A Natural History of Fairies

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Pub Date Sep 29 2020 | Archive Date Oct 06 2020

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Description

This enchantingly illustrated natural history of fairies, compiled in the 1920s by the botanist Professor Elsie Arbour for her niece, is now unveiled for readers of today.

Featuring a gold foil–embossed cloth cover, a ribbon marker, and sprayed gold edges, this gorgeous volume is filled with colorful sketches and precise notes detailing the secret life of fairies and their important role in the natural world.

Inside, you will discover the wide and wonderful array of different species of fairies around the globe and explore where and how they live. Delight in this hidden world as you learn all about:

  • The anatomy of a fairy (Land-based fairies have individual, separated toes, just as humans do. However, many species of water fairies have webbed feet.)
  • The life cycle of a fairy (When walking in the heather, be careful of the tiny flutterpillar of the Wicklow Fairy, decked out in greens and purples.)
  • Clever fairy camouflage (Reed fairies living in wetlands usually wear striped clothes to hide among the tall reeds.)
  • Fairies around the world (Meet the Lily Hopper of sub-Saharan Africa, the Queen Fairy of New Guinea, the Penguin Fairy of the Antarctic, and many more.)
  • Fairy habitats (Fairies make their homes in all types of places: woodlands, jungles, deserts, the Poles, and even human homes.)

Concluding with a reminder that we must protect the endangered habitats of fairies, and all other creatures too, this is a book to be treasured for a lifetime.

This enchantingly illustrated natural history of fairies, compiled in the 1920s by the botanist Professor Elsie Arbour for her niece, is now unveiled for readers of today.

Featuring a gold...


Available Editions

EDITION Other Format
ISBN 9781786037633
PRICE $30.00 (USD)
PAGES 64

Average rating from 42 members


Featured Reviews

This book is about a fairy researchers field notes. She always tried to keep her passion a secret because she feared she'd be ridiculed otherwise, so you have to discover them for yourself.

I'd adored this as a child. It would have been one of my favourite things. Not necessarily because it's about fairies, but because I love mockumentary style things. I still have my dragonology books by Ernest Drake and could remember that name just now without even wanting to. It simply popped in my head.

This book is illustrated, and a great way to sneak some knowledge into your child, about different habitats, what a habitat is, how to identify different trees by the shape of their leafs.

It is fun, so share it!

I recieved a copy of this book in exchange for a honest review.

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What a cool book about fairies! This book is perfect for fairy lovers of all ages and features tons of gorgeous illustrations throughout. I loved how it's presented as a natural history and shows the types of fairies throughout the world and their characteristics. I would recommend this for middle to late elementary school aged children.

Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for providing this ARC.

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**I was provided an electronic ARC from the publisher in exchange for honest review.**

Emily Hawkins presents A Natural History of Fairies, a book that documents a field researcher's findings about the fairy species. This book is beautifully illustrated by Jessica Roux.

Hawkins has clearly put a lot of research into making this work biologically reasonable and sound. The anatomy, taxonomy, habitats, food sources, and natural allies and enemies were all featured and well thought out. In addition to the brilliant descriptions by Hawkins, Roux's illustrations really make the book come to life in the manner of a textbook or field notebook.

I would absolutely recommend this book to any young reader (or young at heart!) who is interested in learning more about fairies in a manner that is scientifically minded. I enjoyed the logic and reason showcased by Hawkins and the beauty contributed by Roux.

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I received a free advance digital review copy of this book from Quarto Publishing via NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.

I was delighted to review A Natural History of Fairies, the publication of a 1920s botanist for her niece, as I also have a young niece who is enchanted by fairies, and I think would adore this beautifully illustrated book. I especially liked that the author presents her notes on fairies as a scientist would approach a field study of any other topic. For example, she discusses the scientific classification of fairies, explaining why she concludes they are mammals, analyzes their wings and the muscles that enable them to fly, and details how fairies differ and have adapted to their natural habitats around the world. She moves beyond the typical fairy tropes and considers fairy species who live in deserts, oceans, and arctic regions. Her writing sparks the imagination and invites readers to more closely observe their environment to search for signs of fairy life while also considering how changes in the environment affect fairies' survival.

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"I received a complimentary copy of this book through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own."
This book is absolutely beautiful and full of fun fairy information. I know my daughter would have loved this when she was little, and she might still treasure it now as a teenager. It was really well done.

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Thank you to NetGalley and Quarto Publishing Group for this copy of A Natural History of Fairies by Emily Hawkins In exchange for an honest review. It publishes September 29, 2020.
This is hands down one of the most beautiful books I’ve seen in years. This is the book I wish I had when I was younger. It’s fabulous! I can’t recommend any more than I do!
This would make a great gift!

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Thank you for the opportunity to review an electronic copy of “A Natural History of Fairies” by Emily Hawkins, expected Sept. 2020. This e-arc was read via the NetGalley Shelf app, which accurately portrays illustrations and text.

