In the Books
In the Books with Gracie and Khadijah
In Return to Rainspell Island
Rachel Walker and Kirsty Tate are best friends and their friendship is the central relationship in the Rainbow Magic series.
Meeting[]
Rachel and Kirsty met on the ferry on the way to Rainspell Island. The two became friends almost immediately.
As Rachel stood on the deck of the ferry, it began to rain and her mother pulled her inside. Rachel noticed Kirsty standing alone on the deck, looking at the sky and not minding the rain falling on her head. Rachel slipped back outside to find out what is engaging Kirsty and noticed a rainbow above their heads. They introduced themselves to one another, then spent the rest of the boat ride talking and laughing.
Once on the island, they realised their rental cottages are next to one another. They went for a walk together and discover Ruby the Red Fairy. Through this adventure, their friendship was secured and they stayed friends for life. They meet up during their school holidays and half terms, or sometimes on special days out. When Kirsty's school in Wetherbury Village became flooded in the School Days Fairies series, she attended Rachel's school for a week.
In Return to Rainspell Island[]
After their adventure with the Rainbow Fairies, Kirsty visited Rachel in Tippington Town. Rachel began to doubt her belief in fairies after they were overheard talking about fairies by the popular girls in her school, Lydia, Angela, Wendy and Bril. After learning that the Tippington Nature Guides' summer jamboree will be going to Rainspell Island, Rachel was upset as the popular girls will be there too. Kirsty cheered her up by turning them into fairies with their lockets and flying around Tippington.
On the jamboree, Rachel confidently declared her belief in fairies when Lydia began teasing them again, leaving Angela, Wendy and Bril in awe. At the end, Lydia reconciled with Rachel, Kirsty and the other popular girls who had stopped bullying them.
Families[]
The Tates and Walkers are good friends and from the trip to Rainspell Island onwards, often spend time together. The two families have been on holiday together in:
- Rainbow Fairies
- Petal Fairies
- Green Fairies
- Twilight Fairies
- Magical Crafts Fairies
- Friendship Fairies
- Summer the Holiday Fairy
- Gabriella the Snow Kingdom Fairy
- Destiny the Pop Star Fairy
- Cheryl the Christmas Tree Fairy
- Emma the Easter Fairy (staying at the Tates')
- Natalie the Christmas Stocking Fairy
- Becky the Best Friend Fairy
- Melissa the Sports Fairy
- Ivy the Worry Fairy
Other friends[]
Although being best friends, Rachel and Kirsty are open to making friends with other children:
- They let Rebecca Wilson in on the fairy secret in Danielle the Daisy Fairy.
- They befriended Matt and Lucas in the Twilight Fairies series.
- They befriended teenagers Ginny and Jen and Oscar and Lara in the Friendship Fairies series.
- They showed Emily and Isabel around Greenfields Farm in Billie the Baby Goat Fairy.
- They befriended Matilda and Georgia in the Funfair Fairies series.
- They befriended the girls in their cabin as well as a younger girl, Ellie Campbell in Cara the Camp Fairy/Nicki the Holiday Camp Fairy.
- They befriended sisters Sarah and Anna in Susie the Sister Fairy.
- They become friends with the kids from the Confidence Club in Harper the Confidence Fairy.
Gracie and Khadijah are a younger pair of friends who both moved into Wetherbury Village and befriended each other, before making friends with Rachel, Kirsty and the fairies. Their families also became friends.
Trivia[]
- The two wear lockets given to them by Queen Titania and King Oberon which mean they can turn into fairies and visit Fairyland whenever they need to.
- The girls' friendship leads them to perform a ski run together. The instructor is impressed, saying that they must've only been able to do that because they're such good friends and they reply 'the best' (Soraya the Skiing Fairy).
- The girls' friendship is so strong that the two win an essay competition on the subject of their friendship, the prize for which is a visit to the Castle Springs Ballet School and tickets to a Christmas ballet (Giselle the Christmas Ballet Fairy).
