, a children’s book imprint with princess stories to inspire, encourage kindness, and have fun. With my experience writing novels (I am also an author of historical fantasy) as well as storytelling at children’s parties, it was a perfect match, and I am excited to see how it grows.


I wrote...

Princess Lyria's Last Collection

By Mary-Jean Harris , Josefin Putri Marsito (illustrator),

Book cover of Princess Lyria's Last Collection

What is my book about?

If you could have any collection, what would it be? Princess Lyria has her heart set on starting a collection…

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The books I picked & why

Book cover of The Princess of Valentine Valley

Mary-Jean Harris Why I love this book

This is such a charming children’s book, one of my favourites as a child, that I would read again and again.

I remember being captivated by the beautiful illustrations and feeling myself just like the princess as she searches for the fairy who lost her bag of jewels. There are also sparkly stickers included that can be used to decorate the pages, and stickers are a MUST for kids!

The writing is enchanting, and it brings children into a warm, imaginative fantasy world of their own.

By Rita Balducci ,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked The Princess of Valentine Valley as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Book by Balducci, Rita


Book cover of Angelina Ballerina

Mary-Jean Harris Why I love this book

Another classic, Angelina Ballerina, follows the story of Angelina, a mouse who loves ballet.

As a child, I too wanted to be a ballerina just like Angelina and found myself dancing along, twirling with this imaginative mouse in her adorable pink bow! The illustrations are so detailed and truly draw you into the world of Angelina.

When Angelina received her own ballet dress and slippers, I felt such a whimsical joy and would dress up along with her. This is a wonderful choice for children who have a dream and dancing feet that just won’t stop!

By Katharine Holabird , Helen Craig (illustrator) ,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Angelina Ballerina as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

In an encore performance, Angelina Ballerina returns in this refreshed picture book from acclaimed author Katharine Holabird and celebrated artist Helen Craig!

Angelina is a pretty little mouse who wants nothing more than to be a ballerina. She dances all the time-at home, at school, even in her dreams! In fact, she's so busy dancing that she forgets all about the other things she's supposed to do, like cleaning her room and joining her family for breakfast!

Her parents don't know what to do-especially after her arabesques in the kitchen knock over the milk! Then one day they come up…


Book cover of Idol Pursuits: Complete Edition

Idol Pursuits by Robert Rioux,

Think how tough it is to reach adulthood in today's complicated world. Now imagine doing so in front of a global audience. That's what growing up in show business is like. Every youthful mistake laid bare for all to see. Malefactors looking to ensnare the naive at any turn. Each…

Book cover of Jillian Jiggs

Mary-Jean Harris Why I love this book

Jillian Jiggs is a fun girl whom I could relate to so much as a child. She dresses up, makes her own stories, and sometimes makes a mess!

My friends and I loved to play similar activities as Jillian, making crafts and using everything in my house and dress-up trunk to create stories where we were princesses, witches, fairies, and more.

The rhyming in the book drew me into the story and meant that returning to the book became more memorable as the rhymes stuck in my mind.

Books like these are more important than ever in an age of technology, for playtime and make-believe are so important for children to express themselves as they grow up.

By Phoebe Gilman ,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Jillian Jiggs as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

No one can keep up with Jillian Jiggs. With boundless energy and imagination, Jillian rushes from game to game. One minute she's a robot, the next minute she's a tree. How can she take time to clean up her room when there are so many wonderful things to make and do? No one knows what Jillian will think of next- especially not her mother!


Book cover of Madeline

Mary-Jean Harris Why I love this book

Such a charming book, I could recite almost all of Madeline with its fun, memorable rhyming.

I wanted to be Madeline and live in her world of Paris, have her dog Genevieve, and (to my mother’s dismay) walk along the top edge of a bridge, balancing like an acrobat!

Returning to this book as an adult, I didn’t realize that the author was actually the illustrator as well, and I found that the unique illustrations brought the story to life. Madeline helps children see the world in a different way, with imagination, whimsy, and creativity.

I also had a Madeline sticker book, and returned to her fun story again and again (not to mention watching the TV show regularly). 

By Ludwig Bemelmans ,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Madeline as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it. This book is for kids age 3, 4, 5, and 6.

What is this book about?

"Bemelmans' drawings have put an authentic Paris within the covers of this book. The rhymes in which the tale is told make it one that children will enjoy repeating."--The New York Times. Caldecott Honor Book; ALA Notable Children's Book. Full-color illustrations.


Book cover of My Real Name Is Hanna

My Real Name Is Hanna by Tara Lynn Masih,

“Hanna’s story...uncovers an astonishing, rich vein of hope in a world gone utterly dark. Both timeless and timely.”

—Elizabeth Wein, New York Times bestselling author of Code Name Verity

Hanna Slivka is on the cusp of fourteen when Hitler's army crosses the border into Soviet-occupied Ukraine. Soon, the Gestapo closes…

Book cover of Barbie in the 12 Dancing Princesses

Mary-Jean Harris Why I love this book

Barbie books were also a favourite of mine, and the story of the twelve dancing princesses is a fun adventure with twelve sisters (I would have loved twelve sisters!) who love to dance.

When they venture to a magical world, I can imagine dancing in a gorgeous dress along with them! One thing I love about Barbie books is that they are empowering for girls, showing Barbie (or her fairytale counterpart) taking the lead and making a difference in the world.

Although the Barbie rendition is not quite like the classic tale, it is a great way for kids to be introduced to old fairy tales.

By Mary Man-Kong ,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Barbie in the 12 Dancing Princesses as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Barbie stars in her 7th direct to DVD movie, Barbie in the Twelve Dancing Princesses! This time, Barbie is in a magical, musical adventure with her princess sisters! When evil Aunt Rowena moves into the castle, she forbids the princesses from dancing or singing ever again. The princesses discover a magical palace and escape, but when Barbie learns that their father's life is in danger, she must return to save the king and the kingdom. This new Pictureback filled with beautiful computer-generated art from the movie will delight little girls everywhere!


Explore my book 😀

Princess Lyria's Last Collection

By Mary-Jean Harris , Josefin Putri Marsito (illustrator),

Book cover of Princess Lyria's Last Collection

What is my book about?

If you could have any collection, what would it be? Princess Lyria has her heart set on starting a collection of birds. She has collections of telescopes, dresses, mermaid lanterns, flutes, and more! But can she really collect birds? Join the young princess as she runs into unexpected dangers and discovers that birds are not quite like her other collections.

A vibrant and whimsical tale that will delight young readers, Princess Lyria’s Last Collection explores how what matters most in life can’t be put in a cage.

Book cover of The Princess of Valentine Valley
Book cover of Angelina Ballerina
Book cover of Jillian Jiggs

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