Modern Fairies, Dwarves, Goblins & Other Nasties: A Practical Guide by Miss Edythe McFate as told to Lesley M M Blume, illustrated by David Foote

Whether you think of all fairies as "lovely winged creatures, frolicking around in bluebell fields" or as well-groomed men frolicking in nightclubs, this book will set you straight (so to speak). It is narrated by Edythe McFate, whose credentials include seven decades spent studying the ways of every known species of fairy. Her fairy sightings have confirmed that New York City is chock-full of dwarves, brownies, pixies and other magical immigrants from the old world. She warns readers to be careful, since fairies can be quite nasty and dangerous.

True tales of unlucky encounters with fairy folk are interspersed with practical advice and interesting tidbits of information. A penny can help you tell if the fairy you encounter is good or bad. It is possible to use stinky socks to repel fairies. Velveeta may disappear from your kitchen; fairies use it as a building material. Goblins may be frozen under the spell of certain music, such as "Stairway to Heaven."

This highly entertaining book is made even better with the creepy black and white art by David Foote. It's something like Tim Burton's Nightmare Before Christmas: see this book trailer. Consider yourself warned: this book is more tart than sweet. Grade 4 - 7 (plus adults who delight in this sort of thing).