Quotes[]
- They always had their most exciting times when it was just the two of them (Sophia the Snow Swan Fairy)
- Suddenly, Rachel dropped the toy and the girls stared at each other, horrified. "We never argue!" said Kirsty, her voice trembling a little. "What's wrong?" "It must be because of the missing tiara," said Rachel. "Even we can't play well together!" "I'm sorry," said Kirsty. "I didn't mean to argue with you." "I didn't either," said Rachel. "I'm sorry, too." (Maddie the Playtime Fairy)
- Kirsty turned to Rachel. ”What should we choose?” she asked. ”What fits with rainbow colours?” “Easy,” said Rachel. “Our theme should be friendship. That fits with rainbows – the fairies taught us that!” The girls held hands and smiled at each other. “That’s perfect,” Kirsty replied. “We’re very lucky. I’m so glad we met each other that day on the boat to Rainspell Island.” “Me too,” said Rachel. (Brooke the Photographer Fairy)
- "We'll be fine," said Rachel, squeezing her hand. "After all, we'll be together and we're best friends. We can do anything!" (Ariana the Firefighter Fairy)
- Kirsty didn’t know why Rachel wanted her to drop the end of the yarn ball, but she trusted her best friend (Elodie the Lamb Fairy)
- Kirsty Tate was dreaming. In her dream, her best friend Rachel Walker was calling her name (Priya the Polar Bear Fairy)
- "Let's go for it," said Rachel. "I can do anything when my best friend's along for the ride!" (Bonnie the Bike-Riding Fairy)
- “The clouds are pressed together as if they can’t bear to be apart,” said Kirsty Tate, her nose pressed up against the sitting-room window. “Just like us,” said her best friend, Rachel Walker. (Deena the Diwali Fairy)
- "Let's go together," said Rachel suddenly. "I know we're supposed to do it alone, but I want to share every moment with you." Kirsty nodded, beaming, and they skied down side by side. (Soraya the Skiing Fairy)
- "Aren't you scared?" asked Cheryl in a low voice. "Not when we're together," said Kirsty, linking arms with her best friend. (Cheryl the Christmas Tree Fairy)
- Rachel had been about to follow Buttons upstairs, but she turned around and came to stand beside her best friend. She slipped her hand into Kirsty's hand and smiled at her. "We'll make it fun - with or without our stockings," she said in a comforting voice. (Natalie the Christmas Stocking Fairy)
- "I can't wait to see the ballet later," Rachel giggled. Kirsty put her arm around her best friend and grinned at her. "Me neither," she said. "It's going to be magical!" (Robyn the Christmas Party Fairy)
- As Father Christmas made his way around the hall, handing out presents and shaking hands, Rachel turned to Kirsty and gave her a hug. "Thank you for inviting me to spend Christmas with you," she said. "I love the adventures we have together!" "Me too," said Kirsty, hugging her in return. "And I'm so lucky to have such an amazing best friend. Today has been the best Christmas Eve ever!" (Robyn the Christmas Party Fairy)
- Rachel turned and smiled at her. The one thing that made Christmas truly perfect was being able to share it with each other. (Giselle the Christmas Ballet Fairy)
- Rachel and Kirsty reached for each other's hand as their delicate wings unfolded (Evelyn the Mermicorn Fairy)
- Kirsty felt unsure, too. But then she remembered that her best friend always made her feel stronger. She took Rachel's hand, and a little bit of confidence flickered inside her (Evelyn the Mermicorn Fairy)
- “I can’t do this!” she thought. Then she saw Kirsty smiling at her. “You can do it,” she called. (Zelda the Gamer Fairy)
Gallery[]
Series[]
The first appearance of their friendship in Ruby.
"It could be a mermaid's necklace," said Kirsty, smiling.
Rachel and Kirsty go on a walk on Rainspell Island.
Rachel and Kirsty try to flip the The Pot.
"This really was magic!".
Ruby, Rachel and Kirsty.
Ruby sprinkles Rachel and Kirsty with fairy dust.
Rachel and Kirsty become fairies for the first time.
Rachel and Kirsty fly for the first time.
Rachel and Kirsty arrive in Fairyland.
Rachel and Kirsty look shocked as Ruby begins to fade.
Rachel and Kirsty turn back into humans.
In Amber.
Then Rachel could see it too - something winking and sparkling in the sunshine. "Wait for me!" she called, as Kirsty hurried over there.
