A Natural History of Fairies by Emily Hawkins - Illustrated by Jessica Roux

Collected here are the journals, letters and notes of biology professor Elsie Arbour in the early 1920’s. By applying her knowledge of the natural sciences and research findings, Professor Arbour has created a world where fairies coexists with other animals and insects. Documented are details of her travels and adventures whilst on her quest to discover more species of fairies. The most interesting and most informative details from those archives are presented in this mini encyclopedia on fairies. This sixty-four-page, large format hardcover has everything you need to know about fairies, from the anatomy of a fairy, to the language of fairies, to the nine different types of fairies.

According to Professor Arbour, fairies are not magical beings, but are classified as mammals. Laid in scrapbook style, it also contains snippets of information on related animals from around the world. It's not a storybook but a scientific explanation for the fairy species and its relation to other animals. From the many books available on this subject, very few have gone into as much detail about fairy habitats. Even fewer have as many beautiful and original illustrations. This book is brimming with tiny sprites flittering from page to page. The illustrations are delicate and enchanting; providing an interpretation that makes it very easy for readers to immerse themselves in the world of fairies. Recommended for ages 5+. 

Related posts: Shirley Barber's Fairy Tales Treasury,  An Anthology of Intriguing Animals

Amazon

Frances Lincoln Children's Books 2020

Hardcover 64p

10.75" x 12.25"

Over in the Woodland: A Mythological Counting Journey by Nicole and Shar Abreu - Illustrated by Susanna Covelli

A rhyming adventure for the youngest of readers. Follow a pride of griffins as they fly through the woodlands watching over all the inhabitants of their magical home. In simple rhyme, mythological characters are introduced in a family setting; each featuring or performing their principal attributes. Ten families are introduced, beginning with the rebirth of the phoenix and his son. Familiar characters are present, like the elusive unicorn and fire breathing dragons. An index of creatures in the end provide a short definition and summary.

Shiny, dewy and magical are the illustrations Susanna Covelli has created for this mythical world. Playful trolls under a bridge or hardworking dwarves learning their craft displayed with earnestness and innocence. The woodland seems like a happy place to be. Recommended for ages 3+.

Amazon
Familius LLC 2020
Hardcover 32p
9.3" x 11.1"

Shirley Barber's Fairy Tales Treasury

Shirley Barber's fairies and magical beasts make a reappearance in her new book Fairy Tales Treasury. This is a compilation of Fairyland Treasury and Wonderland Treasury. Her gentle stories with themes young children can relate to and of course her magical art have received an updated look. The cover uses lenticular printing for a 3D effect in lieu of a dust jacket.

Collected are thirteen very short stories and five poems. These have been previously published in her older books. Barber's books are popular and sell out very quickly. They were out of print for many years and now are seeing new life through a different publisher. Children and fairy lovers have been delighted by her work for decades and can now enjoy it in a new layout with borders eliminated. The last image shows the difference between the old and new layout. The older book in the back is from Shirley Barber's Fairy Collection, which includes an audio CD. The main characters are the fairies but other fantastic creatures like mermaids, unicorns and dragons also appear. Barber's artwork is also published as jigsaw puzzles and calendars. Recommended for ages 3+.

Amazon
Brolly Books 2020
Hardcover 96p
8.8" x 11.8"

Sleeping Beauty by Mahlon F. Craft - Illustrated by Kinuko Y. Craft

Kinuko Y. Craft's picture book for Sleeping Beauty remains my top choice for this fairy tale based on Charles Perrault's La Belle au Bois Dormant in 1696. Retold by Mahlon F. Craft, this edition covers the first of two parts from Perrault's tale. The story is fast paced and a quick read, the action begins at the christening of Aurora where the uninvited fairy curses the baby princess to die on her 16th birthday. This curse is softened by one of the good fairies; instead of death, Aurora will sleep for one hundred years.

The illustrations are done in mixed media with Kinuko Y. Craft's signature style of extravagant costumes, luxuriously curly haired heroines, intricate details, and effective use of light and shadows. Just like her other illustrated books, the text is adorned with lovely floral patterned borders and drop caps that are all unique. If you like Beauty and the Beast, you'll like this too. Recommended for ages 5+.

Amazon
Chronicle Books 2002
Hardcover 32p
9.2" x 11.2"