Appearances Can Be Deceiving

Throughout the narrative, the author stresses that appearances can be deceiving, and that many things—be they situations, nature, or people—deserve close scrutiny to discover the beauty or value within. This theme is presented first with the elf village, and secondly with Sara-Kate herself.

The elf village is built from the junk and brambles of Sara-Kate's backyard. While people like Mr. Lenox would quickly dismiss the place as a weed patch that needs a good mow, Sara-Kate is able to show Hillary the magic and beauty contained in the seeming ugliness. From ordinary objects like popsicle sticks, leaves, and bicycle wheels, the girls are able to create a wonderland to explore.

Closely related to the village is Sara-Kate. Like her brambly backyard, she is odd and ugly, and no one is able to see the value in the strange girl. But Hillary...