Spiderwick Chronicles: The Completely Fantastical Edition Hardcover – 1 Oct. 2009

Having recently purchased '1001 children's books you must read before you grow up', I realised that there is a lot of fantastic children's literature out there that I never got round to reading when I was a child, even though I was an avid reader then, as I am now. So, having loved the lemony Snicket series of unfortunate events ( so good I read them twice, and I'm not joking!)I thought the Spiderwick Chronicles would reflect the same type of attention grabbing storylines and characters, and I wasn't disappointed! I couldn't put it down! For three days straight I read this book, and the stories are brilliant, not too short, and the fantastic creatures that Simon, Jared and their older sister Mallory encounter will enthrall both children and adults. It's excellent value for money, but it doesn't include beyond the Spiderwick chronicles. That said, however, this has been one of the most entertaining books I've read in a while, and I'm a Jo Nesbo fan! Also, the illustrations are beautiful, and this edition includes lost chapters and a whole host of bonus material. Utterly brilliant, and every bit deserving of its five stars!

The book arrived in such good condition . I loved this book as a kid and got a christmas for my wee girl . Def recommend.

My 7-year-old daughter saw the movie at a friend's house, so I suggested we read the book. You can buy these books individually at huge expense, so this volume is perfect - all the chronicles in one place, for a reasonable price.Anyway, the story is perfect for reading aloud. It is exciting without being too scary, the characters are compelling, and the drawings help with imagining all the mythical creatures in the world of faerie. We both really enjoyed the book, and still refer to it regularly. I definitely recommend it as a bedtime story for older children who might already be reading on their own - studies show you should keep reading to them anyway, and this is a terrific place to start as there is so much to talk about. Boys and girls would be equally interested.

Very nicely presented book which arrived in perfect condition and a timely fashion.It is a great read for adolescents and adults also.

Bought for the illustrations.

Great story, great characters. My one caveat is that you'll want to read it yourself to kids under the age of 10/12 as there's some swearing and you may want to re-word some of the references to the main characters' parents' divorce - depending how idyllic a world your kids live in.

Having used this as a theme in my teaching job, it was very useful in bringing out the artistic and fantastical side of children's learning. The imagination of the writer amazed me and the children were really drawn into the writers world. Definitely worth putting in the family library.

It's a amazing book, all 5 of the first series in one book! saves getting any lost etc and saves space!I gave it 5 stars coz it's really an amazing bookI have only currently read the first one and halfway through the second!but I can't put it down!I highly recommend not for very young readers though as some parts are quite gruesome It's more aimed at 10 years and up but I'm an 24 and It isn't too childish for me!