The interior still includes all of the well-loved illustrations and poems from Barker's eight original books, as well as a selection of fairy rhymes. Most of the wild and cultivated plants included in the Flower Fairy books can still be easily found, and still, we hope, continue to inspire future generations of all ages. This book has lovely poetry, which at times I struggle with since I am not that much into poetry, but the drawings, colorings, the feel of the book just makes you want more. The bloodthirsty biographies of the world’s most infamous pirates are reproduced in this Folio edition of Captain Charles Johnson’s renowned work, including original woodcut illustrations and a fascinating introduction by Margarette Lincoln. This exclusive Folio collection features 12 classic tales, including The Tale of Peter Rabbit, The Tale of Jemima Puddle-Duck and The Tale of the Flopsy Bunnies.

Aside from said drivel, my favourite poems were those for the Bird’s-Foot-Trefoil, Michaelmas Daisy, Snapdragon, Fumitory, Gorse, and Pansy fairies. She found wider acclaim as an artist with her delightful Flower Fairies books, the first of which, Flower Fairies of the Spring, was printed in 1923. Because of ill-health she was educated at home and largely taught herself to draw and paint, encouraged by a supportive family and assisted by membership of the Croydon Art Society. The connection of seeing and then writing what I see is a art form not often done or done well, but Cicely Mary Barker did it with absolute perfection!Her paintings of the fairies with the flowers are beautiful and encouraged me to take up painting and hope to become an artist one day (I did but her fairies stand alone). In my opinion this would be a lovely book to read together with any young child, but is particularly interesting for girls of all ages. If someone is interested in seeing/purchasing these pictures of this collection (without the poems) should go to http://www. The book has the complete collection of poems of Cicely Mary Barker divided in sections with the drawings in great quality and detail.

The flower fairies appear most realistic; perhaps because C M Barker used to sketch the children at her sister's school, bringing the faces of innocent childhood to her world of delightful fantasy. Cicely Mary Barker was the illustrator who created the famous Flower Fairies; those ethereal smiling children with butterfly wings.This complete collection of Cicely Mary Barker’s Flower Fairies features a brand-new enchanting cover.

The characters of all the humble flowers and trees we can see along the lanes, in the fields and gardens are charmingly captured, with little asides that immortalise country sayings and wisdom. The art is stunning and the poems are sweet and informative without feeling like you are just sitting learning a lesson about plants. We have the collection as smaller individual copies which also have their charm, sometimes bigger books seem overwhelming and lose the magic, however in this case, all is as it should be. We get to learn which flowers bloom in summer, winder, spring and autumn, and even which berries are edible and which ones will send you off into the land of poison. Seamus Heaney’s deeply felt interpretation, widely acknowledged as the greatest Beowulf translation of modern times, is presented in parallel with the Old English verse in this fabulous Folio edition.It's not every day that Killer Aphrodite reviews picture books or children's books, but The Complete Book of the Flower Fairies by Cicely Mary Barker is very special. Years ago I wore out my little Flower Fairy books and it's delightful to be able to replace them - poor broken tatty things that they are - with a big, fancy all inclusive book! Not only does it work as a collection of poems, but it also helps teaches children about flowers and plants and enriches nature for them. Barker’s whimsical verses introduce the reader to fairies that appear throughout the seasons, as different trees and plants bloom. All in poetry form, with the paintings as fresh as they day were were completed, a clear index provided for favourites to be quickly found, this is a perfect choice for all ages to share and enjoy.