Words & Whimsy

Two of the things that Hannah and I loved most about the Fairyland series were the vocabulary and the illustrations! The vocabulary used is quite extensive, and it's great because it challenges the brain and adds to a reader's built-in knowledge. And the illustrations were lovely, capturing the mood and characters excellently. In honor of the things we loved about the Fairyland novels, we decided to pick out some of our favorite book illustrations and favorite words from fantasy novels.

The Lord of The Rings trilogy by J.R.R. Tolkien

The reason I remember this word? Because Gandalf uses it to open the way. But really, what could be better to learn than another word for "friend"? Because friends are very important indeed.

the Harry Potter series by J.K. Rowling

I've always been one of those people who is attracted to the light, so it's not surprising I'd pick this word from the series. I really love the way it sounds because it just rolls off the tongue!

the Inheritance Cycle by Christopher Paolini

Fire is such a fascinating element, so it's also not very surprising that I'd pick a word from this series that means that. Seriously though, the sound of this word definitely evokes the idea of fire.

As a bonus, my favorite word from the Fairyland series is a word we encounter early on in The Girl Who Circumnavigated Fairyland in a Ship of Her Own Making. A wyverary is a magical creature born of a wyvern and a library, and that certainly makes for a fascinating, fearsome, fact-spouting friend.

The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien

A few months ago, I visited a used bookstore with Rachel in New Jersey. While I was there, I got my hands on a library binding copy of The Hobbit! It was a delightful surprise to find that there were a few illustrations sprinkled throughout, and this one, of the Baggins home is my favorite!

The Chronicles of Narnia by C.S. Lewis

I had all seven books in the Chronicles of Narnia at home, and they were lovely ones with illustrations! This one, of Mr. Tumnus and Lucy, is one of my particular favorites because it just marked the start of an entirely new adventure for Lucy.

the Harry Potter series by J.K. Rowling

Honestly, there was no way I wouldn't be including this series on here! The Harry Potter series has some of my favorite chapter illustrations ever. I picked the one with the silver doe because just seeing it gives me feels. Lots and lots and lots of feels.

As a bonus, this is my favorite illustration from the Fairyland series. It's from a chapter in The Girl Who Fell Beneath Fairyland and Led the Revels There entitled "Let Me Live". The contrast between September and her shadow are very clear here, and I adore that they're similar but different. 

What are your favorite words from fantasy novels? 

What are your favorite illustrations from fantasy novels?