Neil Gaimon (I absolutely, definitely, definitively follow his journal) has written some fabulous children's books recently; or should I say has allowed some of his material to be repackaged and envisioned as illustrated children's literature.
Two books in particular: the first being Blueberry Girl (actually an original work, inspired by a friend's child), and the second is Instructions (which was originally a poem in one of his short story collections). Both books are illustrated by renowned artist Charles Vess - a specialist in fantastical imagery.
Blueberry Girl is a wonderful poem about fostering a young girl's growth through life from an early age, filled with much underpinning mythological significance (as per Gaimon) - or maybe that's just my reading.
Instructions is a truly wonderful poem, and should be learnt by heart by every primary school student. I think I might start at home with that idea. It's a poem detailing all the necessary 'instructions' a traveller in fairy will need in order to return safely home - to return, but to a new changed home. It is wonderfully evocative of the power inherent within fairy stories, and what that can bring to the human imagination young and old. Highly recommended.
Below are two of the promo trailer videos of the books. Enjoy my brave fairy land wanderers.
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