I can't remember where or when I first came across Brian Froud's artwork. I think it was probably my husband introducing me to -The Dark Crystal - and later -Labyrinth- , which my son went through a stage of watching over and over again.

I was in a huge bookshop in London a couple of years ago (bliss) and I went looking for books with illustrations by Brian. The assistant I asked looked at me a little strangely (Oh, look I've got a right nutter here!) and directed me towards the humour section. I was upset. I wasn't looking for humour. I was looking for amazing fairies with an irridessant quality. I left with a copy of - Strange Stains and Mysterious Smells - which made me laugh - I have far too many of these in my slowly collapsing, nearly 300 year old home.

I found the best place to start if your looking for Brian's work is the internet. One of my most treasured possessions is a copy of Brian's beautiful - Fairy Oracle -. For the online version click here .