What do you think?
Rate this book
Jim Henson's The Storyteller
Jim Henson's The Storyteller: Fairies
A collection of mythic tales of when fairies roamed the Earth, inspired by folklore from around the world and told in the spirit of Jim Henson’s beloved television series.
It’s not the stories you tell, but how they are told.
The critically acclaimed Jim Henson’s The Fairies showcases four enchanting tales of fairies and their mystical realms, inspired by folklore from around the world and told in the spirit of Jim Henson’s beloved television series.
Featuring an eclectic set of stories by some of today’s most original talent, including Matt Smith ( Lake of Fire ), Tyler Jenkins ( Grass Kings ), Benjamin Schipper, and Celia Lowenthal, this stunning hardcover edition also includes an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at the process and care taken in adapting each of the these timeless tales.
It’s not the stories you tell, but how they are told.
The critically acclaimed Jim Henson’s The Fairies showcases four enchanting tales of fairies and their mystical realms, inspired by folklore from around the world and told in the spirit of Jim Henson’s beloved television series.
Featuring an eclectic set of stories by some of today’s most original talent, including Matt Smith ( Lake of Fire ), Tyler Jenkins ( Grass Kings ), Benjamin Schipper, and Celia Lowenthal, this stunning hardcover edition also includes an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at the process and care taken in adapting each of the these timeless tales.
128 pages, Hardcover
Published August 7, 2018
7 people are currently reading
241 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
September 10, 2025
Yes well it would be rude not to read one Jim Henson's Storyteller book and not the other so here we are. Just as much fun the second time around as the first - isnt that the whole thing with a good book you get as much if not more joy from re-reading it?
And so I find myself reading the next (although they are not actually a series in any particular order rather a case of which one I find next) in the series of the Storyteller a spin off from the TV series from oh so many years ago.
To be honest the all appear to follow a similar format- the storyteller has some situation or observation that prompts him to remember a particular story which he then sets about recounting.
In the case of this book (and in fact the whole series) is the fact they are told in the form of a graphic novel - and so evocatively done.
There are 4 tales in this book each selected and the illustrated by different acclaimed authors and I think that is part of the charm - they are not tales for the sake of them but they mean something, it could be a love of a countries tales or desire to tell a story in a different style or setting - there is a reason which is so perfectly conveyed. These are great tales and I have to give full respect to whoever is putting this series together - I just hope they go back and reprint those early volumes now out of print.
And so I find myself reading the next (although they are not actually a series in any particular order rather a case of which one I find next) in the series of the Storyteller a spin off from the TV series from oh so many years ago.
To be honest the all appear to follow a similar format- the storyteller has some situation or observation that prompts him to remember a particular story which he then sets about recounting.
In the case of this book (and in fact the whole series) is the fact they are told in the form of a graphic novel - and so evocatively done.
There are 4 tales in this book each selected and the illustrated by different acclaimed authors and I think that is part of the charm - they are not tales for the sake of them but they mean something, it could be a love of a countries tales or desire to tell a story in a different style or setting - there is a reason which is so perfectly conveyed. These are great tales and I have to give full respect to whoever is putting this series together - I just hope they go back and reprint those early volumes now out of print.
March 31, 2019
These four folktales, retold in comic form, explore how danger, wisdom, and growth are woven together in the Faerie realm. Both the art and storytelling were kind of a mixed bag, although Benjamin Schipper's "Faerie Hill" stood out on both counts with its bold, unique visual style and its contemplation of death and rebirth. I also appreciated the attention to detail and the simple yet well-chosen color schemes in Celia Lowenthal's "The Faerie Pool".
December 18, 2021
Four well done tales. When I had read the introduction of the first story and was hesitant, but the likening of elves to fairies worked. The second story of Fairy Hill was well done. Fairy Pond was okay, but it feels like the least developed of the tales, although I do appreciate the setting of Hawaii. Good, strong finish with Fairy Pool, a man getting to be young twice. A happy ending is not to be taken for granted with the fair folk. I also loved this pearl: ‘Age and wisdom ride in on the same steed’.
March 19, 2024
4 tales about fairies inspired by different myths that the storyteller tells his dog in front on the fire.
