Excellent, it makes the creatures from old fairy tales seem real and explains why we do and don't see them all the time, and where we could see them. Since I bought it, it has been one of my childhood favorites. ( )

These are the beings that exist in dreams and haunt our nightmares. Creatures of myth, unseen and forgotten by humankind for so long. But they have not forgotten us. They hide in shadow, play in darkness, live beside us and all the while we go about our lives ignorant of their existence. But there are those who believe, and a smaller few who have seen. This book is their proof, their warning, these creatures are real, and though not all are to be feared they are all to be respected.

Arthur Spiderwick's Field Guide to the Fantastical World Around You offers detailed descriptions, depictions and dwellings of these unique and extraordinary creatures. A treasured resource that will be appreciated by both believers and non believers of the magical world. This essential tome will bring enlightenment, enchantment and entertainment to those brave enough to open its pages, not to mention opening your eyes to a world rarely seen, often wondered about and greatly misunderstood. ( )

Spiderwick cronicles is about a family that lives in the city. but when they cant afford it they move far away to there aunts old house. Where they find allot more then they can ever imagine. Three children Jarrod, Simon and Mallory find another world filled with faeries goblins and more. Jarrod wants to learn more but will it get him in trouble?

i feel this book was very good and fulled with adventure, action and mystory. if you want a short easy read and a great book this is the book for you. ( )

In the Spiderwick series, the Grace children found an unusual field guide. Instead of giving details about trees, birds, or fish, their field guide scientifically examined fairy creatures. I consider the Spiderwick series one of my top children's fantasy books, and when I read the first book, I imagined how amazing it would be to find a guide like that in a secret room in my house. It is no surprise that I was considerably excited when the author and illustrator of this great series created an actual field guide for publication, that was supposedly a replica of Arthur Spiderwick's original book which is at the heart of the Spiderwick series.

The result is everything my imagination could ask for. The field guide features thirty one fairy creatures, with full-page illustrations, descriptions, "replicas" of small sketches and notes from Arthur Spiderwick, and allusions to other texts and historical accounts. Several of the creatures are a given, such as the unicorn or the dragon, but others are less explored fairy tale subjects, such as the kelpie. The illustrator, Tony DiTerlizzi, has been a favorite of mine since I first discovered his work, and this book demonstrates his abilities to great advantage. The creatures are gorgeously presented, with great detail, and a whimsy that is attractive and offers the artist's unique vision on frequently-illustrated fantasy subjects. The entries are written to sound as if Spiderwick wrote them, and blend anecdotes and data; as Arthur describes in the preface, his interest is to show the scientific world that fairies are a valid and fascinating source of study. The notes that are reproduced bring another level of reality to the book, ominously hinting at Arthur's final fate.

This book is a treasure. The artwork is fabulous, the fairy entries are informative but presented with wonderful style, and the back story that is glimpsed through the letters and newspaper clippings is enticing and mysterious. The authors have made a loving, and lovely, encyclopedia of fairy creatures. The premise that this is an actual field guide made by a real person, and the threats about getting involved in the fairy world, just add to the fun. Where was this book when I was a child? I would have worn it out with incessant rereading. As an adult, the only difference is that I will take care to keep the package and beautiful illustrations in good condition, as they deserve. ( )

I haven't read any of the Spiderwick books, but after enjoying this one, it seems like I probably ought to ... a beautifully-illustrated field guide to the faerie folk. A fun little escape into a different world, and who doesn't need that every now and then? ( )