While wandering through Rebellion Books in Bedford, Pennsylvania I spotted this fantastic print called Fairytale Wood. All the little animals enjoying themselves and living peacefully won my heart. There’s even a black cat.

The colors and details make this image seem simultaneously realistic and magical.

It didn’t seem to be for sale. Sigh. It feels like everything I actually want to buy these days is not for sale.

Turns out, Mary Brett (1902-1990) was an English artist whose illustrations have been known to generations of children. She had little formal training but completed a correspondence course before she began a career illustrating and writing children’s books.

Here’s another look at the painting.

Isn’t it enchanting?