The Girl Who Circumnavigated Fairyland in a Ship of Her Own Making

Books | Juvenile Fiction / Fantasy & Magic

4.2

(348)

Catherynne M. Valente

"One of the most extraordinary works of fantasy, for adults or children, published so far this century."—Time magazine, on the Fairyland seriesTwelve-year-old September lives in Omaha, and used to have an ordinary life, until her father went to war and her mother went to work. One day, September is met at her kitchen window by a Green Wind (taking the form of a gentleman in a green jacket), who invites her on an adventure, implying that her help is needed in Fairyland. The new Marquess is unpredictable and fickle, and also not much older than September. Only September can retrieve a talisman the Marquess wants from the enchanted woods, and if she doesn't . . . then the Marquess will make life impossible for the inhabitants of Fairyland. September is already making new friends, including a book-loving Wyvern and a mysterious boy named Saturday.With exquisite illustrations by acclaimed artist Ana Juan, Fairyland lives up to the sensation it created when author Catherynne M. Valente first posted it online. For readers of all ages who love the charm of Alice in Wonderland and the soul of The Golden Compass, here is a reading experience unto itself: unforgettable, and so very beautiful.The Girl Who Circumnavigated Fairyland in a Ship of Her Own Making is a Publishers Weekly Best Children's Fiction title for 2011.

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More Details:

Author

Catherynne M. Valente

Pages

256

Publisher

Feiwel & Friends

Published Date

2011-05-10

ISBN

142992313X 9781429923132

Ratings

Google: 2

Community ReviewsSee all

"I loved this book and all the creatures and characters and different storylines. It brought me straight into Fairyland."

HeatherS

"⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Was gifted this book when I was in middle school, and I will forever be thankful that this series entered my life. I've heard everyone else say similar positive things (namely praise of Valente's writing, which 100% deserves it) so here's a couple things (one praise and one critique) that I haven't heard: I really love how, in addition to creating unique characters and peoples, Valente incorporates traditional fantasy creatures and myths from different cultures into the world and lore of Fairyland. And her obvious love for fantasy and literature makes it seem like Fairyland is an homage to the entire genre. My one critique for Book 1 is that I wish we got to spend more time with some of the secondary characters. I know that some of them return in later books (especially in Book 5) but there are four characters that, in my opinion, are important enough to the plot to warrant more "screentime." But, with the structure of these books and the number of characters, I can understand why every character can't return (although, I've always wished there was a spinoff book/series dedicated to The Witches and their backstories. Anyone else agree?). Also, a musician called S. J. Tucker has an album dedicated to Book 1."

Sapphire2319

"This is a great book and series for anyone with a penchant for fairytales and portal fantasies who would enjoy the author taking those things in a new direction. "