Step into the enchanting world of Fairyland, where a brave girl named September sails across magical seas and battles whimsical villains in a realm bursting with wonder! Catherynne M. Valente’s Fairyland series is a dazzling blend of fantasy, fairy tale, and coming-of-age adventure that captivates readers of all ages. With its poetic prose and heartfelt themes, this New York Times bestselling series invites you to explore a land as quirky as Oz and as soulful as Narnia.
From its groundbreaking online origins to its critical acclaim, Fairyland has carved a unique space in children’s literature. Whether you’re a young reader or young at heart, September’s journey through a world of wyveraries, marids, and mischievous marquesses will leave you spellbound.
How Fairyland Began
The Fairyland series sprouted from an unexpected seed in Valente’s 2009 novel, Palimpsest, where a character mentions a fictional children’s book called The Girl Who Circumnavigated Fairyland in a Ship of Her Own Making. Fans clamored for this imaginary tale to become real, and Valente, inspired by their enthusiasm, launched it as a crowdfunded online project in 2009. This innovative approach made history when the first book won the Andre Norton Award before its traditional publication in 2011 by Feiwel & Friends, a feat that showcased the power of digital storytelling.
Valente’s love for classic children’s literature, like Alice in Wonderland and The Wizard of Oz, shaped Fairyland’s whimsical tone, but she infused it with modern wit and emotional depth. Set during World War II in Omaha, Nebraska, the series follows September, a 12-year-old girl whisked away by the Green Wind to a fantastical realm, proving that even ordinary kids can become extraordinary heroes.
The Heart of Fairyland
The five-book series begins with The Girl Who Circumnavigated Fairyland in a Ship of Her Own Making (2011), where September embarks on a quest to defeat the tyrannical Marquess, aided by a book-loving wyverary, A-Through-L, and a marid named Saturday. The Girl Who Fell Beneath Fairyland and Led the Revels There (2012) sees September confronting her shadow, Halloween, in a shadowy underworld. In The Girl Who Soared Over Fairyland and Cut the Moon in Two (2013), she journeys to the moon to battle a Moon-Yeti. The Boy Who Lost Fairyland (2015) shifts focus to a troll named Hawthorn, a changeling navigating Chicago, before The Girl Who Raced Fairyland All the Way Home (2016) crowns September queen in a thrilling finale.
Fairyland’s themes weave courage, identity, and sacrifice into a tapestry of lush, poetic prose. Valente explores growing up through September’s evolving understanding of fairness and responsibility, while her vibrant world—filled with creatures like paper lanterns and sentient Model T Fords—pulses with imagination. The series balances whimsy with poignant reflections on loss and choice, making it a bridge between children’s and adult fantasy. Its setting, a kaleidoscope of folklore from marids to Shakespearean fairies, feels both timeless and fresh.
Why Fairyland Resonates
Fairyland’s impact lies in its ability to enchant while challenging fantasy tropes. Its crowdfunded success revolutionized publishing, proving that grassroots support could launch a literary phenomenon. The series has garnered praise from Neil Gaiman and Time magazine, with the first book debuting at #8 on the New York Times Bestseller list and winning the CultureGeek Best Web Fiction of the Decade award. Fans cherish its inclusive storytelling, with subtle nods to diverse identities and relationships, making it a modern classic.
Valente’s lyrical style and Ana Juan’s evocative illustrations create a sensory feast, while September’s journey inspires readers to embrace their own courage. Fairyland remains a beloved read-aloud for families and a treasure for fantasy enthusiasts, its legacy enduring in its celebration of wonder and resilience.
- Publication Years: 2011–2016
- Number of Books: 5, plus a prequel novella
- Awards: Andre Norton Award (2009), CultureGeek Best Web Fiction of the Decade
- Illustrator: Ana Juan
Grab The Girl Who Circumnavigated Fairyland in a Ship of Her Own Making and dive into Fairyland’s magical realm today! Your adventure with September awaits.