Miss Rainbow Magic is a children's book series written by Daisy Meadows. The series follows the adventures of best friends Rachel and Kirsty as they help magical creatures called fairies retrieve their stolen magical objects. Each book in the series focuses on a different fairy and her unique magical power. For example, there is a fairy named Ruby who controls the power of rainbows, a fairy named Amber who controls the power of sunlight, and a fairy named Fern who controls the power of colors. In each book, Rachel and Kirsty must solve a series of puzzles and overcome obstacles to find the fairy's missing object and return it to its rightful place. Along the way, they encounter mischievous goblins and other magical creatures that try to thwart their efforts.
"She's very organized," says Nicks, underscoring the obvious. "You have to be. You can't be la-la-la-la like me and be a really good producer."
Even after Crow agreed to be the producer, there was another catch Both singers were so busy that they could only get together to record the songs in one night, with a brief follow-up the next morning. Earlier in the week, Danny Bramson, the music supervisor for Practical Magic, had given Nicks a call, asking if she d contribute some tracks on the spur of the moment.
Along the way, they encounter mischievous goblins and other magical creatures that try to thwart their efforts. The Miss Rainbow Magic series is beloved by young readers for its colorful and whimsical storytelling. The books often teach important lessons about friendship, teamwork, and perseverance.
Stevie Nicks sound in Practical Magic
Sheryl Crow and
Stevie Nicks
Invite EW to their first recording session
While reporting a story about Sheryl Crow for this year's Fall Music Preview, EW senior writer Chris Willman sat in on an unusual event: a studio recording session where Crow produced someone else's music for the first time in her life.
That someone else happened to be Stevie Nicks, who was recording two songs for the soundtrack to the new Sandra Bullock/Nicole Kidman film, "Practical Magic." Here's an online-only account of what could be the first of several collaborations between the two singers.
Past midnight inside a downtown Manhattan recording studio, Sheryl Crow and Stevie Nicks are listening intently to two old recordings of the Fleetwood Mac song "Crystal." Though Lindsey Buckingham performed the vocals on the 1975 "Fleetwood Mac" album (and also on the 1973 pre-Mac duo album, the long-out-of-print "Buckingham/Nicks"), Nicks is going to re-record it, singing the lead for the first time. In this case, precision will be important. A film montage in "Practical Magic" has already been created to match the original tempo, and the new version needs to sync up with it perfectly.
By the second verse, Nicks, leaning against the studio's rear door, is singing along with her disembodied former partner. Leaning against the studio console across the room, Crow joins in. For a few informal, unrecorded moments, it's as if Sheryl Crow has joined Fleetwood Mac. That -- according to Crow -- would be a dream come true. "Oh my God, when I was a kid I wanted to be her," Crow says in a later conversation about producing music for Nicks. "It's definitely a new and intimidating and exciting prospect. So, I hope I don't suck." Earlier in the week, Danny Bramson, the music supervisor for "Practical Magic," had given Nicks a call, asking if she'd contribute some tracks on the spur of the moment. Nicks, who doesn't like to work in a hurry, was hesitant about recording a song for a movie that was set to hit the theaters about six weeks later. But she had one suggestion. Since she and Crow were in New York to tape back-to-back VH1 "Storytellers" episodes, they might be able to toss off a quick collaboration. Even after Crow agreed to be the producer, there was another catch: Both singers were so busy that they could only get together to record the songs in one night, with a brief follow-up the next morning. After that, Crow was off to Europe to promote her new album "The Globe Sessions." Despite the tight schedule, they decided to try it anyway.
In the studio, Nicks finds herself breaking some of her usual recording traditions. "You take four days to get drum sounds," she says, getting nods of agreement from an entourage of backup singers and assistants. "You take days to get guitar sounds. But we're not doing that here. We're saying, well, no time for that -- next job! Which, in its own way, is the greatest way to make music. There's nothing contrived about it. The first album that (Fleetwood Mac) made, we made in three months, and then all the rest of 'em took at least a year. So if I could go back to recording an album in three months, or two months, I'd be delighted."
