How to See Fairies

by Charles van Sandwyk

Charles van Sandwyk has been intrigued by the fairy realm since he was a young boy and his imaginative prowess explains the incredibly detailed portraits that populate his stories. Before long, the reader is drawn into his enchanting cast of fairy folk, as well as the world they inhabit.

Genres: Fantasy, Childrens, Art, Fairy Tales, Canada, Fairies

128 pages, Hardcover

First published September 1, 1999

Reviews

[Tammie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I bought this on a whim from the Folio Society and I’m so glad I did. How to See Fairies is a collection of short stories by author Charles van Sandwyk. A high quality book (as all the Folio Society books are)-the paper is thick and glossy and the artwork is beautiful. Highly recommended to both adults and children.

[Juliette · Rating 5 out of 5]

When it comes to children’s books, Folio Society appears to have no competition.
Read this very important book to know how to see fairies.






In amber tones
the light caressed
A place within my heart
to rest.

[The Pixie Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

*brb, going to search for fairies in my back garden* 🧚🏼‍♀️🧚🏼‍♂️

What a gorgeous little book this was. Purchased it on a whim from a charity shop and I'm so glad that I did. A perfect, short read for those of us who still believe there's magic in the world, with some stunning illustrations too. A lovely book for children also I think. I know when I was a little girl I would have adored this book and probably carried it with me everywhere to look for fairies.

[Jo · Rating 4 out of 5]

The surest path to the realm of the Little People is the one taken with gentle steps and an open heart.

[Prabhani · Rating 5 out of 5]

How to see fairies is a beautiful collection of poem, stories and illustrations about fairies. It’s decorated with wonderful illustrations. Some of my favorites are fairy market, how to see fairies and wee folks. These poems brings light and joy to the heart. Every time I read them brings wonderful imaginations.

This Folio society edition is such a beautiful book goes in my collector editions shelf. It’s well selected and printed with high quality too.

[Vera · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can't believe this book has just 63 ratings - meaning it is not widely known, because I am sure everyone with a heart for the golden age of illustration (and I know those are a lot of people) would fall for the work of contemporary illustrator Charles van Sandwyk.

This beautifully clothbound edition by the Folio Society is a collection of six of Van Sandwyks fairy stories, which he wrote and illustrated. The quality of the paper and binding is a perfect fit for both the watercolour and pen and ink illustrations. The fairy folk, and their animal friends are painted with so much love for detail, every plate is so vibrant, lovely and moving for theur cuteness. It is clear from his style that Arthur Rackham is a great inspiration for Van Sandwyk, and so it is no wonder this book is dedicated to the master of illustration himself.

[Corrie Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

Delightful!

[Vanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the book I needed during my early childhood.

[scriptedknight · Rating 5 out of 5]

rating: 5/5 stars
~
this book and the goldfinch are fighting for my favorite book <3

[Norah Oldenziel · Rating 4 out of 5]

A book with great drawings and a beautiful collection of poems and short tales about fairies. I don't know if I could recommend getting the Folio Society edition though, as it's quite a bit of money. I liked it but one must decide for oneself.

[Niki (nikilovestoread) · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book consists of a collection of Charles van Sandwyk's fairy stories and illustrations. His artwork is simply gorgeous and makes this book such a treasure. The Folio Society edition is beautifully illustrated with more color illustrations than the originals and, of course, the quality of the paper and binding is exceptional. My son and I really enjoyed reading it and above all, looking at the stunning illustrations.

[Claire · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Partake of every simple pleasure
For living is the finest treasure.”
-the Gnome King’s treasure song

I purchased this beautiful collection of illustrations and stories from Folio Society because Charles van Sandwyk is one of, if not my favorite illustrator.

The collection contains the following stories:
How to see Fairies 1993
Wee Folk 1994
Pocket Guide to the Little People 1997
The Gnome Kong’s Treasure Song 2000
The Fairies Christmas 2001
Afterglow 2008
The Fairy Market 2009

The Folio Society’s collection comes in a gorgeous red protective slipcase with more of van Sandwyk’s illustrations repeated in gold on the outside. The book itself was bound and printed in Italy with beautiful high quality Italian paper that does credit to van Sandwyk’s beautiful illustrations.

This is a beautiful collection and is almost as special to me as one of his hand-bound stories straight from van Sandwyk’s own studio.

The stories are sweet and magical, but not as magical as the illustrations...his portrayal of nature and all of its beautiful little details is second to none. Somehow just knowing there is an illustrator or rather an artist like Charles van Sandwyk, makes me feel just a little bit better about the world we live in.

“For Love is in those scattered seeds...
And flowers live amongst the weeds.”

[Joanna McQueen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is just beautiful!
The words, the story, the illustrations, it’s just lovely.
This collection of stories about fairies is utterly delightful. The beautiful illustrations take you to a world created by a visionary who can create with his hands the imaginative world his mind has concocted and it is absolutely brilliant!
I’d tell you more, but I truly believe that this book is an experience, one I could not do justice with my words. This is a book I will read time and time again.

[L. Carreon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lo compré más que nada por la portada, pero es un poemario hermoso. Tiene ilustraciones bellísimas y me encantó la forma en cómo relata lo que refiera a 'ver las hadas'. Es una forma de recordar a la naturaleza, pues hay algunas comparativas que hace con las plantas y los animales, incluso los insectos. Para los que adoran las creaturas de fantasía, la poesía y el arte visual, este es un hermoso libro.

[Marmot · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a gorgeous book! Wonderful illustrations on thick, lovely paper. Short poems and a short story accompany the illustrations, which is what shines about this volume. I imagine a child could spend hours pouring over all the detailed pictures.

[Briellen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Charming book with beautiful illustrations!
Charles van Sandwyk captures the fairy world in the most delightful way! I will cherish this book for always. I would recommend this to any Fariytale enthusiast!

[Ruchi · Rating 5 out of 5]

For the truly whimsical and childlike heart….which means that I naturally loved everything about this enchanting little collection. 🧚‍♀️✨ It’s as though can hear the rustling of the leaves outside, like they’re whispering a secret…🍂

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

My partner bought me this for Christmas and it's just the most stunning edition - beautiful illustrations and whimsical writing.

[Louise O'Connell · Rating 5 out of 5]

My partner bought me this as an anniversary gift. It's one of the most stunning books I've ever read. Gorgeously crafted illustrations, and beautiful poetry.

[David Cantor · Rating 5 out of 5]

I bought the Folio Society edition. It is one of the most beautiful books I have ever purchased. A gift to a child to be treasured for a lifetime.

[Samantha van Buuren · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stunning book, beautiful and charming.

[Lacey Camacho · Rating 5 out of 5]

Adorable

[Kash · Rating 5 out of 5]

My favourite illustrator! CvS work is second to none. I can't wait to read Mr Rabbits Symphony next. Such an inspiration!

[Louise O'Connell · Rating 4 out of 5]

A magically enchanting and wonderful book. However, I do prefer the Folio Society edition to the 1st edition.

[Ana María · Rating 5 out of 5]

Libro ilustrado perfecto para disfrutar de una tarde de invierno.

[Anne-Marie]

Sweet little book about fairies

[Alvaro · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great book from Charles van Sandwyk edited by The Folio Society. This a collection of short stories about the encounters with fairies.

[Sophie O'Reilly · Rating 5 out of 5]

here, yet again, van Sandwyck made me rethink my entire writerly voice and desire. wow i want to write like van Sandwyk wowowowow cool guy

[Finn Gecas · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very sweet book!

[Moranda Bromberg · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rereading childhood faves as my end of year treat to myself.