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How to See Faeries
International bestselling artist Brian Froud and New York Times bestselling author John Matthews come together for the first time to create a spectacular interactive book that opens the doors to the enchanted world of Faerie. How does one discover faeries in one’s backyard or a garden, forest, or meadow? Through insets, hidden messages, magical signs, reflective mirrors, and other paper mechanics, Froud and Matthews reveal how anyone may discover the way to the land of Faerie. All you need is to believe and to own this book!
80 pages, Hardcover
First published April 1, 2011
About the author
Brian Froud
81 books925 followersBrian Froud is an award-winning illustrator, author, and faery authority. His books include the international best-sellers Faeries, Lady Cottington's Pressed Fairy Book, Lady Cottington's Fairy Album, and The Faeries' Oracle. He also served as the conceptual designer on Jim Henson's films The Dark Crystal and Labyrinth. Froud lives in Devon, England.
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"I paint the spirit and soul of what I see." - Brian Froud
For over 35 years, Brian Froud has been regarded as the pre-eminent faerie artist in the world and an authority on faeries and faerie lore. His international best-selling book, FAERIES with fantasy and Tolkien illustrator Alan Lee is considered a modern classic. His landmark work with Jim Henson as conceptual designer on feature films THE DARK CRYSTAL, LABYRINTH and other Henson projects set new standards for design, puppeteering and animatronics in film and are considered landmarks in the evolution of modern day special effects and attract an international cult following . With over 8 million books sold to date, Brian's international best sellers include LADY COTTINGTON'S PRESSED FAIRY BOOK, GOOD FAERIES / BAD FAERIES and THE FAERIES' ORACLE and LADY COTTINGTON'S FAIRY ALBUM. Other works with text by Ari Berk include GOBLINS!, RUNES OF ELFLAND, LADY COTTINGTON PRESSED FAIRY LETTERS and BRIAN FROUD'S WORLD OF FAERIE. His latest books are THE HEART OF FAERIE ORACLE, authored by his wife, Wendy and HOW TO SEE FAERIES, with New York Times best-selling author, John Matthews are published by Abrams Books. He and Wendy are now working on their forthcoming book, TROLLS, to be published by Abrams in 2012.
Brian's work has been licensed by numerous licensing companies internationally. His work inspires Faerieworlds and FaerieCon, festival events that attract over 30,000 guests annually. Brian created concept designs for a sequel to THE DARK CRYSTAL, produced by the Jim Henson Company and is developing concept designs for feature film projects now in development. He and Wendy created the story concept for a graphic novel series based on THE DARK CRYSTAL to be published by Archaia Comics in 2011. His work has been featured in exhibitions throughout the world and his paintings reside in many private and public collections. Brian lives in Devon, England with his wife, internationally acclaimed doll maker Wendy Froud.
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"I paint the spirit and soul of what I see." - Brian Froud
For over 35 years, Brian Froud has been regarded as the pre-eminent faerie artist in the world and an authority on faeries and faerie lore. His international best-selling book, FAERIES with fantasy and Tolkien illustrator Alan Lee is considered a modern classic. His landmark work with Jim Henson as conceptual designer on feature films THE DARK CRYSTAL, LABYRINTH and other Henson projects set new standards for design, puppeteering and animatronics in film and are considered landmarks in the evolution of modern day special effects and attract an international cult following . With over 8 million books sold to date, Brian's international best sellers include LADY COTTINGTON'S PRESSED FAIRY BOOK, GOOD FAERIES / BAD FAERIES and THE FAERIES' ORACLE and LADY COTTINGTON'S FAIRY ALBUM. Other works with text by Ari Berk include GOBLINS!, RUNES OF ELFLAND, LADY COTTINGTON PRESSED FAIRY LETTERS and BRIAN FROUD'S WORLD OF FAERIE. His latest books are THE HEART OF FAERIE ORACLE, authored by his wife, Wendy and HOW TO SEE FAERIES, with New York Times best-selling author, John Matthews are published by Abrams Books. He and Wendy are now working on their forthcoming book, TROLLS, to be published by Abrams in 2012.
