Look up book reviews for The Fairies of Nutfolk Wood, a mid-grade children's novel by Barb Bentler Ullman.
Publisher's
Weekly
"Readers overwhelmed by the world's complexities will find
solace in Ullman's endearing first novel featuring woodland creatures
quite content to live an unfettered existence... Readers, no
doubt, will suspend their disbelief about the magical fairies much sooner
than Willa, and may yearn for more episodes about the Nutfolk."
*BOOKLIST
starred review, American Library Association
"...A convincing first-person narrative with the wholesome
appeal of fresh-baked bread."
Livemint.com & The Wall Street Journal - Parenting
Fairy, fairy, are you there?
An all-American story with a touch of the ethereal
"After the string of books in the fantasy genre set in times that the reader possibly cannot relate to, The Fairies is a pleasant diversion."
The Book Zombie: Better Books for Better Brains
"It’s not too often that I read books geared towards a younger audience, but I am glad that I picked up The Fairies Of Nutfolk Wood. This is a children’s book that really tells two stories at the same time. The main plot for me was about a young girl named Willa, and how she her life changes after her parents divorce. Willa finds herself being affected both emotionally and physically by this, she seems unsure of her feelings and also becomes melancholy, losing much of her child-like zest. Willa’s mother, in an effort to help her daughter and the situation, decides to pack-up and move them into the country to find peace."
"The other story is one of childhood magic, when Willa begins seeing fantastical things happening all around her in the woods surrounding her new home. However, Willa is not so easily convinced of this magical world and her skepticism is always trying to override her more fanciful wish that fairies and other creatures are real."
"The binding of these two plots was really good, it was great to see how Willa tried so hard to think of the situation in a logical way, while it was obvious that she would like nothing more than to surrender her good sense and believe in magic. I also enjoyed the structure of the story, it was told in an easy and relaxed manner, with little to no major conflict, other than everyday nuisances. It’s nice to see a children’s book that doesn’t rely on bad guys, but instead tells of the life of a young girl and her very real troubles. The characters were interesting, the pacing was well-done, and the descriptions were terrific - especially the forest setting, of which the author creates vivid thoughts of how the trees and foliage must appear."
What
the Junior Room Is Reading
Kids' stuff at Downer's Grove Public Library, Illinois
Miss Donna says, “This is an enchanting story on many levels:
recovery, growth, friendship, and maybe, just maybe – fairies.
I highly recommend this book.”
Curled
up with a good Kid's Book
A reading resource for kids, teachers, librarians and parents
"This is a beautifully written first novel. Ullman’s
work is gentle and avoids snap solutions to the hard griefs that plague
the lives of her characters. The Nutbone family is a welcome addition
to fairy lore. Children from grades 2 to 4 will enjoy it."
Girl’s
idea about fairies turns into book
Kirby Larson
Newbery Honor Winner for Hattie
Big Sky
"This quiet, charming fantasy left me hoping that the whispers
I hear on the breeze as I garden may be Willa's nutfolk."
Kidsreads
Reviews by Sarah Sawtelle
"THE FAIRIES OF NUTFOLK WOOD is a magical story of fairies
set in North America. I've always liked old-fashioned stories about
fairies and found this one to be another classic that readers young
and old will enjoy. While a story of magic, the novel is also about
a young girl's discovery of the changing world around her as she grows
up, and the family and friends who support her while she's going through
a confusing time in her life. Highly recommended."
Fantasy
and Mythology, Explored by Colleen Luxem, The Bookstall
"This is a great story about family, friends, and the importance
of believing. Ages 8 - 11"
April 7, 2006
Review
of the Day: The Fairies of Nutfolk Wood
A Fuse #8 Production, Blog by Donnell Central Children's Room Librarian,
Manhattan, New York:
"What Ullman does particularly well is descriptions. The feel
of Willa’s new trailer home room, the beauty of Hazel’s
gardens, the peaceful quality to the woods, all of this is described
in such a irresistable tone of voice than I wouldn’t be surprised
if more than one city kid who reads this book suddenly gets a flash-in-the-pan
desire to go live in the country too. All in all, reading 'The Fairies
of Nutfolk Wood' is like putting on a comfortable pair of shoes. It
just fits."