Title: The Girl Who Circumnavigated Fairyland in a Ship of Her Own Making (Fairyland #1)

Author: Catherynne M. Valente

Publisher: Feiwel and Friends 2011

Genre: Children's Fantasy

Pages: 247

Rating: 4/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Library; Women Authors; 52 Books -- W25; Monthly Motif -- Long Journey

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.

Very cute little fantasy novel!  This is aimed at children and yet I found that it was a very interesting read for adults.  The reader is thrown right into the story experiencing the new and strange right along with September.  It reminded me of Peter Pan or The Wizard of Oz.  I loved meeting all the other characters especially the Green Wind.  Great writing, very imaginative story, fun characters.  What more could I want?

Fairyland

• #0.5 The Girl Who Ruled Fairyland -- For a Little While
• #1 The Girl Who Circumnavigated Fairyland in a Ship of Her Own Making
• #2 The Girl Who Fell Beneath Fairyland and Led the Revels There
• #3 The Girl Who Soared Over Fairyland and Cut the Moon in Two
• #4 The Boy Who Lost Fairyland
• #5 The Girl Who Raced Fairyland All the Way Home