When dad is suddenly whisked off to hospital in the middle of the night, Granny says not to worry, but Rosy is worried. She takes refuge in playing with the dolls' house dad has built for her and which they spend their Saturdays making things for together. But this time she doesn't find the tidy, perfect house it has always been. A fairy has taken up residence - Thistle - and she has hurt her wing. So, while dad gets better in hospital, Rosy looks after Thistle, who likes crisps and making messes and sprinkling fairy dust everywhere. When dad is able to come home, Rosy tells him all about Thistle, but when she takes him to meet the fairy, she is gone. Only the messy house remains. Together Rosy and dad tidy the house, and dad leaves out 'a tiny piece of cake for Thistle, just in case...' Jan Ray's illustrations glow with light and colour, with elements of collage and with a proper fairy-like beauty. Thistle is none of your pink plastic affairs. She's made of leaves and petals and has dirty feet! Wonderful!