Initial thoughts: This book is stunningly illustrated. An immensely talented illustrator brought to life an educational book targeted at young readers, but I found this read to be appropriate for all ages above probably 7 or 8 years old. Something unique about this book, other than its amazing design, is the premise of the “uncovered files on fairy research by a botanist Professor Elsie Arbour.” Inside, the reader learns of botany, animals, biology, anatomy of a fairy, global anthropological approach to fairy… what one really sees is an underlying educational opportunity for kids in a very fun and beautiful portrayal. For example, there is a guide on how to explore for fairies, while also providing an opportunity to apply the educational value of the book.

Ultimately, I would highly suggest this to parents for their kids, young readers, librarians and schoolteachers. This is a GORGEOUS book well worth the money, as it is not only a beautiful edition but also has educational value (in a way that retains the fun and allure of a book about fairies!).

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ARC Copy...Beautiful illustrations and faux naturalist's appraoch-style to these magically wonderful creatures and their world. Might be loved the little "fairies" kiddies.

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A beautifully illustrated “natural history “ children’s book about fairies . I know a few adults who would also appreciate this beauty.. A must have for fairy lovers and book collectors

Thank you to NetGalley and publisher for a digital arc of this book in exchange for an ho est review.

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"This enchantingly illustrated natural history of fairies, compiled in the 1920s by the botanist Professor Elsie Arbour for her niece, is now unveiled for readers of today. Featuring a gold foil-embossed cloth cover, a ribbon marker, and sprayed gold edges, this gorgeous volume is filled with colorful sketches and precise notes detailing the secret life of fairies and their important role in the natural world.

Inside, you will discover the wide and wonderful array of different species of fairies around the globe and explore where and how they live. Delight in this hidden world as you learn all about:

The anatomy of a fairy (Land-based fairies have individual, separated toes, just as humans do. However, many species of water fairies have webbed feet.)
The life cycle of a fairy (When walking in the heather, be careful of the tiny flutterpillar of the Wicklow Fairy, decked out in greens and purples.)
Clever fairy camouflage (Reed fairies living in wetlands usually wear striped clothes to hide among the tall reeds.)
Fairies around the world (Meet the Lily Hopper of sub-Saharan Africa, the Queen Fairy of New Guinea, the Penguin Fairy of the Antarctic, and many more.)
Fairy habitats (Fairies make their homes in all types of places: woodlands, jungles, deserts, the Poles, and even human homes.)

Concluding with a reminder that we must protect the endangered habitats of fairies, and all other creatures too, this is a book to be treasured for a lifetime."

Ever since I first discovered Cicely Mary Barker I have been a fairy fanatic!

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I was delighted to have the opportunity to preview A Natural History of Fairies by Emily Hawkins and illustrated by Jessica Roux. A Natural History of Fairies takes these elusive creatures into a truly wondrous realm with scientific information presented in a playful manner--a cross between Cicely Mary Barker’s Flower Fairies and The Magic Schoolbus.

ANHF is presented as the field journal of Aunt Elise, a botanist who traveled the world from 1890s-1920s. Under the guise of learning about fairies, children will be exposed to the very real and varied natural history of a diversity of plants and animals. We are treated to scientific drawings, observational charts, and notes on the habits and habitats of creatures from around the world as we are given a peek into the lives of fairies.

One of the intrinsic messages in The Natural History of Fairies is that we need to be aware of the impact of our actions and that it is critical that we take care of our environment and respect natural habitats. NHOF is both engaging and inviting without being cloying or pedantic. Increasingly, our children are not able to enjoy the beauty and wonder that is hiding in the wild places in their backyards and neighborhoods; A Natural History of Fairies will invite them to venture into the magical realm.

I read a digital copy of the Natural History of Fairies and cannot wait to get my hands on a real copy (I have two on order). I highly recommend this book for all ages. Be sure to sharpen your pencils and prepare to do some fairy-finding. Enjoy!

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Oh, what I would have done to have had this book a young girl. This "textbook," encyclopedic book all about Fairies would have excited my little spirit to no end! Even as an adult reading it to myself (my kids are too young for this), I delighted in the illustrations and details.

A Natural History of Fairies dives into great detail about Fairy habitats, types, habits, food, life cycle, predators, abilities, and more! The illustration style is realistic and whimsical, I loved looking closely at the colors and fine sketching of the flora and fauna. The birds, trees, leaves, and flowers that both decorate the pages and are mentioned as part of the fairies habitat are all real and realistic looking.

I definitely noticed and appreciated that the fairies are both male and female, and there are pages dedicated to depictions of fairies from all over the world. How cool! It read more "scholarly" than like a little girly-girl book so it's a great addition to any family's home library.

Aside from how much young readers would like this book, any person who loves fantasy stories and fairies would enjoy this book! The facts and histories about fairies would be helpful for authors in writing a fairy story or book.

Thank you Quarto Publishing Group - Frances Lincoln Children's Books and NetGalley for an e-copy of this book in exchange for my honest review!

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Those who really know me know that I never really passed my fairy obsession phase. And those who barely know me know that I love natural sciences. As this book is a perfect combination of the two, it was bound to become a favorite.

I really liked the text, illustrations, and the composition of the book. The text was researched thoroughly to complement each diverse ecosystem. Especially I loved that the author included safari, desert, and polar fairies. Something that was always passed, as they are generally thought to be woodland creatures. The illustrations were not perfectly lined and colored, which makes the book more unique and gives it an antique look.

