The Windfairies

Mary De Morgan’s The Windfairies is a children’s, fantasy, shorts work first published in 1900. At its center are curiosity, growth, imagination, friendship, and the testing of values, developed through the conventions and freedoms of children’s, fantasy, shorts. Rather than depending on topical novelty, the book builds its interest through the interaction of character, situation, and idea. The book’s distinctive character comes from a clear, lively style designed to make wonder and danger immediately accessible. At roughly 45,234 words with a fairly easy reading profile, it offers a reading commitment that is easy to judge before beginning while still leaving room for close attention. Its continuing value lies in its place in the development of literature written for younger readers. Its strongest appeal lies in the meeting of curiosity and clear, lively style designed to make wonder and danger immediately accessible, giving the book both immediate character and lasting interest.