Summary:
In “The Girl Who Circumnavigated Fairyland in a Ship of Her Own Making,” twelve-year-old September embarks on a magical adventure to Fairyland, where she encounters talking animals, witches, and a quest to save the land. Along the way, she learns valuable lessons about friendship, bravery, and the power of imagination.

A Whirlwind Journey to Fairyland

September, a young girl from Omaha, Nebraska, finds herself whisked away to Fairyland by the Green Wind, a peculiar creature with a leopard’s body and a gentleman’s face. In Fairyland, September meets a host of fantastical characters, including a Wyverary (part wyvern, part library), a blue-skinned Marid, and a boy named Saturday who has been imprisoned by the evil Marquess. Together, they embark on a quest to retrieve a magical spoon and save Fairyland from the Marquess’s tyrannical rule.

Lessons in Friendship and Bravery

Throughout her journey, September learns the importance of friendship and bravery. She befriends A-Through-L, a Wyverary who becomes her loyal companion, and Saturday, who helps her navigate the treacherous challenges they face. September also encounters the mysterious and enigmatic Red Wind, who teaches her about the power of stories and the importance of facing one’s fears. Through her interactions with these characters, September discovers her own inner strength and courage.

Imagination and the Power of Stories

One of the central themes in the book is the power of imagination and storytelling. September learns that stories have the ability to shape reality and create new worlds. She encounters a library made entirely of books that have not yet been written, and she discovers that her own actions and choices can influence the outcome of the story. Through her adventures in Fairyland, September realizes the transformative power of imagination and the importance of using it wisely.

• Friendship and bravery are essential qualities for overcoming challenges.
• Imagination and storytelling have the power to shape reality.
• One’s actions and choices can influence the outcome of a story.

“Stories have a way of changing faces. They are unruly things, undisciplined, given to delinquency and the throwing of erasers. This is why we must close them up into thick, solid books, so they cannot get out and cause trouble.” – Catherynne M. Valente

In “The Girl Who Circumnavigated Fairyland in a Ship of Her Own Making,” readers are taken on a whimsical journey through a magical land filled with talking animals, mythical creatures, and enchanting landscapes. Through September’s adventures, the book explores themes of friendship, bravery, and the power of imagination. It reminds us that even in the face of adversity, we have the ability to shape our own destinies and create a better world through storytelling and the choices we make. So, hop aboard September’s ship and set sail for Fairyland – a place where dreams come true and anything is possible.