Rachel looked over her shoulder and a sudden gust of wind whipped across her face.
"Quick," Rachel said. "Let's get the shell open."
"Try again,' said Kirsty. She and Rachel each grabbed one half of the shell and tugged.
Rachel slid her hand into the bag. She could feel something light and soft. She pulled it out, scattering sparkles everywhere. It was a shimmering golden feather.
Slowly, the two halves of the shell began to open.
They set off, with Amber sitting cross-legged on Kirsty's shoulder.
Rachel and Kirsty watched as the two fairies flew into each other's arms. The air around them fizzed with tiny red flowers and orange bubbles.
Rachel and Kirsty started to shrink, just as they had done before.
Rachel and Kirsty fluttered through the air, dodging a butterfly that was as big as they were. Its wings felt like velvet as they brushed gently past it.
She sprinkled her magic dust over Rachel and Kirsty. Quickly they grew back to their normal size.
Suddenly a cold breeze rippled the surface of the water, and the picture began to fade.
The two girls crouched down behind the bush next to Bertram, Ruby and Amber sat very still on Kirsty's shoulder.
Rachel and Kirsty hiding from the goblin.
Rachel and Kirsty looked at each other in alarm. What if the goblins found them there?.
"I didn't like those goblins," Kirsty said with a shudder. "I hope they don't come back again."
Rachel and Kirsty with their Parents.
In Saffron.
Rachel and Kirsty with Kirsty's Parents.
"It looks like Jack Frost's goblins are still around," she warned Rachel.
A small angry shape came whizzing through the air, straight towards them!.
Rachel and Kirsty pulled the hoods over their heads. It was a bit dark and stuffy inside but they could see out of the fine netting.
"Watch out. It's very sticky," Rachel said.
Rachel leaned over and peered into the hive.
Mrs Mary beings the girls a drink.
Queenie waves goodbye sadly.
The black pot lay on its side in the grass. A large, green frog hopped out from behind it.
Queenie is healed.
In Fern.
In Sky.
In Izzy.
In Heather.
In Crystal.
Rachel and Kirsty put on the Lockets for the first time.
Rachel and Kirsty walking along in Wetherbury in the snow.
Rachel and Kirsty turned into Fairies.
Rachel and Kirsty with Kirsty's Mum.
In Abigail.
In Pearl.
In Storm.
In Phoebe.
In Charlie.
Rachel and Kirsty meet Laura.
“Hurry, girls!” Charlie called, her wings beating faster than ever.
Charlie led the girls behind a large bush and put a finger to her lips.
Charlie, Rachel and Kirsty looked at each other in horror.
In Olivia.
A stream of purple and blue fairy dust poured from the tip of the wand, and floated around Rachel and Kirsty.
The two girls crouched down and began peering into the flowerbeds.
The sun was warm on their faces, and they could hear birds singing.
“Quick! After them!” Kirsty shouted, streaking along the path.
"Come on, let's follow them," she said, and the three girls fluttered after the Goblins.
In Danielle.
Rachel and Kirsty meet Rebecca Wilson.
In Ella.
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In Ashley.
In Lara.
In Sophia.
“And look at that swan!”.
She waved her wand, and magic sparkles swirled all around Rachel and Kirsty.
Rachel and Kirsty with Trudi.
In Leona.
"Isn’t this great, Kirsty?" Rachel Walker turned around to smile at her best friend, Kirsty Tate.
With their ponies, Sparkle and Tansy.
Swiftly, Kirsty and Rachel pulled Tansy and Sparkle off the trail and down the side path to avoid a collision.
Goblin pretending to hold Leona hostage.
Rachel and Kirsty with Elizabeth.
Kirsty reached out her hand to help Rachel to her feet.
Quickly, Rachel and Kirsty gave Tansy and Sparkle their buckets of grain, plus a few carrots for a treat.
In Caitlin.
Rachel and Kirsty disguised as Goblins.
In Nicole.
“Thank you,” the seagull said.
Meeting Beaky.
Rachel’s face lit up. “Fairyland!” she burst out excitedly. Kirsty nodded.
Children help clean up the beach.
