A Little Snow Fairy Sugar [Retrospective]
Introducing young children to their first anime series
Normally I don’t write much about kids. I don’t have children of my own. However my brother has two of them. I have been their cool aunt for more than years than I can believe at this point since they’re both college students now. My memories of them include introducing them to their very first anime series: A Little Snow Fairy Sugar. If you were to look up this title, you might be thinking well why are you talking about such an old series. I was actually inspired to write this because of yesterday.
I took my brother’s two kids to the SI MOCCA Arts Fest. It was a pretty fun afternoon spent walking around with them looking at artwork produced by independent artists. If you’re ever in NYC when it happens, it’s worth checking out. It wasn’t expensive at $20 for a day pass.
So you’re thinking, Liz. Why are you talking about this arts festival instead of an anime series like the title says? It’s because outings like MOCCA that reminded me of how I became an early influence on my brother’s kids.
Admittedly they didn’t immediately embrace anime straight away because of A Little Snow Fairy Sugar. However I like to think it opened their minds up to anime and manga once they got into junior high. I don’t feel like writing a review of this series because if I’m being honest there are probably plenty of old reviews still available on the internet. Rather I want to write about this series and what it meant to me and the kids.
The Premise
The story follows the adventures of Saga Bergman, an orphan who lives in a fictional German village. She’s a studious 11 year-old student who is very organized and likes her life being “just so.” Her quiet, predictable life turns upside down when she discovers a hungry mysterious creature. Out of pity she feeds the poor thing a waffle. Saga discovers the creature is actually a season fairy named Sugar.
Out in the world are other fairies like her. Their job? Manage the weather with magic via musical instruments! Her specialty is to control snow with her piccolo. The series follows the amusing adventures the young apprentice snow fairy experiences with Saga, who is the only human who can see the fairies.
General Thoughts
This was a very delightful series! My brother’s kids were at an age when they loved fairies, magic, and music. A Little Snow Fairy Sugar had all three things and it was the perfect first anime series for them.
It seemed just too perfect when I happened to stumble onto the series back in the early 2000’s. Knowing what they liked, this was exactly the story they would like.
I would say if you have young children in your lives (yours or your relatives), this is one of those titles you can safely let them watch. The comedy, beautiful animation, and charming story is an all-around delightful series for anyone.
It’s been ages since I actually watched this series. I would like to try watching it again because I’m feeling rather nostalgic for a “gentle” show. Sometimes you just need some peace in your life and this is one of those stories that you can find peace and relaxation with when life is crazy.
Are there any titles that you feel nostalgic about? Doesn’t have to be anime or manga/manhwa, but anything that you have fond thoughts for? Share in the comments!