The Enchanted Forest

by Ida Rentoul Outhwaite

Thrown from her horse, Anne awakes in a forest of elves, gobblins, fairies, and dancing bears and is guided by her tame rabbit, Potty

Genres: Fairy Tales, Childrens, Magic, Classics, Fae, Picture Books

105 pages, Hardcover

First published August 1, 1921

About the author

Ida Rentoul Outhwaite, also known as Ida Sherbourne Rentoul and Ida Sherbourne Outhwaite (9 June 1888 – 25 June 1960), was an Australian illustrator of children's books. Her work mostly depicted fairies.

His husband Grenbry Outhwaite

Reviews

[Melody Schwarting · Rating 4 out of 5]

An exquisite chapter book of an original fairy tale and illustrations. Outhwaite came to my attention only recently, but she fits right beside other fairy tale author/illustrators I already knew and loved. Her stories are marked by joy in the natural world, and her illustrations by waif-like fairies and tender attention to detail. I only wish the character Peter Pottifer had a nickname not quite so prone to inspiring ridicule, but he's a rabbit (or not?) so it's still charming. Here's another fairy tale-loving literary Anne to enjoy.

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

The illustrations in this book are GORGEOUS! I got this book as a Christmas present MANY years ago, and it is what fueled my passion for fairies! It is very hard to find now, but if you ever come across it, snatch it up! This is my MOST TREASURED POSSESSION; the book I would save if there was ever a fire in my house! Especially since my parents wrote inside the front, "Merry Christmas, to our own fairy princess." Awww....

[Stephanie Swint · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of my favorite books. I received it as a child and to this day the illustrations are imprinted in my mind of what magic and faerie are. It is a beautiful story and the illustrations are truly amazing. Ida Rentoul Outhwaite is a master, and even if you do not know her by name or read her books, I guarantee you have seen her work on a card. I recommend this book for every child and I was sad to see this book is out of print and extremely rare. That being said if you can obtain a copy of this book it has the ability to awaken magic in any child or adult.

The story is about Anne who gets thrown from her horse and she is lead by her tame rabbit Potty, who is also faerie, through the enchanted forest.

[Cassandra · Rating 3 out of 5]

Bit jumpy and odd really. Nowhere near Snugglepot and Cuddlepie, for instance! But I'd have loved it as a 5-7 year old.

And the illustrations were gorgeous. Especially the witch standing on her broomstick bristles and steering it with reins! Looked much more sensible than sitting on one.