Arthur Spiderwicks Field Guide to the fantastical world around you
Arthur Spiderwicks Field Guide to the fantastical world around you
By Tony DiTerlizzi and Holly Black
I quite enjoyed this book on a number of levels.
First, as an artist. The work is fantastic and imaginative, will still firmly rooted in real possibilities. The myriad of tiny sprites and fey who resemble insects and flowers are realistic and delightful in color and pattern. Even the uglier fey are detailed studies fun to observe and “pick apart” for their details. Another of my favorite illustrations is the griffin, for wonderful detail and realism, fantasy seamlessly blended with reality.
As an amateur naturalist myself, I can’t resist the detailed notes and sketches. The explanation of the merfolks gills is a particular favorite. In one, what appears to be hair is explained to be modified gills that filter oxygen from the water, and in another, spiricules such as crustaceans breathe through are seamlessly fitted under the ribs. At last, a way to draw beautiful mermaids without having to either say “it’s just magic” for how they breathe under water, or sacrifice and make ugly gills behind their cheekbones!
This wonderful peculiarity, in fact, runs throughout the book. Another favorite is on the freshwater nixie page. At last, I know why there are often those scraps of clothing or watersoaked newspapers around ponds! (I’m not giving it away, you will have to read it yourself).
Whether you are a child of 48 (like I am) or a child of more tender years, if you enjoy stories of the fey folk, you will enjoy the Spiderwick Chronicles, Books 1 through 5. And whether you have read the Spiderwick Chronicles or not, you will certainly enjoy the Field Guide.
Posted: Monday 19th June 2006, 4:03 PM
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