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Fairy Island: An Enchanted Tour of the Homes of the Little Folk
Noted nature crafter Laura Martin has created a fantasy for fairy-lovers. Its conceit involves a botanist, Christine Newkirk, who has discovered five tiny houses on a magical island, all made from natural materials on a perfect fairy scale—the houses are no more than 18 inches high, beds are 2 x 3 inches, shoes are 1 inch long. She documents her finds in a field diary she is keeping for her granddaughter.
The woodland cottage is filled with bent twig furniture. The Japanese house displays bamboo slippers outside the door, and the beach house has a minute bath tiled with seashells. Each spread is filled with photos and drawings of these tiny objects, all identified with their botanical names.
To leaf through these pages is to enter another world and dwell in it—the world of fantasy that has fascinated people through the ages.
The woodland cottage is filled with bent twig furniture. The Japanese house displays bamboo slippers outside the door, and the beach house has a minute bath tiled with seashells. Each spread is filled with photos and drawings of these tiny objects, all identified with their botanical names.
To leaf through these pages is to enter another world and dwell in it—the world of fantasy that has fascinated people through the ages.
144 pages, Hardcover
First published May 1, 2005
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62 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
April 21, 2012
Sometimes I think I shouldn’t review certain books when I am in certain moods or certain reading modes. Given another time, I might have rated this book much higher.
I loved the art, all created from nature/natural materials.
The story/letters didn’t enthuse me all that much. I’d have rather had the art stand for itself, with its materials listed as they are, and with descriptions of the various scenes.
I didn’t need a fantasy story to go along with it. But, as I mentioned, it might have been my mood.
There is some real charm to this book, and I do love fairy houses/environments. And, for those wanting to create these tableaus, there are some fabulous ideas within this book.
I love the map on the inside covers, showing the lovely locations contained in the book: The Woodland Cabin, The Farm House, The Beach Cottage, The Garden Villa, and The Japanese House.
3 ½ stars
I’m glad I read/viewed it, but I like the art (and its descriptive text) much more than the main text in the book.
I loved the art, all created from nature/natural materials.
The story/letters didn’t enthuse me all that much. I’d have rather had the art stand for itself, with its materials listed as they are, and with descriptions of the various scenes.
I didn’t need a fantasy story to go along with it. But, as I mentioned, it might have been my mood.
There is some real charm to this book, and I do love fairy houses/environments. And, for those wanting to create these tableaus, there are some fabulous ideas within this book.
I love the map on the inside covers, showing the lovely locations contained in the book: The Woodland Cabin, The Farm House, The Beach Cottage, The Garden Villa, and The Japanese House.
3 ½ stars
I’m glad I read/viewed it, but I like the art (and its descriptive text) much more than the main text in the book.
January 3, 2009
This precious view of little made up fairy house constructed of flowers, moss,shells etc brought back vivid memories of childhood play with my sister. And who can forget mud pies and magic potions made from the watered down bits of charcoal and tinfoil from the hibachi grill? I hope all children have a chance to experience the imaginative world of faerie. I loved this one!
May 3, 2018
Bah. Poor book design, lots of printing errors, and too many visible gobs of hot glue for my taste.
April 15, 2022
Fantastic in every way. Discovered at Public Library of New London and HAD to buy a copy to thoroughly enjoy. Soon to be gifted to one of my great nieces. http://lunawings.blogspot.com/2022/04...
August 28, 2023
This Book is MAGICAL and Sooo wonderful to read And look at!!!!
January 13, 2016
Adorable. Petite perfection. My 7 year old daughter and I were impressed by all of the intricate miniature details. Even my older boys were looking over our shoulders and commenting on how amazing the creations were. There are such things as a banjo made from a split hickory nut, bedspreads made from gingko leaves, a rocking horse made with a sea horse, a white dove feather coat, a dried acorn squash oven and more. My daughter has been interested in fairies for the past year; she has built little houses, drawn pictures, and read books about fairies. My mother gave this book to her as a present and she loves it. Our favorite fairy item was a pair of shoes made from peanut shells. So dang cute. The Japanese house was immaculate, there was even a kimono made from leaves and tiny rose buds. My favorite house was the beach cottage with the shell hot tub, sandals made from split bamboo, a baby fairy crib, mini telescope, and a hibiscus umbrella. All-around very charming.
November 5, 2014
My favorite home was the beach house. To think this house or any of the others were made so miniature how could there be so much detail. It's hard to believe little faeries live in these fragile homes. Still fun to fantasize.
March 2, 2016
wow. I'd love to see these houses in real life. it's amazing what we done with cinnamon sticks and moss!
December 26, 2012
Peanut shell boots!!!
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews