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Reviews for
THE BERRY FAIRIES OF ALASKA . . .

"Venture ye now into the mysterious and magical realm of Faerie -- the World of the Berry Fairies of Alaska..." So begins the story of the Berry Fairies, a story that will be enjoyed by child and adult alike. With her classic whimsical style Alaskan artist Teresa Ascone illustrates the story she has written that tells of the berry fairy clans of Alaska; their habitat, language, relationships and fashions, as well as their industry and government. In beautiful detail we see the development of the baby fairies as they grow, and learn about the responsibility being a fairy brings with it. There is, in fact, a price for misuse or overuse of fairy magic, and the berry fairies are guided by the Sakre Ninyin, the Nine Sacred Principles that promote a useful and happy existence. Included is a map of the Isle of Aeradeet where the fairies go when they reach the age of retirement, and it is this map that I find most interesting and entertaining. It includes dormitories for visitors, a Library and Day Spa and a Dance Arena, and so I think I might have to find a way to get there myself, if only as I daydream in my hammock under the trees. With the charming images from the book in my mind I know it will be easy to find my way there.
Roberta Degenhardt, Alaska Women Speak Magazine Volume XVI, Issue 2

As author/illustrator Teresa Ascone notes in her new book, the stories of the Alaska berry fairies were inspired by a number of dreams in which she met (for the first time) her great grandmother, Alice Piper. Through these dreams, Alice related how she would relax alone on her porch, sipping tea and watching birds and insects. When she found an injured chickadee one day, she cared for it, nursing it back to health and then returning it to its forest home. Through this simple act of kindness, Alice was befriended by a fairy called Nettie, who confided secrets and stories of her realm. Writes Ascone, "I believe it was an act of faith to begin a friendship that would seal a pact between races: berry fairy and human. Alice accepted the wonder, mystery and magic of Nettie's tales, never doubting her--and I was the grateful dreamer who received the stories from her, to record as faithfully as I could."
In a fanciful format that marries lush illustration with enchanting text, Ascone details the lives of the Alaska Berry Fairies--from their appearance, fashions and dwellings to their relationships with animals and humans, and everyday activities. Featured is "Sehra Twinkle's Love Story", a tale of marriage, celebration and birth. There are also a glossary of fairy words and lists of facts about Alaska and Alaskan berries. This unique blend of fact and fiction, dreams and magic, is a beautifully illustrated and wonderfully engaging book for fairy lovers of all ages.
Dawn Brunke, Alaska Wellness Magazine, November/December 2008