Fairies, Unicorns and Mermaids! The Story of Shirley Barber

Image from Rainbow Magic by Shirley Barber (2020 edition published by Brolly Books)

Shirley Barber's Fairies

In the magical tapestry of children's literature, one name that shines brightly is  Shirley Barber. An English-born author and illustrator, Shirley carved her unique path into the hearts of readers worldwide, bringing to life enchanting worlds where fairies dance, animals talk, and the wonders of imagination know no bounds.

 

Early Days of a Creative Spirit

Born on June 23, 1935, on the Channel Island of Guernsey, Shirley's childhood was steeped in artistic influences. Her mother and grandmother, local artists specialising in portraiture and floral studies, created an environment that fuelled Shirley's budding creativity. Despite lacking formal art training, her early experiences and exposure to the mesmerising world of art set the stage for her future masterpieces.

Shirley's journey into the realm of storytelling and illustration took an unconventional turn. While working at a London textile and wallpaper studio, she honed her design skills, crafting intricate patterns inspired by nature. Little did she know that these skills, born out of necessity, would become the brushstrokes of her enchanting illustrations.

Image from A Mermaid Princess by Shirley Barber (2019 Lenticular edition published by Brolly Books)

A Journey Across Continents

In 1965, Shirley's life took a transformative turn as she, along with her family, embarked on a journey to Australia. This migration marked a new chapter and a fresh canvas for Shirley to weave her tales. Settling in Melbourne, she joined Oxford University Press, Melbourne, contributing to her artistic repertoire.

Image of Shirley Barber (date unknown) retrieved from Goodreads 23/11/2023

Martha B. Rabbit and the Birth of Fairyland

The true magic began to unfold in 1988 when, at the age of 55, Shirley's whimsical world found its way to readers. The founder of Five Mile Press, David Horgan, saw the potential to enchant a global audience. Thus, "Martha B. Rabbit, the Fairies Cook," a tale rejected earlier, emerged as the first chapter of Shirley's prolific career.

Shirley's creations transport readers to enchanting woodlands, where fairies and nature coexist harmoniously. Her intricate illustrations, marked by botanical accuracy, depict a world where dreams take flight and possibilities are endless. The enduring success of her books, published in 18 languages and selling over 10 million copies, speaks to the timeless allure of fairy tales.

Image of A Fairies Cook: A Martha B Rabbit Story by Shirley Barber (2023 edition) published by Brolly Books

 

The Enduring Legacy

Shirley's work is not merely a collection of stories but a testament to the transformative power of storytelling in a child's life. Her books, are filled with fairies, unicorns, mermaids and are  characterised by their ability to foster creativity, resilience, and a sense of wonder. Many have become cherished possessions passed down through generations.

In the heart of Shirley Barber's tales, children find a sanctuary—a place to escape, dream, and believe in the extraordinary. A Visit to Fairyland will fuel any child's imagination. 

Her legacy extends beyond borders, touching the hearts of readers in the United States, Britain, Canada, South America, and Europe. Shirley's enchanted worlds have become a global phenomenon, creating bonds between generations and celebrating the timeless magic of childhood.

Edited: It is with a heavy heart that I write that Shirley Barber passed away peacefully on the 12th December 2023. She was 88 years old. She was an amazing talent and will be greatly missed. 

To explore Shirley Barber's Fairy books in more detail visit our Shirley Barber Collection. 

Image of from A Visit To Fairyland by Shirley Barber (2023 Lenticular edition published by Brolly Books) 

List of Shirley Barber Titles 1988- 2019

1. The Tale of Martha B. Rabbit and How She Became the Fairies' Cook Shirley Barber, Shirley Barber (illustrator), Victoria: Memory Press, 1988  
2. Rainbow Magic Shirley Barber, Shirley Barber (illustrator), Fitzroy: Five Mile Press, 1989 
3. Teddy's Midwinter Birthday Party Shirley Barber, Shirley Barber (illustrator), Noble Park: Five Mile Press, 1990  
4. The Moonlight Train Ride Shirley Barber, Shirley Barber (illustrator), Balwyn: Five Mile Press, 1990 
5. The Pixies' Kettle House Shirley Barber, Shirley Barber (illustrator), Noble Park: Five Mile Press, 1990 
6. Teddy's Forest Friends Shirley Barber, Shirley Barber (illustrator), 1990
7. Kite Trouble Shirley Barber, Shirley Barber (illustrator), Balwyn: Five Mile Press, 1990 
8. Those Wicked Rats Again Shirley Barber, Shirley Barber (illustrator), Balwyn: Five Mile Press, 1991 
9. Daphne the Forgetful Duck Shirley Barber, Shirley Barber (illustrator), Balwyn: Five Mile Press, 1991 
10. Martha B. Rabbit and the Unexpected Guests Shirley Barber, Shirley Barber (illustrator), Victoria: Five Mile Press, 1993
11. The Enchanted Woods Shirley Barber, Shirley Barber (illustrator), Victoria: Five Mile Press , 1993 
12. Shirley Barber's Fairy Book: An Anthology of Verse Shirley Barber, Shirley Barber (illustrator), Five Mile Press, 1995
13. The Tooth Fairy Shirley Barber, Shirley Barber (illustrator), Knoxfield: Five Mile Press, 1995 
14. The Mermaid Princess Shirley Barber, Shirley Barber (illustrator), Noble Park: Five Mile Press, 1995 
15. Tiger Tom and the Stolen Sapphires Shirley Barber, Shirley Barber (illustrator), Noble Park: Five Mile Press, 1996 
16. Shirley Barber's Fairy Books: Four Beautiful Board Books Shirley Barber, Shirley Barber (illustrator), Noble Park: Five Mile Press, 1996 
17. The Fairies' Party Shirley Barber, Shirley Barber (illustrator), Noble Park: Five Mile Press, 1996
18. Book of Verse Shirley Barber, Shirley Barber (illustrator), Noble Park: Five Mile Press, [1996] 
19. A Visit to Fairyland Shirley Barber, Shirley Barber (illustrator), Victoria: Five Mile Press, 1997 
20. Shirley Barber's Bedtime Stories: Fairytales for Young Children Shirley Barber, Noble Park: Five Mile Press, 1997
21. Shirley Barber's Count With Me Shirley Barber, Shirley Barber (illustrator), Noble Park: Five Mile Press, 1998 
22. The Seventh Unicorn Shirley Barber, Shirley Barber (illustrator), Noble Park: Five Mile Press, 1998
23. Shirley Barber's Fairy Magic Picture Book Shirley Barber, Shirley Barber (illustrator), Rowville: Five Mile Press, [2005] 
24. The Fairies' Cook: A Martha B. Rabbit Story, Shirley Barber (illustrator), Malvern: Brolly Books, 2014 
25. Shirley Barber's Fairy Classics Library: Volume II Shirley Barber, Shirley Barber (illustrator), Scoresby: Five Mile Press, 2011 
26. Shirley Barber's Spellbound: A Fairytale Romance; Shirley Barber's Spellbound: A Fairytale Romance Shirley Barber, Malvern: Brolly Books, 2016 
27. Those Wicked Rats! Shirley Barber, Sydney: Brolly Books, 2016 
28. A Royal Adventure Shirley Barber, Melbourne: Brolly Books, 2017 
29. A Fairyland Treasury Shirley Barber, Armadale: Borghesi & Adam Publishers , 2019