Brian's work has been licensed by numerous licensing companies internationally. His work inspires Faerieworlds and FaerieCon, festival events that attract over 30,000 guests annually. Brian created concept designs for a sequel to THE DARK CRYSTAL, produced by the Jim Henson Company and is developing concept designs for feature film projects now in development. He and Wendy created the story concept for a graphic novel series based on THE DARK CRYSTAL to be published by Archaia Comics in 2011. His work has been featured in exhibitions throughout the world and his paintings reside in many private and public collections. Brian lives in Devon, England with his wife, internationally acclaimed doll maker Wendy Froud.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
November 12, 2018
If you know me, you know how I adore fairies. I also work with oracle decks and I love Brian Froud’s Faerie Oracle cards. They are amazing. Well, this children’s book makes a little story out of those cards and art work. It talks about how to see faeries. You simply look and everyone can see them.
This is beautiful. Simply gorgeous. This is another pop-up I want to own. There are open flaps, pop-ups, pull tabs and doors to open. It was fun for me and I need to find a way to get the kids to see this. Another score in the children’s reading room of the LIbrary of Congress!! Any child who loves fairies should enjoy this. It’s engaging and beautiful and magical. The green man makes an appearance. I love the elevated artwork here. I need a whole week to spend in that room. I could find some cool things.
I hope to read this to the kids someday. They were not with me at the LoC.
This is beautiful. Simply gorgeous. This is another pop-up I want to own. There are open flaps, pop-ups, pull tabs and doors to open. It was fun for me and I need to find a way to get the kids to see this. Another score in the children’s reading room of the LIbrary of Congress!! Any child who loves fairies should enjoy this. It’s engaging and beautiful and magical. The green man makes an appearance. I love the elevated artwork here. I need a whole week to spend in that room. I could find some cool things.
I hope to read this to the kids someday. They were not with me at the LoC.
November 23, 2011
It's not hard to see faeries, not really if you try. Though you may only see them if your looking, it may not be with your eyes. There are many ways and means to Faerie, through games and rhyme and art. But the best way to spot a faerie is to use your own true heart. So keep your mind open and taken time to listen, for if you're very lucky you may see a faerie too.
But a warning to all who venture here, for time is not the same. And with each page a lifetimes lived, treasured moments to be relived again. Watch for the symbols and follow the clues, be ready to step through the gate. Just remember, though they are tricksters, meeting faeries is up to fate. When strolling through Faerie, slow down and take your time, after all you're just a visitor and you're only passing through.
How To See Faeries is more then just a beautiful guide book to the fey, this is a portal to another world not all that far away. Here you are guided by the hand, into a strange and wondrous Faerie Land. A place of hidden messages and magical devices, staying close to your heart it more then suffices. But just remember, although you may seek to see a faerie, it may just be a faerie that is seeking to see you.
But a warning to all who venture here, for time is not the same. And with each page a lifetimes lived, treasured moments to be relived again. Watch for the symbols and follow the clues, be ready to step through the gate. Just remember, though they are tricksters, meeting faeries is up to fate. When strolling through Faerie, slow down and take your time, after all you're just a visitor and you're only passing through.
How To See Faeries is more then just a beautiful guide book to the fey, this is a portal to another world not all that far away. Here you are guided by the hand, into a strange and wondrous Faerie Land. A place of hidden messages and magical devices, staying close to your heart it more then suffices. But just remember, although you may seek to see a faerie, it may just be a faerie that is seeking to see you.
December 11, 2014
So young wizards and witches do you wanna see faeries? Well if you are a young adult or a serious practitioner then this book might not be the book for you. Quite frankly I am a bit surprised as John Matthews is an expert on Celtic and faerie lore. Brian Froud is world renowned for his faerie art work. I was somewhat shocked as I expected a bit more substance.
Yet to be fair this is an excellent children’s book and I am talking young elementary school children. The writing is simplistic and cute , perfect appeal for kindergarten through 2and grade. The art work from Brian Froud as awesome as always, and maybe that alone is worth the price of the book. There are some excellent portal drawings which if you meditate on them serious wizard or witch you just might be able to enter the realm of the faeries.
Now the purchase is not a total loss, as you do learn a few things about being able to see faeries. First off always speak in rhymes, faeries love rhymes. The next thing you need to know is that there are no rules when it comes to seeing faeries. The third is thing is slow down and take the time to see faeries, they are everywhere but we are just too rushed to noticed.