Very cozy, and each story had a different atists and art style, so it was refreshing.
Fairies are some of my favorite magical creatures, and I loved the different tones of this collection.
Very cozy, and each story had a different atists and art style, so it was refreshing.
Fairies are some of my favorite magical creatures, and I loved the different tones of this collection.
June 30, 2020
The Polynesian story was so good. So, so good.
And the last story.
But that Polynesian story - that was good. Perfect blend of art and storytelling.
And the last story.
But that Polynesian story - that was good. Perfect blend of art and storytelling.
August 30, 2020
A wonderful collection of beautifully illustrated stories, a really great read for anyone who loves fairy tales and folklore, like I do!
November 17, 2020
Loved the wide variety of art styles for the different stories as well as the different takes on fairies.
August 16, 2021
Review to come :)
January 12, 2020
I've actually only read 3 of 4 in this series with the island fairies but I look forward to reading the rest.
January 2, 2023
Be wary of the wee folk
As always these Jim Henson books published by Archaia comics are something to look at. Hardcover with golden embellishes on the outside and on the inside four tales matching the subject matter of the book (in this case Faeries) from different creators who not only share their inspirations on creating the stories within but share their thoughts about some of the pages in the end of the book as well and don't forget to take a moment to enjoy the alternate covers from the original comics as well.
Of course having different styles of comics in one volume might be a little daunting to some readers and there will be some that do not enjoy some style or another but as for me I appreciate the creators that opened their hearts and minds to become the storyteller themselves. :)
Within this volume of imagination the tales we are treated to are...
The Faerie Queen & the Shepherd (An Icelandic tale about a brave shepherd willing to work regardless of the doom of others this time of year.)
Faerie Hill(A Danish tale about a king born to conquer discovers answers to what is he to do now that he has taken everything as far as the eye can see.)
The Pond (A Hawaiian tale about a war among the tribes and how the Menehune will end it to save the land. This one is a little strange being read sideways as opposed to the other stories of the book.)
The Fairy Pool (A British story about a young man who thinks he knows best and ends up tricked into a life as a king for the wee folk but as he grows older he realizes at last the errors of his actions. I like the duality of the human world bathed in yellow while the world of the faeries is dyed in green allowing easy references to which is which.)
As always these Jim Henson books published by Archaia comics are something to look at. Hardcover with golden embellishes on the outside and on the inside four tales matching the subject matter of the book (in this case Faeries) from different creators who not only share their inspirations on creating the stories within but share their thoughts about some of the pages in the end of the book as well and don't forget to take a moment to enjoy the alternate covers from the original comics as well.
Of course having different styles of comics in one volume might be a little daunting to some readers and there will be some that do not enjoy some style or another but as for me I appreciate the creators that opened their hearts and minds to become the storyteller themselves. :)
Within this volume of imagination the tales we are treated to are...
The Faerie Queen & the Shepherd (An Icelandic tale about a brave shepherd willing to work regardless of the doom of others this time of year.)
Faerie Hill(A Danish tale about a king born to conquer discovers answers to what is he to do now that he has taken everything as far as the eye can see.)
The Pond (A Hawaiian tale about a war among the tribes and how the Menehune will end it to save the land. This one is a little strange being read sideways as opposed to the other stories of the book.)
The Fairy Pool (A British story about a young man who thinks he knows best and ends up tricked into a life as a king for the wee folk but as he grows older he realizes at last the errors of his actions. I like the duality of the human world bathed in yellow while the world of the faeries is dyed in green allowing easy references to which is which.)
April 18, 2022
This volume continues the theme of collecting four tales, each by a different author, around a linking subject. This collection of 4 all have fairies at their heart. Also as a common theme, we have the character of the Storyteller, played by John Hurt, along with his trusty dog, as a way to introduce each tale. If you are familiar with The Storyteller series, you will realise that these tales are not ones featured in the TV series: rather, these sets are a loving tribute to that work.
As a great fan of the original Storyteller series, I am slightly biased towards these books. I did come late to the party, only realising about a year or so ago that they even existed. The fairies collection is the third that I have managed to get my hands on.