Rachel and Kirsty with their Parents.
Rachel, Kirsty and Nicole try to make the goblin dizzy.
In Isabella.
Rachel and Kirsty with their Parents.
In Edie.
“It’s another beautiful day, Kirsty!” Rachel Walker exclaimed happily.
With Janet and other Project Green volunteers.
Goblin hunting for Edie's wand.
In Lily.
In Milly.
Rachel and Kirsty in bed in Carrie.
In Tyra.
In Brooke.
The girls held hands and smiled at each other.
Rachel and Kirsty spot Brooke's magic.
Rachel and Kirsty's photoshoot.
Rachel, Kirsty and Brooke on a tree outside Jack Frost's ice palace.
Kirsty nodded, thinking about the things that had happened that week.
Kirsty's hair blows in her face as Cam tries to take a picture.
The girls crouched down behind a row of large potted palm trees.
Avoiding Jack Frost's ice magic.
Rachel, Kirsty and Brooke hide behind a frozen waterfall.
In Esme.
Rachel and Kirsty as fairies.
Rachel and Kirsty saying hello to Jamal and Liam.
Rachel and Kirsty disguised as Goblins.
Rachel and Kirsty starting a food fight as goblins.
In Madeleine.
In Nina.
In Kayla.
In Annabelle.
Rachel and Kirsty gathering drawing supplies.
A goblin drawing Rachel and Kirsty.
Rachel and Kirsty with Rachel's Parents Arriving at Sara's house.
Rachel and Kirsty with Rachel's Dad.
In Josie.
In Violet.
Rachel and Kirsty meeting the Rainbow Fairies.
In Libby.
In Roxie.
Rachel and Kirsty with their Parents.
In Martha.
In Ariana.
Aunt Lesley updating patient files.
Rachel and Kirsty spraying Goblins with a fire hose.
In Perrie.
Rachel and Kirsty waving Rachel's Dad off.
In Lulu.
Aunt Lesley practices her speech.
In Mariana.
Rachel and Kirsty disguised as Goblin hairdressers.
Rachel and Kirsty talking to other kids.
Rachel and Kirsty talking to Jack Frost as Goblin hairdressers.
In Elodie.
Then, moving slowly and quietly, the girls tiptoed up to the lamb.
In Billie.
Rachel and Kirsty walking around Greenfields Farm.
Rachel, Kirsty and Billie helping Snow Goose and Snowdrop.
Rachel and Kirsty seeing Jack Frost holding Chompy, Snowdrop and his Snow Goose.
Rachel and Kirsty showing Emily and Isabel around Greenfields Farm.
Rachel and Kirsty with the Tates and the Kawkinses.
Rachel and Kirsty meeting Farmer Francis.
Rachel and Kirsty meeting Gilbert.
In Teri.
In Bonnie.
Bonnie gives fairy kisses.
Rachel and Kirsty meet Chris.
Rachel and Kirsty jumping onto a raft.
Rachel and Kirsty outside the Cool Kids Leisure Centre.
Rachel and Kirsty meet Tom and Alex.
In Callie.
Rachel and Kirsty watching struggling climbers.
Specials[]
In Paige.
"And we've only got two days before opening night!" Kirsty said eagerly.
"But why?" Rachel asked.
Rachel and Kirsty head to the dressing room.
Rachel and Kirsty looking anxious.
Rachel and Kirsty walking along the street.
Rachel and Kirsty whispering.
Rachel and Kirsty ready to dance.
Rachel and Kirsty arrive at the theatre.
Rachel and Kirsty calm the horses.
Rachel and Kirsty dressed as footmen.
Rachel and Kirsty in the pantomime.
Rachel and Kirsty meet a horse.
Rachel and Kirsty watch the show from the wings.
Rachel and Kirsty with Paige's horseshoe.
Kirsty puts a flower in her hair.
Rachel and Kirsty dancing in a pantomime.
Rachel, Kirsty and Paige.
Their parents congratulate them.
In Mia.
Rachel and Kirsty looking in the seeing pool with King Oberon, Queen Titania and the Magical Animal Fairies.
In Natalie.
"I don't think it's going to be as easy as that," said Rachel, looking puzzled.
