The Girl Who Circumnavigated Fairyland in a Ship of Her Own Making - Book Review

Title ~ The Girl Who Circumnavigated Fairyland in a Ship of Her Own Making
Series ~ Fairyland #1
Author ~ Catherynne M. Valente
Release Date ~ May 10, 2011
Age Group ~ Middle Grade
Publisher ~ Feiwel & Friends
Source ~ Zeitghost Media

GOODREADS SUMMARY

Twelve-year-old September lives in Omaha, and used to have an ordinary life, until her father went to war and her mother went to work. One day, September is met at her kitchen window by a Green Wind (taking the form of a gentleman in a green jacket), who invites her on an adventure, implying that her help is needed in Fairyland. The new Marquess is unpredictable and fickle, and also not much older than September. Only September can retrieve a talisman the Marquess wants from the enchanted woods, and if she doesn’t . . . then the Marquess will make life impossible for the inhabitants of Fairyland. September is already making new friends, including a book-loving Wyvern and a mysterious boy named Saturday. With exquisite illustrations by acclaimed artist Ana Juan, Fairyland lives up to the sensation it created when the author first posted it online. For readers of all ages who love the charm of Alice in Wonderland and the soul of The Golden Compass, here is a reading experience unto itself: unforgettable, and so very beautiful.

REVIEW

If you don’t believe in fairytales, or Fairyland, you may as well stop reading my review right now. If you DO believe in fairytales, be prepared to be mystified!

Fairyland is amazing because it holds so many wondrous settings. There is a witch’s lair, an autumn wonderland, and an island where household objects can talk. My favorite though, is the capital of Fairyland, where the buildings are made of colorful fabric. My imagination dreamt up a capital that looked like a rainbow.

My favorite character is September’s Wyvern friend. A wyvern is a dragon-like creature, and this Wyvern is named “A Through L” or Ell for short. Ell could tell you anything having to do with things that start with the letters A through L. He won me over with his loyalty and big heart.

Catherynne M. Valente uses a narrative perspective, allowing the reader to get into the minds of all the characters while also learning little facts that only the narrator knows. This helped me gain a better understanding of Fairyland’s history and laws. There was also some word-play using big words that I think would appeal to adults. I enjoyed this little twist.

What is a fairytale without illustrations? The drawings by Ana Juan make the story more believable. I love books with sketches like this because they feel like old-fashioned books. It is just perfect for a fairytale like this.

RATING

5 Loved

COVER COMMENTS

It’s September and Ell. I like that the cover picture looks like a simple drawing that is colored in. The little detail of Ell’s tale going through a cloud is sweet. I love how the picture is surrounded by gold and red. It has a classic fairytale feel.