Overall, as with any collection of tales, there are stories here which work better than others. Personally, I found The Pond to be the weakest tale. What I like though is how each tale has its own style of artwork. I also like the introduction by the authors giving you a little insight into how they got their inspiration for the tale that they put forwards.
I would say, if you like either the original Storyteller series, or if you enjoy folktales, you should find a lot to enjoy here. I will definitely continue to track the others down, and keep my fingers crossed that the earlier ones may even be republished.
As a great fan of the original Storyteller series, I am slightly biased towards these books. I did come late to the party, only realising about a year or so ago that they even existed. The fairies collection is the third that I have managed to get my hands on.
Overall, as with any collection of tales, there are stories here which work better than others. Personally, I found The Pond to be the weakest tale. What I like though is how each tale has its own style of artwork. I also like the introduction by the authors giving you a little insight into how they got their inspiration for the tale that they put forwards.
I would say, if you like either the original Storyteller series, or if you enjoy folktales, you should find a lot to enjoy here. I will definitely continue to track the others down, and keep my fingers crossed that the earlier ones may even be republished.
January 1, 2019
I'm not at all familiar with Jim Henson's Storyteller. So, given that I lack nostalgia for it and am suspicious of attempts to capitalize on people's nostalgia as the title of this collection seems designed to do, I might have overlooked this. But the cover art was somehow tempting and I decided to read it. I am glad I did since it was a fun read. My positive impression especially comes from the first story by Matt Smith who manages to channel the dialogue of dramatic understatement of Icelandic Sagas as he did in Barbarian Lord. The other stories were also good, though less memorable to me. However, I may have to go and read other books in this collection, especially since there is one on dragons (though I recognize that there is no real guarantee of quality since each story is a separate creation).
January 30, 2023
As I started to go through this book, I asked myself what distinguishes this book as a Storyteller book instead of just some other random comic book collection of stories. And the answer I came up with as I got through the book - you want to feel like someone is telling the story to you. Specifically, you want the Storyteller and his dog to tell the story.
Some stories in this collection understand this aspect to the franchise and you can practically hear John Hurt speaking in your head. Others got lost in the story and skipped narration for the most part. It's a mixed bag - which is true of any collection of stories.
It's still a largely solid set and the art does well to support the tone of each tale. I don't think I can pick a favorite, but I guess the last story was rather striking and truly felt like a fairy tale. Plus it had great interludes with the Storyteller and his dog.
Some stories in this collection understand this aspect to the franchise and you can practically hear John Hurt speaking in your head. Others got lost in the story and skipped narration for the most part. It's a mixed bag - which is true of any collection of stories.
It's still a largely solid set and the art does well to support the tone of each tale. I don't think I can pick a favorite, but I guess the last story was rather striking and truly felt like a fairy tale. Plus it had great interludes with the Storyteller and his dog.
August 4, 2023
Another soirée into the storytellers world! Here from various corners of the globe or four fairy stories, retold and illustrated. I quite liked the “Faerie Hill” storyas it wentto a place I wasn’t expecting. Normally the fairies cause, mischief or twist things into malicious acts, but here some do the contrary. They may give you a taste of what you wish, but you may find what you really “need” versus “want” from the the fair folk.
April 8, 2019
I loved one of these (the second one) but didn't really care for the other three.
December 28, 2019
All out of ten-
Characters: 9
Plot: 10
World-building: 9
Ending: 9
Average: 9
Would read again.
Characters: 9
Plot: 10
World-building: 9
Ending: 9
Average: 9
Would read again.
February 24, 2020
Not my favorite of these collections, but a solid showing. I absolutely loved Benjamin Schipper's art & story. The rest were good but not spectacular.
July 9, 2020
i loved the 2nd story !! the others i didn't really feel for as much , but great art and storytelling still .
December 12, 2020
The Storyteller always brings back great childhood memories. Beautiful artwork and storytelling.
October 5, 2021
Faerie Hill by Benjamin Schipper
The Fairy Pool by Celia Lowenthal
The Fairy Pool by Celia Lowenthal
September 15, 2022
A beautiful collection and one of my favorites of Jim Henson's The Storyteller series. The more I read this series, the more I want to rewatch The Storyteller tv show.
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews