Illustrations by Cicely Mary Barker
I've been looking for an alternative to the slutty princess market that's been trying for years to foist itself on my six-year-old daughter. These beautiful, botanically-correct flower fairies by Cicely Mary Barker (1895 - 1973), an English illustrator, satisfy us both.
Larry Schweiger of the National Wildlife Federation wrote in this editorial, "Our children are disconnecting with nature . . . By the time they are seven years old, most youngsters have been exposed to more than 20,000 advertisements. They can identify 200 corporate logos, but they cannot identify the trees growing in their front yards."
We're working on rectifying that, and Barker's books of illustrations are a very pleasant way to begin.
beautiful illustrations!!! the blackberry fairy makes me nostalgic for my own childhood.
Posted by: Diana | Tuesday, January 22, 2008 at 06:31 AM
The blackberry fairy reminds me of Ariana.
Posted by: Martina | Tuesday, January 22, 2008 at 06:34 AM
i don't think her legs are fat enough...
Posted by: Diana | Tuesday, January 22, 2008 at 06:49 AM
You live in an enchanted area.
I'm sure that if you looked hard enough you would find a flower fairie or two.
Posted by: Celeste | Tuesday, January 22, 2008 at 07:21 AM
Beautiful. We'll have to check this out.
Posted by: Pete | Tuesday, January 22, 2008 at 08:33 AM
Sorry, just to be clear, that comment was not from BC Pete.
Posted by: The Other Pete | Tuesday, January 22, 2008 at 08:34 AM
Aaaaah... I remember those pictures! I must find that book for my children! :o)
Posted by: Chris | Tuesday, January 22, 2008 at 09:00 AM
I soooo hear you on the whole slutty princess thing! I love your alternative choice...sweet and innocent. Nothing sweet and innocent about Barbie or the 'Brats' dolls. Would it be rude to request people not to purchase these for my children? I can deal with Barbie but I think the 'Brats' dolls have taken it to the next level.
Posted by: Angela K | Wednesday, January 23, 2008 at 07:36 AM
Check out The Estate of Cicely Mary Barkers website www.flowerfairies.com.
Posted by: Mark Veenman | Wednesday, January 23, 2008 at 09:16 AM
Angela; In regards to asking people not to give Brats..my daughter received an invite once to a neighbourhood friend's party. Written at the bottem of the invite "No Brats please". I was happy to oblige. Ironically I purcased this little girl a fairy (made by Manhattan toys?) at Scholars Choice!
Posted by: janice Veenman | Wednesday, January 23, 2008 at 12:26 PM