
The Fairies of Nutfolk Wood
by Barb Bentler Ullman
Since
her parents' divorce, Willa has been caught up in a whirlwind of change.
Change upsets her. She picks at her food, suffers bouts of nausea, and has
strange dreams. One of those dreams prompts Willa and her mother to move
away from the city and try something new in the country with its woods and
mountains.
Soon they find a little fixer-upper home to make their own. Something draws
Willa to the place, even. Is she dreaming? Is she seeing mirages? Or are
there, perhaps, sparkly little people living in dollhouse-sized huts in the
woods along Wicket's Road?
Willa isn't sure whether to believe in the Nutfolk or not. But she hears
stories of them - little fairy people of a distinctively American type -
from the elderly neighbor who takes care of her when Ma is at work. As she
gets caught up in the mystery and magic of the Nutfolk, Willa starts to
forget about the anxiety that twists her insides. She makes a friend.
She
shares a secret. She has an adventure with magic in it (maybe). And she
starts to feel better.
This is a gentle, homey romp "behind nature's magic." It is touched by
real-world problems that may make your heart ache, including the death of
loved ones, alcohol abuse, family conflict, depression and anxiety, aging,
and loneliness. But it is also warmed by hard work, a sun-dappled glen,
inspired art work, courage, friendship, love, and a little bit of magic. It
is a rare story in which fairies provide comfort and healing in an
all-American setting. And the fairy magic is only part of the reason to
cherish this gentle, charming book.
Robbie Fischer
USA
Recommended Age: 10+
If you would like to contact Robbie, you may do so here.
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