Instructions

Share Neil Gaiman's beautifully illustrated Instructions with creative, artful graduates and other travelers of all ages.

"A perfect reminder to always be on the lookout for magic and wonder. Sometimes, we need those two things the most."*

In this breathtaking jacketed picture book, Neil Gaiman's lyrical poem guides a novice traveler through the enchanted woods of a fairy tale—through lush gardens, a formidable castle, and over a perilous river—to find the way home again.

Illustrated in full color by Charles Vess, Instructions features lush images of mythical creatures, magical landscapes, and canny princesses. Its message of the value of courage, wit, and wisdom makes it a perfect gift.

* Brightly, citing "Books That Teach Kids What It Means to Be a Kind Person"

Trust Dreams.
Trust your heart,
and trust your story.

A renowned storyteller whose words have transported readers to magical realms and an acclaimed illustrator of lushly imagined fairy-tale landscapes guide a traveler safely through lands unknown and yet strangely familiar . . .

. . . and home again.

“A magical, incantatory poem. It could be instructions for a child, a writer, a newly minted adult or an elder. It strikes immediately at the place where stories live and provides a feast of archetypes. ” - Kirkus Reviews

“ Young readers should relish the chimerical vision while older Gaiman fans should grasp the underlying suggestion that the compass used to navigate fairy tales can also guide us in the real world” - Publishers Weekly

“Like a more impish version of Dr. Seuss’s ‘Oh, the Places You’ll Go!” Gaiman’s book offers riddling advice that could be for young or old.” - New York Times Book Review

“Vess’s compositions are distinguished by elegant, winding lines—gnarled vines, plumes of smoke, dragon tails—and intimate frames that evoke moments of gentle wisdom. Young readers should relish the chimerical vision while older Gaiman fans should grasp the underlying suggestion that the compass used to navigate fairy tales can also guide us in the real world.” - Publishers Weekly

“Although the text clearly stands on its own as thought-provoking poetry, it is only enhanced by Vess’s mystical, creative, and heartwarming illustrations that simultaneously strike a chord of wonder and familiarity. This book is the total package and highly recommended for audiences of all ages.” - Voice of Youth Advocates (VOYA) (starred review)

“One of those pure gems of verse. I have no doubt that if you follow the instructions —if only in a dream— you will have a closer understanding of wonder, and a deeper appreciation for both its simple nature and the inexplicable vastness which is can encompass. Adding art to such a perfect little poem was a chancy thing—unless your choice of artist happened to be Charles Vess. Vess’s sense of design, his linework and color washes, are exquisite. Instructions would make a terrific introduction to the world of fairy tales for young readers. Highly recommended.” - Charles de Lint —Magazine of Fantasy and Science Fiction

Praise for Blueberry Girl “Fans of Gaiman and Vess will pounce on this creation; so too will readers who seek for their daughters affirmation that sidesteps traditional spiritual conventions.” - Publishers Weekly

“A rich and beautiful prayer for a girl. …There is nothing cute or cloying here, just beauty, balance and joy.” - Kirkus Reviews

“An enchanting lullaby poem.…brought to life by magical paintings.” - Bookseller

“It is astonishingly lovely.” - Cookie Magazine