Overall, it's a really great children's book that can delight even adults.

The book would be perfect for any child that is remotely interested in fairies.

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Beautiful field guide style book all about faeries. Everything about this book is magical, from the writing to the beautiful illustrations. There are tons of details and information for kids to enjoy. I owned a similar book as a child, and it was one of my most prized possessions. No doubt, children now will feel the same way about this book. The writing makes everything feel so real; as thought you could walk outside and come across a fairy any time. Definitely a fun read for little ones who struggle to focus while reading. There are tons of entertaining sections to hold their interest!

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This was a gorgeously designed book! I absolutely loved the illustrations, and diving into the different breakdowns of the fairies. If you have a daughter (total boy mom here) or nieces, this would be a fabulous present!

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A Natural History of Fairies
By Emily Hawkins
Illustrated by Jessica Roux
From the Notebook of Professor Elsie Arbour
A hidden gem
The book is the true guide for any fairy fan. This book was originally written by Professor Elise Arbour for her niece in the 1920’s and has been recently compiled by the author, Emily Hawkins. Each page is filled with amazing fairy facts that Arbour has discovered on her many journeys. You can discover everything that you want to know about fairies, from all the different kinds of fairies, where they live and even what life is like for a fairy. I did not realise there were so many types of fairies before I read this book. I will remember to keep a look out for them next time I take a walk in nature. This has beautiful traditional style illustrations throughout and would be great as a starting point for creating your own fairy stories. A real delight. 5 stars. I recommend this for ages 6+. With kind thanks to Frances Lincoln Children’s books and NetGalley for this ARC.

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This is such a cute book. I imagine elementary aged students reading this one or flipping through looking at all of the pictures. The pictures are not cartoony, which makes it that much more “realistic.” The way the writing is presented reminds me of those DK books that focused on different topics and educational facts such as mummies and wild animals.

I loved how it had fairies from different continents, different environments, their life cycle and even their bone structure. It felt so real and like something my mom would have loved even. I grew up with fairy stuff everywhere because she loved them and this would have been one she would have had to have.

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For as long as I can remember, building fairy houses in my garden has been a mandatory springtime activity. This book immediately brought me back to those muddy cool days! I adored it, from the gorgeous watercolor illustrations, to the detailed profiles of an array of fairies. One of my favorite aspects was how they worked real world information (classification, habitats, etc) into the book to offer an unexpected education. It was also delightfully diverse, showing fairies of all gender, skin tone, and size on every page! Overall a fun read that I will be purchasing!

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Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for this beautiful ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This book was beautifully made and so superb thanks to the magnificent art that you can't not love and admire. I spent some time on each page because I loved looking at the illustrations. This book is so enchanting and captivating. We, readers and lovers of fantasy, will enjoy this book very much. I can say that fantasy writers must have this book for it is so inspiring. It was interesting how the author gave life to these little beings and she made them look like some kind of animals with different species and everything.

What also made this book so enjoyable to read and "turn its pages"was the illustrations. They gave to the descriptions of the fairies made by the author a lively magical existence.
This book was so wonderful and I had a good time while reading it and looking at the illustrations to the point that I want to go looking for the fairies in my garden and house.

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What a fun and gorgeous book about the natural history of fairies all over the world. I loved the illustrations and the writing and can't wait to get my hands on the paper version of this book as well as to bring it to the attention of all the young readers I know.

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This was a fun book. I really enjoyed the illustrations of this book, and I learned a lot about fairies. I don't know a lot about them, but now I feel like I know a bit more about them. It's an easy read and the illustrations do help a lot. Highly suggest the book.

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Firstly, the illustrations are tremendous. I did not realize that the illustrator was Jessica Roux, in which I adored her illustrations in Victorian Floriography. She is my absolute favorite illustrator, which has been solidified by A Natural History of Fairies.
Hawkins' field guide to fairies is extensive and informative. Not only does she preface the guide with the botanist, she creates an experience that blurs the lines of fact and fiction. The break up of each section was well done, scaffolding the information in a way that was easily digestible. I especially adored the end section which depicted various animals and plants which fairies shared a mutual or predatory relationship with. That section was very rooted in fact that could be useful to children readers, especially the explanations of real plants that provide a habitat.

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This was a beautifully illustrated reference book about the history of fairies. Kids will have fun reading the descriptions and learning about the different habitats of fairy species from around the world. You can decide at the end of the book if you believe fairies are real or not. I choose to believe they are real. :)

Thank you NetGalley for the ARC.

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A Natural History of Fairies by Emily Hawkins highlights different multi dimension of fairies. With this in mind, this book is a wholesome length and can be reread multiple times by a reader who is fascinated by fairies. The Illustrations by Jessica Roux were beautifully done and held a high level of detail. Further, it could inspire the reader to create their personal illustrations of fairies. Also, the structure of this book is idyllic for a younger fairy enthusiast to accompany them on their journey into nature and let their imaginative mind run wild. However, I would recommend this book to anyone who likes fairies, regardless of age.

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