The faeries are there, located in those liminal spaces and times. Perhaps at sunset and sunrise trooping to and fro. Check beneath the and in between the leave maybe they are hiding there. Let us not forget that their world occupies the same space as ours. They are tricky little fellows.
Yet to be fair this is an excellent children’s book and I am talking young elementary school children. The writing is simplistic and cute , perfect appeal for kindergarten through 2and grade. The art work from Brian Froud as awesome as always, and maybe that alone is worth the price of the book. There are some excellent portal drawings which if you meditate on them serious wizard or witch you just might be able to enter the realm of the faeries.
Now the purchase is not a total loss, as you do learn a few things about being able to see faeries. First off always speak in rhymes, faeries love rhymes. The next thing you need to know is that there are no rules when it comes to seeing faeries. The third is thing is slow down and take the time to see faeries, they are everywhere but we are just too rushed to noticed.
The faeries are there, located in those liminal spaces and times. Perhaps at sunset and sunrise trooping to and fro. Check beneath the and in between the leave maybe they are hiding there. Let us not forget that their world occupies the same space as ours. They are tricky little fellows.
June 4, 2011
Seeing faeries is like those magic eye pictures. Until you know just how to look at a picture you will not see anything there. Most of the time I thought people were making up the fact that there was a picture in those images of weird geometric patterns. That is until one day it actually worked. I could finally see what had been right in front of me all along!
Seeing faeries is not just about going out into the garden and being patient while waiting to catch a glimpse of one. You have to go outside with the right attitude.
Brian Froud and John Matthews have put together a guide with images and words to inspire those wishing to see and interact with the faeries. It is not a how to book – for everyone will find the faeries in their own way. It has wise words – you must SEE and LISTEN.
Fans of Froud’s artwork will instantly recognise the myriad of folk that live in the borderlands. From mushroom folk, dwarves, and pixies to the elegant faeries and king and queene themselves.
The book has a lot of interactive components – flaps that you lift, swirling mirrors, and 3-D pop-up pages which will appeal to children. The text is sparse flowing over and around the pages through verse and dialogue.
An absolutely delightful and easy read for those wishing to find the faeries. Once the book is read, it is worth going back and looking at the artwork in detail. There are a lot of little faces and personalities that will be found only on closer inspection.
Good luck in finding the faeries if you have not already done so – once you do it’s a fantastical adventure!
Seeing faeries is not just about going out into the garden and being patient while waiting to catch a glimpse of one. You have to go outside with the right attitude.
Brian Froud and John Matthews have put together a guide with images and words to inspire those wishing to see and interact with the faeries. It is not a how to book – for everyone will find the faeries in their own way. It has wise words – you must SEE and LISTEN.
Fans of Froud’s artwork will instantly recognise the myriad of folk that live in the borderlands. From mushroom folk, dwarves, and pixies to the elegant faeries and king and queene themselves.
The book has a lot of interactive components – flaps that you lift, swirling mirrors, and 3-D pop-up pages which will appeal to children. The text is sparse flowing over and around the pages through verse and dialogue.
An absolutely delightful and easy read for those wishing to find the faeries. Once the book is read, it is worth going back and looking at the artwork in detail. There are a lot of little faces and personalities that will be found only on closer inspection.
Good luck in finding the faeries if you have not already done so – once you do it’s a fantastical adventure!
May 22, 2015
Artist Brian Froud and author John Matthews come together in a fun and whimsical way to dare you to believe in Fairies and seeing them. This book is a must read for all who have a heart open to whimsy and amazing artwork.
March 6, 2014
Simply magical! As with all Brian Froud books, the artwork is surreal, ethereal and beautiful. I love all the interactive parts as it makes it feel more real and fun. I often go back to read parts again. One of the best faery books out there!
December 27, 2023
How could I ever not fall in love with a book that's illustrated by Brian Froud?
I'm super glad I was able to get this gem second hand for my birthday this year. It seems like alot of the books that Froud has illustrated are out of print, wich is a complete and utter shame. I can't think of many other picture books that fill me up with so much joy and wonder like these type of books do. I really hope that there will one day be new books by Brian Froud, because I'm starting to finish each and every one of them and that's NOT making me happy.
