The Girl Who Circumnavigated Fairyland in a Ship of Her Own Making Contest
Twelve-year-old September lives in Omaha, and used to have an ordinary life, until her father went to war and her mother went to work. One day, September is met at her kitchen window by a Green Wind (taking the form of a gentleman in a green jacket), who invites her on an adventure, implying that her help is needed in Fairyland. The new Marquess is unpredictable and fickle, and also not much older than September. Only September can retrieve a talisman the Marquess wants from the enchanted woods, and if she doesn’t . . . then the Marquess will make life impossible for the inhabitants of Fairyland. September is already making new friends, including a book-loving Wyvern and a mysterious boy named Saturday. With exquisite illustrations by acclaimed artist Ana Juan, Fairyland lives up to the sensation it created when the author first posted it online. For readers of all ages who love the charm of Alice in Wonderland and the soul of The Golden Compass, here is a reading experience unto itself: unforgettable, and so very beautiful.
First things first. This book is blurbed by Neil Gaiman. NEIL FREAKING GAIMAN. So I want to give you a chance to win it. You see, my favorite store in the world (Hicklebee’s) is having Cat Valente in on Sunday for a fairy tea party. Awesome right? So Saturday night I will pick a winner here on the blog to win a signed and personalized copy of the book! However if you can’t take the pressure and want to read the book you can call Hicklebee’s anytime and they will get you a signed and personalized copy shipped directly to you (888) 898-0093.
I love my indie, you have no idea how much I love my indie. Freaking J.K. Rowling signed there with the first Harry Potter book and only 20 people came! She drew the sorting hat on the wall and signed it. The walls at Hicklebee’s are filled with signatures, museum items like the actual Indian in the Cupboard, original art, the actual Traveling Pants and so much more.
To win the book (US Only sorry guys I am broke) just go to the Hicklebees website take a look around the site. Read what a Hicklebee is, check out J.K.’s signature. Get familiar with my favorite store. Then come back here and leave a comment telling me why your heart would belong at Hicklebee’s if you lived here! Also tell me how you would want your book signed…
I will have one of the staff pick a winner on Saturday night!
Review: The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman
Neil Gaiman captured my attention on Twitter with his wildly exotic and informative tweets. Even in 140 characters Gaiman steals the show and is the most entertaining author I follow. I received The Graveyard Book as a Mother’s Day present and set down immediately and began reading. It was immediately apparent that I was destined to fall in love with Gaiman’s writing style. I have read several more of his works since, and am always impressed by his use of colorful language and interesting plot scenarios. The Graveyard Book also features brilliant and dark illustrations at key points in the book. The author is able to capture audiences from a wide range of genre’s and ages, and has become one of the most innovative writers of his time.
Gaiman’s Graveyard Book follows a boy through his life being raised inside a cemetery. While this sounds a bit dark for younger readers, I assure you the author makes this seem the most normal occurance that could possibly be available for young Bod. He runs to the graveyard as a small child in the middle of the night and is immediately, after some small debate accepted as a resident with full supernatural graveyard powers. As Bod grows up he is challenged with school, friends, and coming of age. Realizations that maybe he wants more than what is to offer inside his small protective home.
It is not safe for Bod to leave the graveyard but as he becomes older he is learning there is more to life than spirits and the small tract of land, and graveyard law. There is a whole world of people just like him living normal lives outside the gates and Bod makes a decision to try to become part of both worlds. When the extent of what happened to Bod’s family surfaces he is forced to finish what was started years before when he was a small child.
I recommend this book for people who have enjoyed Gaiman’s previous works, age 11 to adult, people who like the Septimus Heap or The Nicholas Flamel Series. Fantasy buffs in general will enjoy the vivid storyline.
Neil Gaiman picture caption contest.
Head on over to Neil Gaiman’s blog to find out how you can win a signed copy of A Walking Tour of the Shambles, a Coraline movie t-shirt and soundtrack, and poster of the Graveyard Book!
This contest is to celebrate Neil’s approach to 100,000 followers on Twitter. If you are on Twitter you can follow him by using his name @neilhimself.
Good luck in the contest!
Finally my entry: click to see fullsize it doesn’t fit.
