No, it's not a national emergency. Nor is it an extra-terrestrial invasion. But it is sweeping the country! What appears to have begun on several small islands off the coast of Maine, is now heading South and West. It begins with a few select pieces of nature, thoughtfully placed together in unique and creative ways to attract small, mysterious visitors. These are the creative habitats made especially for visiting fairies, they are Fairy Houses!

These small structures are made from materials at hand - bark, twigs, stones, pinecones, shells, feathers, etc.. Respect for nature and wildlife is an essential ingredient to be successful in attracting these sprightly visitors. The only guidelines are to refrain from using artificial materials.

Reaching across generations
This is mainstream creative fun that crosses generations, with Mom, Pop, Gram and Grandpa rolling up their sleeves and getting down to the addictive task of building alluring dwellings for these very important guests.

Just for the privileged few? No way! What began on small coastal islands, is now happening in local woods, school playgrounds, gardens, city parks, flower boxes, beaches, meadows, and even in back yards!

Why are fairies so alluring? Children have been attracted to them for generations. Perhaps it is their apparent childlike innocence, combined with a touch of magic. Or are they symbolic of the wonderment when we connect with Nature? Just mention fairies to any generation, and you will evoke a smile and quite possibly a special childhood story.

A "family activity" sensation
It seems you are never too old to build a fairy house! It has an ageless appeal that sparks the imaginations of children, parents and grandparents who bond through this leisurely shared activity. A young child's house can be a simple structure with a path leading up to an entrance, while older children create more details such as bridges, moats, sleeping lofts and eating areas. It is delightful, old fashion fun that gets you outside, away from the TV, enjoying the intimate sights and sounds that nature offers.

A "quiet time" wonder
Subtle, yet lifelong values are an integral part of fairy house building. Its great fun, stimulating, and promotes respect for wildlife and the environment. It encourages children to pause, wind down a little, observe, and allow their imaginations to soar - while raising their awareness of nature's daily wonders.

A wave of creative activity sweeping the country
An example of the creative inspiration that blossoms from building these wonderful habitats, is with author/illustrator, Tracy Kane. Kane is getting lots of attention with her "Top 10" Children's BookSense pick, FAIRY HOUSES, and the multi award-winning video KRISTEN'S FAIRY HOUSE. Both children's products explore the world of fairy house building. These highly regarded products are helping to stimulate the wave of fairy houses building that started in New England, and is now sweeping across the country.

Their charming web site www.fairyhouses.com shows many close-up photos of children, parents and grandparents joining in the cross-generation fun. When Kane gives her book readings, followed by a house building demonstration, it's all systems go! Kids, parents and grandparents all participate in a truly hands-on experience. "I want children to enjoy nature's beauty and help protect it for future generations. Building fairy houses is a perfect opportunity to enjoy the imaginative mystery and lure of fairies, while subtly conveying these important values," she says.

Kane is kept very busy with fairy house building events and book signings at libraries, schools, horticultural societies, gardening clubs, gift and book stores. With these commitments - as well as her next book release FAIRY BOAT, due out late Spring - she is stretched for time but delighted to be a part of this positive children's movement. Since September 11th, uplifting experiences like building fairy houses, reinforce family bonds and helps keep a balance to the see-saw of life.

New England Roots
Vacationing several years ago on Monhegan Island off the coast of Maine, Kane stumbled across these small, unpretentious structures sprinkled throughout the woods. Apparently, visiting children and adults had been building fairy houses for decades. She saw a young girl checking her house to see if the fairies had come to visit. The child's excitement was contagious, and Kane started building one herself. "It was a combination of ingredients an artist finds irresistible - creativity, nature and a pinch of magic," she recalls. By the time her first house was finished, the story about a girl who builds fairy houses was just beginning.

In her book, a young girl, Kristen, awakens to see the fairies "who live in the spirit of all the plants and animals in the woods". In this moment of magic the fairies show themselves as a way of thanking Kristen for her care and respect for nature. Did she really see the fairies, or were they butterflies after all? What a splendid and imaginative way for children to get in tune with the environment. FAIRY HOUSES concludes with a section on how to get started with your own house, in all seasons, and many different environments - including your own backyard!

Whimsical Gardens
As a perfect complement to gardening, fairy houses tucked here and there in secret niches bring a sense of wonderment as they beckon you to enter. The garden becomes a place of whimsical enchantment. When space is a premium, these little dwellings spring up in plant containers, window boxes and up against the front door steps, welcoming guests upon arrival. But be prepared, visiting children and friends will want to add a house or two, and soon you may find yourself the proud owner of a fairy village!

Endless Possibilities - schools, parties …….
Building these natural habitats is stimulating and lots of fun, and they are springing up everywhere. Teachers are finding that constructing them during recess has become a popular school activity, especially for grades 1 through 3. And have you ever thought of a fairy house building event for a child's birthday party? It's sure to add a pinch of magic to a special day!

There is a marvelous added bonus - getting kids outside, away from TV's and computer games!

Watch out! This wave of creative activity may find its way
into your own back yard, soon!

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FAIRY HOUSES is the first book and second product in the Fairy Houses Series, written and illustrated by Tracy Kane. Her second book FAIRY BOAT, was released Spring, 2002. Her third book FAIRY FLIGHT, is due out in late Spring, 2003.
For more information visit the Fairy Houses web site at www.fairyhouses.com or call
Light-Beams Publishing at 800-397-7641
or email Mark Forman [email protected]

FAIRY BOAT
ISBN 0-9708104-7-4, $15.95, 40 pages, hardcover
FAIRY HOUSES
ISBN 0-9708104-5-8, $15.95, 40 pages, hardcover
KRISTEN'S FAIRY HOUSE
ISBN 0-9708104-1-5, $19.95, 40 mins., VHS

Available in children's book, toy and gifts stores, and through distributors Baker & Taylor, Koen Book Distributing, Inc., Book Wholesalers, Inc., Brodart Co., Follett Media Distribution, Follett Library Resources, Library Video Co., Midwest Tape, Tapeworm.

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High resolution images available upon request.

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For additional use, or clarification of use, contact:
Light-Beams Publishing
10 Toon Lane Lee, NH 03824
Tel: 603.659.1300 Fax: 603.659.3399
[email protected]