"I love making mince pies," said Rachel Walker.
"What does the recipe say next?" asked Rachel.
Rachel and Kirsty exchanged a worried glance.
Natalie, Rachel and Kirsty gazed at each other in excitement.
Rachel and Kirsty hurried upstairs to the little room they were sharing.
Rachel and Kirsty were sharing a large armchair in the conservatory of their holiday cottage.
She pointed upwards to where a branch of the tree rested on a window ledge. The window was open.
She slipped her hand into Kirsty's hand and smiled at her.
The girls holding their stockings.
The girls tiptoed out into the hall and pulled on their coats and wellies as quietly as they could.
They each took a pinch of fairy dust and sprinkled it above their heads.
They flung off their snowy coats and wellies, and raced upstairs to their bedroom.
When the sparkles cleared, Rachel and Kirsty's warm coats were gone, and they were back in the peaceful sitting room of the holiday cottage.
With a swish of Natalie's wand, the girls began to shrink into fairies, surrounded by shimmering snowflakes.
Rachel, Kirsty and Natalie arrived outside The Christmas Grotto in a flurry of sparkles.
"This is the Christmas Grotto," said Crystal. "You'll find the Christmas Fairies inside. Good luck!."
Cheryl fluttered towards them, holding out her hand.
They hurried out of the Christmas Grotto and fluttered up into the cold night air.
In Alyssa.
Rachel and Kirsty were curled up on the sofa with Buttons between them.
Rachel and Kirsty held hands and spun around in the winter sunshine.
They set off arm in arm.
"Quickly, open the curtains!" said Rachel, feeling excited.
The tower walls were not solid like the walls of The Fairyland Palace. Standing close to them, Rachel and Kirsty saw that they were made of swirling snow.
It was warm and welcoming, with thick rugs, a roaring fire and big sofas covered in cosy, colourful throws.
In Kimi.
The Goat tells Rachel, Kirsty, Gracie, Khadijah and Kimi at his kid is in danger.
Kimi gets her bubble tea back.
Rachel, Kirsty, Gracie, Khadijah and Kimi entering to Troll Hollow.
Rachel, Kirsty, Gracie, Khadijah and Kimi trapped in the troll jail.
The chief troll arrives.
Rachel, Kirsty, Gracie, Khadijah and Kimi escape from the troll prison.
Kimi, Rachel, Kirsty, Gracie and Khadijah as goats.
Rachel and Kirsty as goats.
In Zelda.
Rachel with Blocky, Reunited with Kirsty.
Rachel, Kirsty, Gracie, Khadijah and Zelda riding on Bubblegum, Sunny and Turtle.
Rachel, Kirsty, Gracie, Khadijah and Zelda riding on Bubblegum, Sunny and Turtle, Facing Jack Frost on the Mega Truck.
Rachel, Kirsty, Gracie, Khadijah and Zelda arriving at "Mountain Racers".
Rachel, Kirsty, Gracie, Khadijah and Zelda riding on Bubblegum, Sunny and Turtle.
Rachel riding with Kirsty on Sunny, Underneath Jack Frost and the Mega Truck.
Rachel, Kirsty and Sunny Wins the Race!.
In Eliza.
Rachel, Kirsty, Gracie and Khadijah going hunting for Eggs.
Rachel, Kirsty, Gracie and Khadijah eating some Hot Cross Buns with Melted Butter.
Rachel, Kirsty, Gracie and Khadijah having the Fun Time at the Wipplewood Easter Bunny Festival.
Rachel, Kirsty, Gracie and Khadijah exploring around Wipplewood.
Rachel, Kirsty, Gracie, Khadijah and Eliza flying with the Bats and Owls at Night.
Rachel, Kirsty, Gracie and Khadijah petting Fergus and Dolly.
Rachel, Kirsty, Gracie and Khadijah going into the Woods for Lichen.
One-Offs[]
In Elizabeth.
The boat was called The Icicle, and it had ice-blue sails with enormous pictures of Jack Frost's face on them.
Rachel looked worried. "So do you think Jack Frost is planning to disrupt the River Pageant?."
Early Readers[]
In Return to Rainspell Island[]
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