A Fairy Went a'Marketing, Rose Fyleman

Paperback

Size:  approximately 21 x 27 cm

Published:  1986

Pages:  24

Originally printed in 1918 in Fairies and Chimneys, this poem has been well-loved for ninety years now and has been illustrated by many different artists over the years, including Cicely Mary Barker.  This particular book, however, has been gorgeously illustrated by Jamichael Henterly.  In A Fairy Went A-Marketing, a gentle fairy shows her love and appreciation for nature's treasures as she buys a fish, a bird, a winter gown and a mouse ... she delights in her purchases only for a short time, and then releases them for their own good or the good of others.  To quote the Bulletin for the Center for Children's Books, "Inherent in this poem is the idea that wild things should not be shut in, a theme children will sympathise with and benefit from."

Please see below a short video clip from YouTube that we thought we'd include for you to enjoy.  It is a very basic video of someone turning the pages of this beautiful book, while a song made from this gentle poem is playing in the background, essentially reading the book aloud for the viewer.  (Please note that the sung chorus is not part of the poem in the picture book.)  While you can't quite see the exquisite detail of the pictures, it is still a real treat to view.  Enjoy!   

Rose Amy Fyleman was an English writer and poet, noted for her works on the fairy folk, for children. She was born in Nottingham on 6 March 1877, and died in St. Albans on 1 August 1957.

Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books:  "Inherent in this poem is the idea that wild things should not be shut in, a theme children will sympathise with and benefit from."

From Kirkus Reviews:  "Exquisitely beautiful ... a picture book to pore over and treasure." Starred Review

"I can sum up this book in one word - exquisite!  Whilst there aren't actually a lot of words in it, every picture is definitely worth a thousand of them. What text there is, however, is poetic, poignant and full of worthy lessons for children about how rewarding looking after animals and nature can be, without being at all preachy. Tying in beautifully with those words, Jamichael Henterly's lush illustrations are some of the best I've ever seen--this illustrator's attention to detail will keep you looking at those pictures for hours, finding new and wonderful things all the while.   This may be a book for small children, but even if you don't have a child, read it anyway! It's like comfort food for the soul." - M A Bechaz (From Amazon)

From Publishers Weekly:  Henterly adds elaborate pictures to this simple verse taken from Fairies and Chimneys by the late Rose Fyleman. The artist has created a fairy-world of beauty with animals, plants, reptiles and small details making each double-page spread a breathtaking scene. The fairy-girl goes to market four times; whatever she buys - fish, bird, gown or mouse - she sets free or gives away. Henterly's luminous drawings reveal an eye for the many fleeting details of nature the curve of a squirrel's tail, the peeling bark of a birch tree." (Copyright 1986 Reed Business Information, Inc.)

From School Library Journal: PreS-Gr3 "A gentle fairy purchases nature's treasures but keeps them for her own pleasure only briefly before she releases them or gives them away. The four stanzas of Fyleman's verse, originally published in 1918, are pleasant but not particularly memorable in themselves. What makes this picture book exceptional are the exquisite illustrations. The dainty fairy with butterfly wings moves gracefully among nature's small creatures. Using a different season as the backdrop for each short narrative stanza, Henterly creates a panorama of the year. Rich colors and exquisite detail help children see the natural beauty that surrounds them. Children and adults will savor such touches as the fairy's wasp nest letter holder and her caterpillar boots. This is a book for unhurried gazing and quiet sharing." Kathy Piehl, Mankato State University, Minn. (Copyright 1987 Reed Business Information, Inc.)

"This has been a favorite in our house for 20+ years. With our first child and now with our youngest. The pictures are wonderful. Your child will love finding new things every time they read the book, and the message that is taught. Each time the fairy purchases a new animal, she then sets it free after she admires it, or ... she shares her coat with the frog so he can stay warm. The message of caring for others is expressed in an easy to understand way. Great book for children and adults to share." - R Graves (from Amazon)

"Our family loves this book! The illustrations are bright and lovely, with wonderful detail. Every time I read it I notice another wonderful little element in the pictures. The lesson is as beautiful. The fairy enjoys her wonderful coat all day and then gives it to a frog to keep him warm... she bought a little mouse to help her out at home and at the end of the day she thanked it and let it go, and so on. The rhyme keeps my toddler's attention and the illustrations keep my baby's as well. A must have!" - Anonymous (from Barnes and Noble)

"This is a wonderful book, beautifully illustrated. The story is one of gracious appreciation of others. Highly recommended." - Sodakgrrl (from Amazon)