It's a shame that this book has not been translated into Dutch. I would have fallen head over heels for a book like this when I was a child and I think this would be an utter treassure to read to my own kids one day.
The writing in this was nice and funny, but was definitely not the main focus of this book. Books like 'How to See Faeries' are more of an experience, much like one would experience a 3D movie. The illustrations, the text, the pop-up parts and the interactive suprises in here were an absolute delight and should be enjoyed as a whole, rather than in separate pieces. Books like this one truly make my world a bit better and I teared up when holding this one in my hand. If I could have given this beauty a 1000 stars on Goodreads, I would have!
I'm super glad I was able to get this gem second hand for my birthday this year. It seems like alot of the books that Froud has illustrated are out of print, wich is a complete and utter shame. I can't think of many other picture books that fill me up with so much joy and wonder like these type of books do. I really hope that there will one day be new books by Brian Froud, because I'm starting to finish each and every one of them and that's NOT making me happy.
It's a shame that this book has not been translated into Dutch. I would have fallen head over heels for a book like this when I was a child and I think this would be an utter treassure to read to my own kids one day.
The writing in this was nice and funny, but was definitely not the main focus of this book. Books like 'How to See Faeries' are more of an experience, much like one would experience a 3D movie. The illustrations, the text, the pop-up parts and the interactive suprises in here were an absolute delight and should be enjoyed as a whole, rather than in separate pieces. Books like this one truly make my world a bit better and I teared up when holding this one in my hand. If I could have given this beauty a 1000 stars on Goodreads, I would have!
August 2, 2019
Un regalo inesperado. Lo primero que puedo decir: este libro es BELLÍSIMO. No sólo por las ilustraciones de Froud (algunas ya las habíamos visto en otras obras suyas como "Good Faeries/Bad Faeries") sino por el trabajo que tiene el libro en sí: tapa dura, con impresión lenticular, pop ups y otros detalles que están al servicio de la historia. Cada peso que paguen por este libro vale la pena.
July 24, 2014
What a gem! What a delight!
How To See Fairies, illustrated by the illustrious Brian Froud, is almost everything a book about faerie should be. It’s classified as a “toy book” with pop-ups, tabs, hidden panels and other paper gimmicks, but these features add to the childlike wonder of this book. The thick cardboard cover features a round cutaway with a holographic image of a shimmering between a portal and a faerie creature.
I wasn’t sure at first if the introduction was a letter from the author or a narrative voice beginning to tell the story, and as Mathews writes about seeing faeries as a child and young man, I wondered if it could possibly be true. So few books convey an anticipatory numinosity, and when I got to the line “Because we believe anyone can see faeries” I was truly engrossed. I was pleased that Matthews could cut through my mature adult jadedness.
The book’s weakness—and I must admit, it is a significant weakness—is its amateur verse narrative. Stick to prose, Mr. Matthews. Midbook, the reader gets to ‘listen in’ on a dialogue between faeries, and that section reads more strongly. Froud’s illustrations feature his recognizable faerie style, additionally adorned with Celtic triskells, a Cretan labyrinth, the Green Man, and other delightful details. You can see the influence of Matthews’ other books in these artistic designs.
A lift-the-flap old one mesmerizes, but the true finale is the sumptuous double-page pop-up four-leaf clover. That’s a design I would wear on a t-shirt or hang as a tapestry in my spare bedroom. After properly cautioning readers of the tendencies of faeries to mischief, the book’s final prize is a ‘take away’ folding portable portal for readers to see faeries on their own.
Bravo, gentleman. Using mixed media, they have managed to recreate the wonder of Faerie. As the final page reminds: “The real journey is just beginning.”
How To See Fairies, illustrated by the illustrious Brian Froud, is almost everything a book about faerie should be. It’s classified as a “toy book” with pop-ups, tabs, hidden panels and other paper gimmicks, but these features add to the childlike wonder of this book. The thick cardboard cover features a round cutaway with a holographic image of a shimmering between a portal and a faerie creature.
I wasn’t sure at first if the introduction was a letter from the author or a narrative voice beginning to tell the story, and as Mathews writes about seeing faeries as a child and young man, I wondered if it could possibly be true. So few books convey an anticipatory numinosity, and when I got to the line “Because we believe anyone can see faeries” I was truly engrossed. I was pleased that Matthews could cut through my mature adult jadedness.
