Into Enchanted Woods

by Jen Bryant, James Browne (Illustrator)

On a warm spring day, Tara and her brother Thomas venture into the woods in search of wild blueberries. Although they lose their way, they soon find a magical realm of fairies, trolls, and wondrous surprises.
This extraordinary picture book is set in the very real fairy-tale garden for children at Winterthur Museum, Garden, and Library in Delaware.

32 pages, Hardcover

First published June 1, 2001

About the author

Jen Bryant (Jennifer Fisher Bryant) writes picture books, novels and poems for readers of all ages. Her biographical picture book: A River of Words: The Story of William Carlos Williams, illustrated by Melissa Sweet,received a Caldecott Honor award and her historical novel in verse RINGSIDE 1925: Views from the Scopes Trial is an Oprah Recommended Book for ages 12 & up. Other titles include Pieces of Georgia (IRA Young Adult Choices Pick), The Trial (about the 1935 Lindbergh baby kidnapping trial), a 1960’s-era novel Kaleidoscope Eyes (a Jr. Library Guild selection), Georgia’s Bones, celebrating the creative vision of artist Georgia O’Keeffe, Music for the End of Time, based on a true story about WWII, and Abe’s Fish: A Boyhood Tale of Abraham Lincoln.

Jen has taught writing and Children’s Literature at West Chester University and Bryn Mawr College and gives lectures, workshops and school presentations throughout the year. She lives with husband, daughter and their Springer Spaniel in Chester County, PA.

Reviews

[Eva-Marie Nevarez · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is written in verse, a little different than most childrens books of its kind and starts with a brother and sister picking berries in the woods. The kids can't seem to find their way out of the woods when they come across an elf who tells them to come along with him. On their journey with the elf they see some new things and meet some new friends and find some new places.
Both Julia and I liked the ending the best, with the rabbit. I don't want to spoil it even though it's a childrens book, so I won't go any further but it is a cute ending to the story.
What I liked the best though is that the realEnchanted Woods is right here in Delaware at the Winterthur Garden in Wilmington. There is there Tulip Tree and the Faerie Cottage also. The Enchanted Woods are smack in the middle of 60 acres of garden.
It's not too often I find something written about this state or something in it so this excited me to no end and I plan on taking Julia before the end of the summer.
There is a website, if anyone is interested in seeing the pictures, www.winterthur.org

[Matthew · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story is about Winterthur Garden in Delaware. Winterthur isn't terribly far from where I live and I have visited these gardens. I have to say that they do have a magical feel, and I can easily understand how visiting them would make an author write a story about magical guardians of the gardens. It's a nice story, though very different from Jen Bryant publishes most of the time. A story of a brother and sister and the realization that belief in the world of fairies is hard-earned, any reader would come to appreciate the hopeful tone of this book. While the boy easily recognizes the magic all around him, it takes his sister longer, though she comes around in unexpected ways by the end.