A fairy goes to market in this picture book poem, purchasing a series of living creatures (and a garment)—a silver fish, a colored bird, a winter coat, and a gentle mouse—and then setting each free. Each verse of the poem is accompanied by vividly colorful artwork, as the fish is released in a pond, the bird set loose to fly aloft, the winter gown given to a frog, and the house-keeping mouse thanked and let go...

The poem in A Fairy Went A-Marketing is taken from author Rose Fyleman's 1918 collection, Fairies and Chimneys, and is presented here in picture book form with the beautiful artwork of contemporary illustrator Jamichael Henterly. The result is a lovely volume, one which pairs a wonderful poem—it reads well, and tells a sweet, heartwarming story of a fairy who knows that the little creatures she "buys" must be set free, even if she enjoys their company—with eye-catching visuals. The illustrations here weren't quite what I was expecting from a gentle fairy story. Somehow, I thought I would get something more pastel, whereas Henterly uses deep, vibrant colors, depicting her fairy heroine in all seasons. Recommended to all young fairy lovers, and to picture book readers who enjoy poetic read-alouds. For my part, I think I need to track down more of Rose Fyleman's work, as I had not even heard of her before picking this title up at random, in the children's room at my public library. ( )

This story of a lovely fairy's marketing day was originally published in 1918. This book's bright detailed pictures are a wonderful glimpse into fairyland. As the fairy indulges herself with thrilling purchases she remembers to treat all creatures with kindness. The fauna and flora in this book are beautifully detailed and the realistic snow-drops, bleeding hearts, trilliums, and thistles make you feel like you too are a-marketing with the fairy. ( )