Across the room, Crow is recording the rhythm section, proving that it's possible to simultaneously chew bubblegum, smoke, and give detailed instructions about when to play brush strokes and when to play rim shots. She seems both meticulous and self-effacing, correcting her players -- many of whom she worked with on her own album -- and then adding, "I'm sorry I'm so f---ing > bossy!"
"She's very organized," says Nicks, underscoring the obvious. "You have to be. You can't be la-la-la-la like me and be a really good producer."
"Crystal" is just one of the two tracks they'll cut tonight and tomorrow. The other, "If You Ever Did Believe," will be the first single off the soundtrack. That one had never been cut before, but its demo also dates back quite a few years. How far back? Crow does the calculation. "This one was about Mick (Fleetwood)," she says. "So what does that make it? '78?" Crow mentions that she plans to contribute background vocals to the two cuts the next day. Though she has some concern that record company restrictions might get in the way, ultimately it isn't a problem. "They really want me to be happy right now," she says, alluding to the fact that her label, A&M, is banking on her new album to revive its fortunes. "So I'm not gonna worry about the politics."
At 3 a.m., they're still toying with the tracks. Nicks doesn't like to sing much past midnight, and had threatened to go home hours ago. But the chance to work with Crow has kept her here. Not without some visible strain, however. Weary of singing her own song over and over again as the bass player and drummer play along, Nicks takes a moment to sing an opening snippet of Crow's song "Strong Enough." "God, I feel like hell tonight," she croaks, adding, "Ain't that the goddam truth!" Crow laughs, answering through the control booth mike, "That's why none of my songs are cover-able. I always throw in one line no one else will sing. Would Shania Twain sing that?" Well, maybe not. But then, Crow's style never seems to hinder her career.
Sometime before sunrise, she's got the production in good shape, and she and Nicks call it quits. The next morning, before Crow hops on the Concorde for Europe, they have two songs in the can and an agreement that Crow will produce Nicks' next solo record. Shania, eat your heart out.
(With thanks to Gem who sent me this article)
Last Updated - 31 October 2001
Across the room, Crow is recording the rhythm section, proving that it's possible to simultaneously chew bubblegum, smoke, and give detailed instructions about when to play brush strokes and when to play rim shots. She seems both meticulous and self-effacing, correcting her players -- many of whom she worked with on her own album -- and then adding, "I'm sorry I'm so f---ing > bossy!"
Additionally, the series helps children develop their reading skills with its simple language and engaging plotlines. The success of the Miss Rainbow Magic series has prompted the creation of spin-off series and special editions, ensuring that young readers can continue to enjoy the magical adventures of Rachel, Kirsty, and their fairy friends. Overall, Miss Rainbow Magic is a beloved children's book series that combines magic, friendship, and adventure in a delightful way. It has captured the hearts of young readers worldwide and continues to enchant new generations with its imaginative storytelling..
Reviews for "Unforgettable Moments in Miss Rainbow Magic"
1. Sarah - 2 stars - "I found 'Miss Rainbow Magic' to be a very shallow and predictable book. The plot was lackluster, and the characters felt one-dimensional. Additionally, the writing style was overly simplistic and repetitive, making it hard for me to stay engaged in the story. Overall, I was disappointed with this book and I would not recommend it to others."
2. John - 1 star - "I couldn't even finish 'Miss Rainbow Magic' as it was just too boring for my taste. The storyline felt forced and unoriginal, and the characters were unrelatable. I also found the dialogue to be stilted and unrealistic. The writing lacked depth and failed to grab my attention. I was hoping for a magical and captivating read, but unfortunately, this book fell short."
3. Emma - 2 stars - "I really wanted to enjoy 'Miss Rainbow Magic' but I couldn't help but feel let down. The pacing of the book was extremely slow, and it took a long time for anything interesting to happen. Furthermore, the main character was not likable, and I didn't connect with her or care about her journey. The author missed the opportunity to create a magical and enchanting world, and instead, the book felt dull and uneventful."
4. Michael - 1 star - "I was expecting 'Miss Rainbow Magic' to be a fun and whimsical read, but it turned out to be quite the opposite. The plot was predictable and lacked originality, making it difficult for me to stay engaged. The characters were underdeveloped, and their actions felt forced and unnatural. The writing style was also unimpressive, with a lack of descriptive language and depth. Overall, I was highly disappointed with this book."