The book’s weakness—and I must admit, it is a significant weakness—is its amateur verse narrative. Stick to prose, Mr. Matthews. Midbook, the reader gets to ‘listen in’ on a dialogue between faeries, and that section reads more strongly. Froud’s illustrations feature his recognizable faerie style, additionally adorned with Celtic triskells, a Cretan labyrinth, the Green Man, and other delightful details. You can see the influence of Matthews’ other books in these artistic designs.
A lift-the-flap old one mesmerizes, but the true finale is the sumptuous double-page pop-up four-leaf clover. That’s a design I would wear on a t-shirt or hang as a tapestry in my spare bedroom. After properly cautioning readers of the tendencies of faeries to mischief, the book’s final prize is a ‘take away’ folding portable portal for readers to see faeries on their own.
Bravo, gentleman. Using mixed media, they have managed to recreate the wonder of Faerie. As the final page reminds: “The real journey is just beginning.”
July 31, 2013
Libro pop-up graficamente stupendo, del resto le immagini sono del grande Froud.
Purtroppo però mi aspettavo più scritte/brani e più "pop": i pop-up per definizione mirano principalmente a stimolare visivamente ma ne ho altri che non sono affatto poveri di contenuti ma ricchi di bigliettini, scomparti da scoprire e aprire, linguette da tirare e muovere, libricini dentro libricini da leggere, immagini da toccare e vivere a 360° gradi e, soprattutto, i più hanno anche una storia portante.
Qui invece abbiamo solo le immagini di Froud, ogni pagina contiene 1 solo pop che può essere un semplice biglietto da aprire o da guardare e pochissime parole, non c'è una storia portante ma solo una ripetizione di frasi che riguardano le fate e il fatto che vivono nel loro mondo misterioso.
insomma, abbastanza deludente se si cerca un libro da "vivere", lo consiglio solo per gli amanti di Froud, è da collezionismo ma una volta guardate le immagini lo si ripone e difficilmente si guarderà di nuovo.
Purtroppo però mi aspettavo più scritte/brani e più "pop": i pop-up per definizione mirano principalmente a stimolare visivamente ma ne ho altri che non sono affatto poveri di contenuti ma ricchi di bigliettini, scomparti da scoprire e aprire, linguette da tirare e muovere, libricini dentro libricini da leggere, immagini da toccare e vivere a 360° gradi e, soprattutto, i più hanno anche una storia portante.
Qui invece abbiamo solo le immagini di Froud, ogni pagina contiene 1 solo pop che può essere un semplice biglietto da aprire o da guardare e pochissime parole, non c'è una storia portante ma solo una ripetizione di frasi che riguardano le fate e il fatto che vivono nel loro mondo misterioso.
insomma, abbastanza deludente se si cerca un libro da "vivere", lo consiglio solo per gli amanti di Froud, è da collezionismo ma una volta guardate le immagini lo si ripone e difficilmente si guarderà di nuovo.
September 18, 2011
This is, without a doubt, a book that appeals to all age groups. After I finished it, my father asked to borrow it; when he finished, he read it to my little sister. It is now making it's way around the house, with everybody loving it. (I must also add, it's times like this that I'm thankful to have an open minded family.)
The pictures, as I have come to expect from Brian Froud, are gorgeous, and the writing... mysterious. The first time you read it, it won't make any sense, and you won't understand how it's supposed to help you see faeries - each time you read it, however, it becomes clearer. Things start making sense, and faeries you didn't even notice seem to pop out of the picture. As Froud has said - sometimes, the smallest face is the most important.
I can't wait to get another look at this book - I would recommend it to anyone with an open mind.
The pictures, as I have come to expect from Brian Froud, are gorgeous, and the writing... mysterious. The first time you read it, it won't make any sense, and you won't understand how it's supposed to help you see faeries - each time you read it, however, it becomes clearer. Things start making sense, and faeries you didn't even notice seem to pop out of the picture. As Froud has said - sometimes, the smallest face is the most important.
I can't wait to get another look at this book - I would recommend it to anyone with an open mind.
