Today's Read: The Girl Who Circumnavigated Fairyland in a Ship of Her Own Making by Catherynne M. Vaente
Imagine you were a lonely farm girl with a vivid imagination who wished for the types of adventures you find in story books. What would happen if your wishes came true? September is about to find out.
Once upon a time, a girl named September grew very tired indeed of her parents' house, where she washed the same pink-and-yellow teacups and matching gravy boats every day, slept on the same embroidered pillow, and played with the same small and amiable dog. Because she had been born in May, and because she had a mole on her left cheek, and because her feet were very large and ungainly, the Green Wind took pity on her and flew to her window one evening just after her twelfth birthday. He was dressed in a green smoking jacket, and a green carriage-driver's cloak, and green jodhpurs, and green snowshoes. It is very cold above the clouds in the shantytowns where the Six Winds live.—The Girl Who Circumnavigated Fairyland in a Ship of Her Own Making by Catherynne M. Valente (Macmilian Childrens / Feiwel & Friends, 2011, p. 1)
Quick Facts
- Setting: Nebraska and Fairyland
- Circumstances: September is given a chance to visit Fairyland, where she meets strange, yet friendly, creatures; makes friends; solves puzzles; learns the rules, and goes on quests
- Characters: September, 12 years old from Nebraska; the Green Wind, who rides a flying leopard; Ell a Wyverary (a kind of dragon); Saturday, a Marid boy; plus witches and weres, a marquess, a key, and more
- Genre & audience: fairy story, magic, adventure, fantasy; middle grade and up
- What I loved; September is realistic, brave, and kind; the references to other fantasies and fairy tales; the terrific world building; the humor; the sheer fun of this novel
- Miscellaneous: first in a series (yay!); won the Andre Norton Award; was a Publishers Weekly Best Children's Fiction title for 2011; has awesome illustrations by Ana Juan
- Audiobook thoughts: the unabridged audiobook (Brilliance Audio; 7 hr, 17 min) was read by the author. Although Valente didn't have the polish of a professional, her performance was well done and reflected her obvious love of and familiarity with her characters and world
ISBN-13: 9780312649616
Copyright © cbl for Beth Fish Reads, all rights reserved (see review policy).
26 comments:
I do like the intro, even though it probably is not a book I would read. Thanks for sharing with us this week.
The opening, brought the Cinderella story to mind. This does sound like a good one for Middle Graders.
The title alone has captured my interest, but I really love this intro. Thanks for sharing...and I would keep reading.
BTW...love your new blog header.
Here's MY TUESDAY MEMES POST
Not for me!
Oh I adored this book! Read back in 2011. Seems so long ago... Anyway, the writing is so fascinating.. I just loved the language. Pretty thought provoking elements to the story, too. Interestingly, I meant to grab the 2nd book from the library on my last visit but I went without my list and forgot! I believe the 3rd book is coming out soon or has just come out.
Also, you can read the prequel story to this book for free on the author's page of free reads. It's called The Girl Who Ruled Fairyland--For a Little While.
This book is probably not for me, but what a great title!
I bet my sister would love this!
This is the kind of book that I could read, as well as my oldest granddaughter, who reads well above her grade level and we could talk about. You gave me a good idea :) thanks.
I think I would love this book. kelley—the road goes ever ever on
Sounds like a book my niece might like. My teaser: Oliver Twist
I love your description of the setting: "Nebraska and Fairyland" LOL
This one sounds like a really interesting read, I'm going to have to see if I can get my hands on a copy
Come see my Teaser Tuesday post
-Kimberly @ Turning the Pages
Great TT from you Beth. Here is mine http://cleopatralovesbooks.wordpress.com/2013/09/24/teaser-tuesday-september-24/
This sounds quite interesting :)
Thanks for sharing!
totally charming!
Oh, I didn't realize this was on audio...I've been wanting to read it for awhile. Thanks for sharing! I think I'd enjoy this very much.
Sounds intriguing.
http://tributebooksmama.blogspot.com/2013/09/teaser-tuesday_24.html
It's different than what I usually read, and I do like the intro, but not having the book in my hands, I'm not sure if I'd want to keep reading or not.
This sounds like an interesting read.
This sounds very imaginative. Oh yes, I'd keep reading.
I like your new header. Sounds magical.
I really want to read this with my five year old! It sounds wonderful!!
Interesting title, I'm intrigued what the story really sounds like.
- Krys
Would love to read this one. I really like The Green Wind.
Groovy Girl and I loved this tale! Thanks for letting everyone know about this wonderful read.
I have this book awaiting me. Glad to see you liked it so much.
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