May 29, 2016
"How to See Faeries" is fine but simple book by famous fae (he is human of course but he is known for his depictions of the seelie and unseelie) artist Brian Froud and the works of John Matthews with the perspective of the Fae guiding us on how to see them as though they wrote the book and the duo happily lent his skills to them so average people can see into a world unlike what they are used to. Through the use of pop ups, pull tabs, cut outs, and several other mediums you are treated to the world of the Fae so if you enjoy books about the creatures of the wild ways or just a fan of Brian Froud's artwork like me then don't let the $24.99 price tag discourage you for this book is a gem to be shared with everyone interested in such things.
April 29, 2011
This book is fun for all ages. The front cover is a hologram image and like the book is fun to look at. These are one of those book with pull tabs and lift the flaps.
I would recommend you buy through online because these are the type of books that are fun to look at, at the stores but everyone looks at them so they have some wear and tear. If you buy through online it will probably be in good shape.
You really can go wrong with any kind of faerie book that has Froud art. If you are fan of faeries then you love the art already.
I would recommend you buy through online because these are the type of books that are fun to look at, at the stores but everyone looks at them so they have some wear and tear. If you buy through online it will probably be in good shape.
You really can go wrong with any kind of faerie book that has Froud art. If you are fan of faeries then you love the art already.
January 10, 2013
This is not a book, its a treasure :) to be hidden and found in the attic, long after u are gone :)
How much fun they must have had making this book. I want to make something like this, so beautiful! all those lil quirks! flaps pullouts and doors! :) :) I know I know, kids books are like that, its no big deal and all.. may be but I loved it! :P They've made it with love! I think thats the difference.
How much fun they must have had making this book. I want to make something like this, so beautiful! all those lil quirks! flaps pullouts and doors! :) :) I know I know, kids books are like that, its no big deal and all.. may be but I loved it! :P They've made it with love! I think thats the difference.
August 4, 2015
Brian Froud, illustrator, fills this beautiful book to the brim with exquisite drawings, foldouts, mirrors, pop-ups, etc. Writing about the magic of possibilities and imagination is John Matthews, best-selling author. This stunning book makes young and old wonder about hidden, unseen possibilities.
December 10, 2017
What a silly book. Even though is a book for kids it still a dumb book. I don't get the idea and I did not find the stable point of the "plot", but it should be noted that it is an entertaining book since it has interaction attached and the ilustrations are amazing too. If i could rate this with half star, i would. But that's just my opinion.
Not recommended.
Not recommended.
March 21, 2011
Kind of a creepy book. I thought it would give a little more insight to the world of faeries. Some of the pictures of faeries looked like ugly goblins and/or trolls. Maybe my concept of faeries is slightly off. Not real insightful.
May 30, 2012
Four stars for the art. The poetry (or whatever) got a little cheesy in places, but between the words and the pictures, you kind of believe you're experiencing the book. Like you're really walking through the woods into new and foreign places.
Want to Read
June 26, 2012I saw this at Barnes and Noble and looked through it a bit, I fell in love but alas! This is a tale of star-crossed lovers that shall not be requited...not until I get enough money to buy it. Until then I await the day I purchase this fine book.
August 1, 2012
beautiful pages & all the little 3-d pictures & mirrors & clues made it just wonderful...felt like I was 4...have no idea how to see faeries, but i am happy all over. I luv books like that. They just give u pleasure; it's not neccessary to actually 'learn' anything.
November 26, 2012
Very interesting and enjoyable ... It's not unlike a visual meditation in prose. I will most likely need to read this several times in an effort to get the most out of it. Also looking forward until my granddaughter is old enough that I can read it with her.
December 13, 2014
<3 :) beautiful book
December 8, 2012
Awesome!
April 1, 2013
A very interesting and intriguing book. It's more fun to look at the art than the actual story the book tries to tell.
September 20, 2013
Wasn't what I expected when I bought the book online, haha. It's more creepy then charming, but some of the artwork is pretty good.
May 22, 2020
Such a delightful book- fun and beautifully drawn. Great for anyone who believes in the Fae
April 24, 2014
Charming, whimsical, beautiful.
January 1, 2018
The illustrations were so beautiful!!! Not that I expected anything less from Mr Froud.
June 15, 2016
I believe!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews